COMPREHENSIVE WOMEN’S HEALTHCARE

ANNUAL WELL WOMAN EXAM

Our once yearly visit screens for a variety of cancers including breast, ovarian, uterine, cervical and colon, and identify women who may be at a higher risk. It is also an opportunity to review health maintenance, discuss medications, and answer any questions you may have about your body and how it has been feeling over the past year. We also will listen to your heart and lungs, assess your neck, lymph nodes, and do an abdominal exam along with a pelvic exam. A Pap smear is a cervical cancer screening that is done during a pelvic exam, if needed. Your provider will take a small brush that sweeps across the cervix, located at the top of your vagina, collecting a small sample of cervical cells. These cells are sent off to the lab to be analyzed for cancer or precancerous changes, and our office will contact you with results and any next steps. You will also have a breast exam done by your provider annually prior to your mammogram. If you are premenopausal, we will discuss contraception options, hormones, and if you are postmenopausal, we will discuss symptoms and safe treatment options.

ONE STOP SHOP

We try to make Manatee Gynecology a one-stop-shop to meet all of your needs at one convenient location! You can also get a facial while you wait, or get those pesky unwanted hairs zapped right next door at our aesthetics spa. The day of your annual visit to the gynecology no longer needs to be dreadful! You can get a little happiness to reward yourself for taking care of your body. We commend you for staying healthy!

Contraception

Deciding what birth control is right for you can be intimidating. Our providers review the many options available and help you decide which one best suits your body and your goals. We offer prescriptions and placement of whatever you may choose, as well. We also offer permanent sterilization via surgical options.

We offer every kind of contraception out there with safety and your preferences as our number one priorities! Our Nurse Practitioners will be happy to assist you in making the choice that is right for you.

Fertility

A woman should consider fertility testing if she has been actively trying to get pregnant for 6 months to 1 year. Fertility testing helps identify the cause of infertility so that we can develop a treatment plan to give the woman her best chance at conceiving. We will perform a thorough history and physical exam, and come up with testing and a treatment plan that best suits your needs. This may include lab work, imaging, procedures, or medications.

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Abnormal uterine bleeding is a broad term that encompasses any bleeding coming from the uterus that is mistimed, too heavy or too light, prolonged, stopped, or changed. Here at Manatee Gynecology, we want to get to the root of the problem and treat the underlying cause. A third of women will experience abnormal uterine bleeding at some point in their lifetime, with most irregularities occurring at menarche and perimenopause.

Pelvic Pain Syndromes

Pelvic pain syndromes are severe enough to affect daily functioning and are unrelated to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or trauma. The pelvis is described as below the belly button and between the hips. Chronic pelvic pain affects nearly 20% of women ages 18-50, and can be caused by a number of different conditions. Such as Endometriosis, Pelvic Floor Hypertonicity, Interstitial Cystitis, IBS, Pelvic Congestion Syndrome, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Psychological Factors, and more. If you're unsure what may be the cause of your pelvic pain, please talk to your provider.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue from the lining of your womb (uterus) grows outside your uterus. These deposits of tissue respond to your menstrual cycle, just as your uterine lining does — thickening, breaking down and bleeding each month as your hormone levels rise and fall. Because it's happening outside your uterus, the blood and tissue can't exit your body through your vagina. Instead, they remain in your abdomen, where they may lead to painful cysts and fibrous bands of scar tissue (adhesions). Endometriosis can only be officially diagnosed by laparoscopic surgery. Talk to your provider about Endometriosis to find out what can be done to identify Endometriosis or to treat a previously diagnosed Endometriosis.

Vaginal Infections / STI’s

Vaginitis, or vaginal infections can cause a woman a lot of stress and discomfort! Vaginal infections may be due to yeast or bacteria. We provide a wide array of testing to properly identify and treat your common, or not-so-common vaginal infections.

Screening for sexually transmitted infections (or STIs) can be done quickly in the office with either a vaginal swab or urine sample and blood tests can be ordered.

Urinary Tract Infections

A urinary tract infection is an infection in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. UTI's typically require antibiotics for treatment. We also diagnose and treat UTI's typically on the same day or next day that you call the office. We also perform complete work ups for recurrent UTIs as well! Here at Manatee Gynecology, we like to focus on prevention of UTIs and can help identify ways to prevent UTIs.

Bladder Complaints / Prolapse

Bladder problems may be common, but they are not normal! Common bladder complaints that we hear are overactive bladder, stress incontinence, urge incontinence, urinary frequency, cloudy urine, blood in urine, weak stream, trouble starting urination or stopping urination, incomplete emptying, etc. We perform complete assessments of the bladder from physical exam to cystoscopy (looking inside the bladder with a camera). We also assess, diagnose, and treat bladder, rectal, and uterine prolapse. This occurs when the muscles and ligaments that support a woman's pelvic organs weaken, and the organs drop, creating a bulge in the vagina. This problem can manifest itself as pressure, pain, discomfort, incontinence, or constipation. Our surgeons provide surgical repair for many kinds of prolapse.

Vulvodynia

Vulvodynia is chronic pain or discomfort anywhere on the vulva that lasts more than 3 months without an identifiable cause. In some cases, vulvodynia may affect activities of daily life, such as sitting, standing, exercise, intercourse, etc. Treatment modalities differ with every patient, and there is no cookie-cutter approach to treatment. Talk with your provider if you're experiencing pain or discomfort on your vulva.

Vaginal Dryness

During menopause, the walls of the vaginal become thinner and do not produce as much lubrication which can cause dryness, painful intercourse, irritation, and itching. Vaginal dryness may also occur with different medications. At Manatee Gynecology, we offer an array of treatments for vaginal dryness, including nonhormonal and hormonal creams, inserts, vaginal rings, and suppositories, and we also use Mona Lisa Touch Laser.

Painful Intercourse

Painful intercourse, also known as dyspareunia, is defined as pain that occurs during or after intercourse. This can be caused by a variety of different things, such as dryness, trauma, psychosocial causes, hormone changes, musculoskeletal problems, etc. If you're experiencing painful intercourse, please let your provider know! We can help. Painful intercourse, also known as dyspareunia, is defined as pain that occurs during or after intercourse. This can be caused by a variety of different things, such as dryness, trauma, psychosocial causes, hormone changes, musculoskeletal problems, etc. If you're experiencing painful intercourse, please let your provider know!

You don't have to suffer! There can be multiple reasons for painful intercourse involving both the skin and muscles.

Pelvic Floor Hypertonicity

A hypertonic pelvic floor occurs when the muscles in the pelvic floor become too tense and are unable to relax. Many people with this experience pelvic health concerns such as constipation, painful intercourse, urinary frequency, and pelvic pain. A hypertonic pelvic floor may also be accompanied by tension in surrounding hip and pelvic muscles such as the piriformis, obturator internus, coccygeus, and hamstrings. Our providers are trained in identifying hypertonicity and will direct you in proper treatment.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Here at Manatee Gynecology, we offer pelvic floor physical therapy. Our Nurse Practitioners are highly trained in the pelvic floor and are here to help you with low or high-tone problems such as urinary symptoms, constipation, painful intercourse, etc.

Constipation

Constipation is infrequent bowel movements or difficult passage of stools that persists for several weeks or longer, typically defined as less than 3 BMs per week. The main cause of constipation is not eating enough fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and cereals. A change in your routine of eating habits or ignoring the urge to pass stools can also lead to constipation. You could also have Dyssynergic Defecation which occurs when the pelvic floor muscles are unable to coordinate with the surrounding muscles and nerves to produce a normal bowel movement.We get into the details of why your anal sphincter isn't working the way it should. Don't be too shy to talk about your bowel movements. We are here to help you and offer you more than just a laxative. We offer testing and treatment to identify the cause and get you the help you need.

Breast COmplaints

Breast exams are always done at your annual exam as well as whenever you have a breast complaint. If you notice a breast lump, skin changes, nipple discharge, or breast pain, a thorough breast exam by a Medical Provider is appropriate. Breast problems can cause mental anguish. At Manatee Gynecology, we offer the convenience of breast imaging within the same building, and we can usually schedule mammograms and breast ultrasounds the same day as your appointment if we know in advance. This eliminates the worry that comes with waiting for a mammogram.

Your once yearly visit to screen for cancers, review health maintenance, discuss medications and answer questions can conveniently be coupled with your mammogram appointment, all in our state-of-the-art women’s facility on the same day. It is our goal to simplify the process for your wellbeing and increase conveniences for working women, mothers and grandmothers so you can continue to take care of your families or spend time with your friends. We understand you may be concerned and encourage you not to worry, we've got your back...and your front!

Bone Health

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that develops when the structure and strength of bone changes. This can lead to a decrease in bone strength that increases the risk of fractures. The body constantly absorbs and replaces bone tissue. With osteoporosis, new bone creation doesn't keep up with old bone removal. Many people have no symptoms until they have a bone fracture. Treatment includes diet, muscle building exercises, and medications to help prevent bone loss or strengthen already weak bones. We care about you and your bones! We offer DEXA Scans (a bone imaging test) right here in our building. Osteoporosis screening usually begins at menopause.

Weight Management

Weight management refers to behaviors, techniques, and physiological processes that contribute to a person's ability to attain and maintain a healthy weight. Most weight management techniques encompass long-term lifestyle strategies that promote healthy eating and daily physical activity. If you're struggling to lose weight, talk to your provider about what may be the cause, and what they can do to help!