We believe that disease prevention is of paramount importance. A routine health maintenance physical is recommended yearly. During this visit screening exams and tests will be done to detect problems early. These will be determined by your age, medical history, and family medical history. We have the ability to do most screening testing all under one roof including digital mammography, bone density testing and lab work.
Screening for female cancers and precancerous conditions has proven to be very successful in most cases. The advent of the Pap smear with more recent addition of HPV (human papilloma virus) testing has decreased cervical cancer deaths significantly. Mammography has decreased death from breast cancer significantly as well. With proper planning these tests can be performed at the same time as your annual health maintenance visit.
Developed in the 1940's by Dr. Papanicolau, this simple test has given doctors the ability to detect and treat cervical disease in the precancerous state when it does not threaten the life of the patient. The traditional PAP has been improved using liquid based techniques. Carteret Ob/Gyn utilizes liquid based PAP testing. More recently we have learned that cervical cancer is almost always caused by a common virus HPV (human papilloma virus), and tests have been developed to test for the presence of high risk strains of this virus. We also routinely utilize this additional testing when appropriate.
Screening for sexually transmitted disease is recommended for women depending on their history, age, and risk factors. Testing for all STDs is available at Carteret Ob/Gyn in a safe and confidential setting.
Carteret Ob/Gyn offers a complete range of contraceptive options for women. Your provider is able to counsel you regarding your options and guide you to the right choice for you. Options include oral contraceptive pills, the depoprovera shot, Nuvaring ™, Intrauterine devices such as Paraguard ™ and Mirena ™, barrier methods, patches, and female sterilization. We have the ability to do hysteroscopic sterilizations using the Essure ™ system. Additional contraceptive options may include ways in which you can safely control the timing of your menstrual cycle.
Routine breast cancer screening is strongly recommended. Self breast exam is free and will give you a baseline on which to compare future exams. Mammography is recommended every 1-2 years starting at age 40. It is recommended every year starting at age 50. Digital mammography has proven to be more effective than conventional film mammography for women between ages 40-50, premenopausal women, and women with dense breast tissue. Carteret Ob/Gyn is committed to providing the best care possible, and we have upgraded our mammography equipment to digital. We were the first in Carteret County to offer this service. For more information about getting your mammogram click here
Bone loss is a significant problem in the US. It can result in fractures of the back, hip, and wrist that can be very debilitating. Fortunately there are medicines that can help retard bone loss, and even improve the density of bone. Testing is available at Carteret Ob/Gyn to determine your bone density and need for intervention. To learn more about bone density testing click here.
Adolescents have specific healthcare needs. The providers will counsel adolescents regarding high risk behaviors such as drug use, sexually transmitted diseases, and unprotected intercourse. The new vaccine against cervical cancer, Gardasil ™, is available in our office. It is recommended for girls 11-13 years old, and encouraged for girls and young women between the ages of 9-26. Contraceptive counseling and management will be available for appropriate patients. Counseling about menstrual irregularities, pelvic pain, and health screening will also be available. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends that a girl's first visit to the gynecologist occur between the ages of 13 and 15 whether or not she is sexually active.
The new vaccine against cervical cancer, Gardasil ™, is available in our office. It is recommended for girls 11-13 years old, and encouraged for girls and young women between the ages of 9-26. It is a three shot vaccine which provides immunity to four strains of HPV (human papilloma virus), the two that cause 70% of all cervical cancers, and the two that cause 90% of genital warts. To learn more click Gardasil™.
3511 John Platt Drive
Morehead City, NC 28557
252-247-4297