Gynecology FAQ

Are the hormones I'm taking going to give me breast cancer?
When should I bring my young daughter in for her first exam?
What if Medicare will only pay for a Pap smear every three years?
Why do I need a Pap smear if I have had a hysterectomy?
What can I do if I'm not on birth control and need emergency contraception?

Are the hormones I’m taking going to give me breast cancer?
Although we still endorse hormone replacement therapy, we recognize that this issue is complex. Many women have questions about whether to use or continue using hormone therapy (HT) after the recent halting of the Women's Health Initiative study on combined estrogen and progestin use in healthy postmenopausal women.

All of our providers review the latest studies and attend conferences on the subject in order to give you the best information available. If you are thinking about beginning hormone replacement therapy, or have been taking it and have concerns, please schedule an appointment and our providers will be happy to discuss the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy in great detail.

When should I bring my young daughter in for her first exam?
We recommend that young women undergo their first gynecologic exam at age 12 or when they become sexually active or have questions about contraception or STDs. We welcome referrals from pediatricians who feel their patients have special needs requiring our services. Dr. Stein has a special interest in adolescent gynecology.

What if Medicare will only pay for a Pap smear every three years?
If Medicare will only pay for a Pap smear every three years, we encourage you to schedule annual appointments anyway. A typical annual exam consists of much more than a Pap smear. When you come in for your annual exam, we will do a pelvic exam, breast exam, and screening for various types of cancer. If you’re over age 40, we will also perform a screening for colon cancer. Depending on age, we may also evaluate the need for mammography and bone density studies. Options for contraception, hormone therapy, and any other questions or concerns you may have are discussed.

Why do I need a Pap smear if I have had a hysterectomy?
Annual physical exams are still an important part of health maintenance. Besides breast and pelvic exams, we still do a vaginal smear because similar changes can occur in these tissues, especially if you’ve ever had an abnormal Pap smear in the past.

What can I do if I’m not on birth control and need emergency contraception?
Pregnancy can be prevented after intercourse by taking Emergency Contraceptive pills (EC), more commonly known as "morning after" pills. This method of contraception works by giving the body a short, high, burst of synthetic hormones which act to disrupt the hormone patterns needed for pregnancy.

You must use EC within 72 hours (3 days) of intercourse. It is most effective within the first 24 hours. EC reduces the risk of pregnancy by 75%, but does not protect against reproductive tract infections, including HIV/AIDS.

If you are a current patient of our practice, and suspect that you may need emergency contraception, please contact our office on the first available business day. We’ll schedule an appointment to conduct a brief evaluation, which is required for us to give you a prescription.

If you’re not a current patient of our practice or if 72 hours will pass between suspected impregnation and when you can visit our office (such as over a holiday weekend), we suggest obtaining a prescription from an urgent care center.

If it has been more than 72 hours since suspected impregnation, schedule an appointment to speak with one of our physicians about further options and possible pregnancy evaluation.

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