Gynecology Care in Palm Beach, FL

Gynecology Care

If you live in the Palm Beach area and are in need of a women’s health specialist or an OBGYN, schedule an appointment with us today. Our experienced staff will be more than happy to help you with issues related to high-risk pregnancies, infertility, and pregnancy care in general.

Contraception

Today, women have more choices than ever before when it comes to birth control. Dr. Adler and Dr. Smith at Comprehensive OB-GYN of the Palm Beaches offers a broad array of contraception options for women in the surrounding Palm Beach & Wellington area, helping every patient select just the right type of birth control for their needs and lifestyles.

Comprehensive OB-GYN offers the following types of birth control:

• Oral contraceptives which are taken daily and are 92% – 99.7 % effective in preventing pregnancy
• Mirena® IUD, an estrogen-free device that delivers estrogen directly to the uterus to achieve a higher than 99% effective rate
• ParaGard® hormone-free IUD, a copper-tipped IUD that lasts for up to 10 years
• NEXPLANON®, an arm implant that can remain in place for up to three years, delivering a steady stream of estrogen to prevent pregnancy more than 99% of the time
• Essure® sterilization, a minimally-invasive procedure that implants tiny coils inside the fallopian tubes to prevent the eggs descending to the uterus, resulting in a permanent type of contraception
• Birth control shots, sometimes called Depo-Provera® or DMPA, which deliver hormones directly to the bloodstream and last for about three months
• Diaphragms (used with spermicides) that fit securely over the cervix (the uterine opening) to prevent sperm from entering the uterus so fertilization cannot occur

How can I tell what type of contraception is right for me?

The array of birth control options available today means women can select a method based on their specific needs, lifestyles, and other personal and medical factors. The best way to decide which is the best option is to schedule an office visit to discuss all the available options.

How is an IUD inserted?

IUDs are inserted right in the office in a simple procedure that takes about 10 to 15 minutes to perform. A lubricated speculum is used to gently widen the vaginal canal and the IUD device is inserted through the cervical opening. The IUD has a long “tail” that hangs down into the vaginal canal. Before having sex, feeling for this tail will confirm the IUD is still properly in place. IUDs can be left in place for five to 10 years, but they may be removed earlier if needed.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

What is hormone replacement therapy?

Also called HRT, hormone replacement therapy uses artificial hormones to replace the hormones that are lost during the natural aging process. While most people associate hormones with sexual functions, they actually play a significant role in many processes and functions. When levels of natural hormones decline, HRT can replace those hormones with synthetic hormones created in a lab. HRT is commonly used among women who are in menopause or perimenopause, the period of time before periods stop completely. HRT agents are available in different forms, including topical gels, pills, and implants. The type of agent used will depend on different factors and can be discussed during a visit at our office in Palm Beach. We perform hormone replacement therapy at our clinic in Palm Beach regularly and are patients are very satisfied after the procedure is done.

What are bioidentical hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are synthetic hormones that are created to have the same chemical structure as natural hormones. In the past, artificial hormones with altered structures were associated with an increase in harmful side effects, largely because the body could not eliminate them efficiently. Because bioidentical hormones have the same structure as naturally produced hormones, the body “recognizes” them as natural hormones and processes and eliminates them more efficiently for a decreased risk of side effects.

What conditions can be treated with HRT?

HRT is used to treat an array of issues associated with a decline in the production of specific hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. HRT is often used to treat issues of infertility or to treat chronic conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, the most common use is in the treatment of the symptoms associated with menopause and perimenopause, including:

• Hot flashes & night sweats
• Sleep disturbances
• Painful intercourse
• Psychological & genito-urinary problems
• Abnormal hair growth
• Urinary frequency & vaginal dryness

Is HRT safe?

Yes, professional use of HRT has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for menopause and many other issues. When HRT is used on a long-term basis, routine monitoring can help ensure dosing remains on target with the patient’s needs, reducing the potential risk for side effects while helping women enjoy optimal health at any age. Request an appointment at our clinic in Palm Beach and schedule a consultation with Dr. David Adler, Dr. Aliese Smith or his staff.

Abnormal Pap Test

What is a pap test?

A Pap test uses a small sample of cells from the surface of the cervix, the opening of the uterus, to assess a woman’s risk of cervical cancer. The test uses a long cotton swab to remove cells so they can be examined under a microscope. Pap tests at Comprehensive OBGYN of the Palm Beaches are performed during a routine pelvic exam and are painless. Most women should have a Pap test performed every three years, beginning at age 21. Women with a risk of cervical cancer may need to be screened more often.

What does an abnormal pap test mean?

Although a Pap test is used to look for signs that can indicate the presence of cervical cancer, abnormal test results can occur for other reasons as well, including infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a yeast infection, hormonal fluctuations and other issues. HPV is one of the most common causes of abnormal Pap test results. Many types of HPV infections can be completely cured or they resolve on their own without intervention. Other HPV infections may result in genital warts.

How can the doctor determine the cause of abnormal test results?

When a Pap test is abnormal, a second Pap test may be performed or the second type of evaluation called a colposcopy may be administered. Dr. Adler and Dr. Smith from Comprehensive OBGYN of the Palm Beaches perform colposcopy in much the same way as a Pap test, but a special magnifying instrument called a colposcope is used to gain a better view of the abnormal areas of the vaginal canal and cervix.

What does a colposcopy entail?

Instead of using a cotton swab to gather cells for evaluation, a larger sample of tissue (a biopsy) may be obtained for further examination under a microscope. A special solution will be applied to the area to highlight the abnormal areas and make them easier to see. Colposcopies can be performed in about 20 minutes in the office. If a biopsy is taken, there may be some mild spotting for a few days afterward while the area heals.

STD Testing

More than a million people contract sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) around the world every day. Many sexually transmitted diseases can threaten your health, wellness, reproduction, and even your life if untreated. STD testing with Dr. Adler and Dr. Smith at Comprehensive OB-GYN of the Palm Beaches is the best way to get early diagnosis and treatment before an STD results in complications. Book your appointment by calling the office today.

All women need STD testing if they suspect an infection, but some also need scheduled STD testing. For example, every woman needs an HIV test at least once between the ages of 13-64. Sexually active women under 25 need annual gonorrhea and chlamydia tests, and may need to continue those yearly tests after 25 if they have multiple or new partners. Pregnant women need syphilis, hepatitis B, and HIV tests at least once during pregnancy.

Your annual gynecologist exam is often the ideal time to schedule STD testing. However, if you regularly have unprotected sex, particularly with multiple partners, or have other risk factors, your provider may recommend more frequent STD testing.

What is a sexually transmitted disease?

A sexually transmitted disease or STD is an infection acquired mainly through oral, vaginal, or anal sexual contact. There are more than 30 different forms of infection passed through sexual contact. The most common STDs are:

• Syphilis
• Gonorrhea
• Chlamydia
• Trichomoniasis
• Hepatitis B
• Genital herpes
• HIV
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Certain STDs also pass through blood contact, including syphilis and hepatitis B. Other STDs, including HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, syphilis, and HPV, may be transferred during pregnancy and birth.

What are the symptoms of an STD?

Many STDs don’t have obvious symptoms, especially in the earlier stages but as the disease progresses, you could experience some of the following issues:

• Vaginal pain
• Itchy genitals
• Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
• Pain during sex
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Fever
• Bumps, warts, or other new genital area growths

If you have any STD symptoms, or if you have sexual contact with a partner who tests positive for an STD, schedule an STD test as soon as possible.

How does STD testing work?

STD testing is a simple process – depending on which infections you need a test for, your provider obtains a small blood or urine sample, vaginal swab, throat swab, cervical tissue sample (during a Pap smear), or rectum swab.

STD testing is generally a completely painless process that takes only a few minutes and after your provider takes your sample, they send it to a laboratory for analysis. As soon as your results are ready, they contact you with results. If you test positive, your provider tailors an STD treatment plan for the infection to get you healthy again. Many STDs are treatable with antibiotics or antiviral medication, so there’s no reason to delay testing and treatment.

For STD testing from a private and professional provider who specializes in women’s unique health needs, call Comprehensive OB-GYN of the Palm Beaches today.

Menopause Treatment

Menopause is the cessation of a woman’s menstrual cycle, and it’s defined as 12 consecutive months of not having a period. The time leading up to menopause is called perimenopause or premenopause. Menopause occurs as a result of the natural decline of estrogen and progesterone that usually begins around age 40. Perimenopause can last for years until the menstrual cycle stops for good, usually in a woman’s late 40s or 50s.

What symptoms are associated with perimenopause?

Perimenopause symptoms can vary significantly from one woman to another. Some women experience very few or very mild symptoms and others have symptoms that are so severe, they can interfere with daily functioning. Symptoms can also vary over time as hormone levels continue to fluctuate and decline. Some of the most common symptoms of perimenopause include:

• Irregular periods or abnormal bleeding, including spotting between periods and very heavy bleeding (a condition called menorrhagia)
• Insomnia
• Mood changes and irritability
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
• Loss of interest in sex
• Difficulty concentrating
• Symptoms or urinary incontinence
• Thinning hair or hair growth on the face

Also, to be noted, once menopause has occurred women may be prone to issues like osteoporosis (“brittle” bones), heart disease, and other chronic health issues.

What treatments are available for women in and near menopause?

Although there is no “cure” for menopause, the symptoms of menopause and perimenopause can be managed so women can lead more comfortable lives and reduce their risks of serious medical issues. Menopause treatments at our clinic in Palm Beach typically includes hormone replacement therapy using bioidentical hormones that have the same chemical structure as the hormones naturally produced by the body. Some symptoms like insomnia or vaginal dryness may be treated with other products designed specifically for those issues. Our team at Comprehensive OBGYN of the Palm Beaches begins every treatment with a careful assessment of the symptoms and a thorough exam to ensure menopause is the cause of those symptoms and to rule out other possible causes.