Gynecology is health care for women.  It protects your sexual and reproductive health. Routine gynecological care:

• prevents illness and discomfort
• allows for early detection of cancers of the breast and cervix-when they are more curable
• detects sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other conditions before they cause serious damage
• prevents sterility
• can make pregnancy and childbirth easier

Staying healthy is important. Whether you're young or old, married or single, sexually active or not, or whether you're lesbian, straight, bisexual - good gynecological care is the key to staying healthy.

• a history of sexual health problems
• a sexually-related illness
• a mother or sister who developed breast cancer before menopause
• a history of abnormal Pap test results
• a breast lump
• or if you plan to become pregnant

• unusual vaginal or pelvic pain
• abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
• severe pelvic or lower abdominal pain
• pain, swelling, or tenderness of the vulva or vagina
• sores, lumps, or itching of the vulva or vagina
• growths or thickening of the breast or armpit
• puckering, dimpling, or other changes in the skin of the breast
• newly retracted nipples or bleeding or discharge from the nipple
• changes in size or shape of the breast
• increased pain or discomfort before your period

Many women worry about having a GYN exam - especially if it's the first time. You will be more comfortable if you know what to expect.

• talking about your personal, family, sexual, and medical history
• laboratory tests and screening for STIs and other conditions (at your own or your clinician's request)
• counseling
• a pelvic exam
• a breast exam