OFFICE GYNECOLOGY

Most office gynecology visits fall into one of two types. The first is a preventive visit — often called a well-woman exam, annual exam, or wellness exam (these terms are used interchangeably). It focuses on keeping you healthy and catching issues early, and typically includes a review of your health history, checks like blood pressure and weight, a breast and pelvic exam, and — depending on your age — a Pap smear, plus contraceptive counseling and STI screening when appropriate. It's also a good time to discuss birth control, hormones, or general concerns. The second type is a problem visit, which is focused on diagnosing and treating a specific issue. If you're not sure which one you need, call or text us at 903-957-0275 and we'll help you schedule the right visit.

First, try not to worry — an abnormal Pap rarely means cancer. It usually reflects HPV or early cell changes, many of which clear on their own. What comes next depends on your result: mild changes may just need a repeat Pap or HPV test, while more significant changes are usually checked with a colposcopy — a close-up look at the cervix, with a small biopsy if needed. If treatment is ever necessary, options like a LEEP or cone biopsy can remove the abnormal cells. We'll walk you through your specific results, recommend the right next step, and stay with you through follow-up. Call or text 903-957-0275 with any questions.

Yes. If you don't have any symptoms, STI screening and a conversation about the HPV vaccine can be part of a routine well-woman visit — both handled confidentially and without judgment. If you are having symptoms, though — such as unusual discharge, pain, itching, burning, or sores — we'll want to see you for a problem visit first to properly diagnose and treat the infection. Any active infection needs to be cleared before a screening Pap smear is done, so treatment comes first and screening follows. As for the HPV vaccine, we're glad to talk through whether it makes sense for you (it's routine through age 26 and still benefits some adults ages 27–45). Call or text us at 903-957-0275 with any questions.

Yes, our providers offer infertility evaluation as well as contraceptive management to help you find the right option for your goals.

Beyond routine and advanced lab evaluations, food sensitivity testing, and bone density scans for osteoporosis screening, we also offer advanced genetic testing. This includes screening for genes linked to cancer risk and cardiovascular disease, as well as pharmacogenomic testing, which looks at how your body processes certain medications so we can help choose the most effective option with the fewest side effects. We also offer Galleri testing, a multi-cancer early detection blood test, and Cologuard, an at-home screening test for colorectal cancer.

A problem visit is scheduled to address a specific symptom or concern — such as pelvic pain, abnormal or heavy bleeding, a possible infection, vaginal discomfort, or a new lump. Unlike a wellness exam, which is preventive, a problem visit focuses on diagnosing and treating what's going on, and may include a targeted exam, testing, and a treatment plan. Sometimes a concern that comes up during a wellness exam needs its own separate problem visit, since insurance coverage and appointment time usually don't allow for both in one appointment. If you're unsure which type of visit you need, just call or text us at 903-957-0275 and we'll point you in the right direction.

Most gynecologic care happens right in the office, including Pap smears and colposcopy, endometrial biopsy, IUD and implant placement and removal, a small in-office hysteroscopy that does not require general anesthesia, and bone density and lab testing. Procedures that require anesthesia — such as endometrial ablation, D&C, and cone or LEEP biopsy — are done in outpatient surgery. We will tell you which applies to you before anything is scheduled.