In-office Procedures

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IN-OFFICE PROCEDURES AT OUR WOMEN’S MEDICAL CARE CENTER

At North Valley Women’s Care, we offer in-office procedures right in our women’s medical clinic to create a more convenient care experience for our patients, as well as with the added benefit to save time and money overall. We strive to be the best gynecologist in Phoenix and we want you to feel comfortable at our women’s health center, expecting the best care for your every need.

We know that some procedures are uncomfortable and that is why we try to do as many within our practice as we can. Such procedures include:

• Placing an Intrauterine Device, also known as an IUD; a popular and effective birth control option.
• There is also an option to have birth control inserted into the upper arm to release a hormone to prevent pregnancy.
• Your North Valley Women’s Care OB GYN MD can also perform necessary biopsies in-office in the event of an abnormal pap smear or other test

Complete and intricate testing is always performed at our women’s health care center to ensure your best care with the best treatment plan created just for you.

Procedures Done at Our Women’s Medical Clinic and What You Can Expect

The IUD Birth Control Option:

This birth control method makes it easy for women to prevent pregnancy without the hassle of having to remember to take an oral contraceptive at a certain time every day. This method is convenient and makes your busy lifestyle easier. It is important to discuss all benefits and risks with your OBGYN to ensure this is a good birth control option for you.

The IUD Insertion Procedure:

You will get into a position as though you were seeing the OBGYN for your routine pelvic exam. The GYN physician will cleanse the vagina and will gently open the vaginal walls to gain clear entry of inserting the IUD device into the uterus through the cervix. This procedure is usually very short and simple.

What you may experience:

• After the procedure is complete, some women feel cramping similar to menstrual cramps. Some patients experience dizziness or feel faint after the procedure and are recommended to be accompanied by someone who can drive them home.
• It is common for most patients to feel well enough to continue on with their typical daily routine, though some may need to rest if they experience discomfort and/or cramping.
• Some women may also have spotting after the insertion that could last up to 3-6 months. This is normal.

The IUD can be effective at preventing pregnancy between 3 to 10 years, though the device can be removed by your OBGYN at any time through a similar, simple and quick procedure.

A full health assessment will be completed by your OBGYN to assure that this procedure and birth control option is right for you.

Contraceptive Implant:

This birth control method is another long-term option for preventing pregnancy without a daily regimen. This method differs from the IUD insertion as it is implanted into the upper arm opposed to the vagina.

Contraceptive Arm Implant Procedure:

This contraception device is a small, slender matchstick-sized bendable plastic tube that is inserted just under the skin in the upper arm. 

You will be instructed by the OBGYN to lie on your back with your arm at a 90-degree angle with your hand by your head. After a local anesthetic is injected to numb the area, the device will be inserted in between the tricep and the bicep on the inside of your arm.

The procedure is quick and usually painless.

After the insertion your OBGYN may also apply a pressure bandage to minimize any bruising, which can typically be removed within 24 hours and replaced with a fresh bandage. It is best to keep the area covered for three to five days for proper healing.

What you may experience:

It is common to have bruising, pain, scarring or bleeding where the contraceptive was implanted.

Though, if you experience any of the following, inform your OB GYN MD of your symptoms:

• If you think the insertion site is infected with redness, swelling, tenderness with discharge
• If you notice any yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes are tinged yellow, this may be a sign of jaundice
• Pain and swelling in your calf that may be a sign of a blood clot
• Vaginal bleeding that is long lasting and heavy
• Lumps in your breast
• Symptoms that are similar to pregnancy

The contraceptive arm implant is effective for up to three years then must be replaced to retain pregnancy prevention.

Your GYN Physician will consult with you on your current health and any risks that may arise with this method of birth control to make sure that this is right for you.

Biopsy Procedures Performed at Our Women’s Medical Clinic

Endometrial Biopsy

Your gynecologist may recommend an endometrial biopsy if you are experiencing abnormal menstrual bleeding, bleeding while in menopause, or if you are having amenorrhea, the absence of your period.

An endometrial biopsy is an out-patient procedure that will be done in-office at our women’s medical clinic. The purpose of this biopsy is to take a small tissue sample from the lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium. The sample will be sent to the lab analyze for any abnormal cells.

Things that are checked for:

• Changes in the cells due to hormone levels
• Infections of the uterus, like endometritis
• Abnormal tissue such as fibroids or polyps
• Endometrial cancer

What you can expect during the procedure:

Similar to getting a Pap smear test, you will be lying down with your feet in stirrups. The GYN Physician will numb the area of the cervix, then will insert a thin long tube to collect tissue samples from the uterus. You may feel discomfort similar to menstrual cramps during this procedure.

After the procedure:

You may experience some light bleeding or spotting for a few days after the procedure. It is advised not to use tampons, douche or to have sex for 2-3 days afterwards.

Over the counter pain relievers may be used for any discomfort.

Colposcopy and Cervical Biopsy

A colposcopy is when your gynecologist uses a magnifying lens and light to thoroughly examine the tissues of the cervix and vaginal walls. The reason your gynecologist may recommend this procedure is if there were areas of concern from a Pap smear test or a pelvic exam, such as abnormal blood vessels or tissue structure, unusual color, or if abnormal cells were present in the Pap smear.

If there is abnormal tissue seen in the colposcopy, the gynecologist may take a tissue sample at this time for further examination.

What may be identified or diagnosed with a colposcopy:

• Non-cancerous growths, known as polyps
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• DES exposure, a synthetic form of estrogen given to pregnant women between 1940 and 1971, which raises the risk of cancer in the reproductive system

What to expect during the colposcopy procedure:

Similar to a pelvic exam, you will lie on the exam table with your feet in stirrups as one of our female OBGYNs uses the colposcope device to inspect the tissue in the vagina. This is a small microscope with a light at the end.

A vinegar-type solution may be applied to the cervix to create a reaction with any abnormal cells, this may cause a mild burning sensation.

If abnormal tissue is present the OBGYN will take a tissue sample for further analysis, this is known as a cervical biopsy.

Cervical Biopsy

There are three different types of the cervical biopsy that your OBGYN may perform according to what is found in the colposcopy.

• A Punch Biopsy uses a circular blade, similar to a paper hole punch, to remove a tissue sample from the cervix.
• A Cone Biopsy describes the type of incision that is made in the cervix. Using a scalpel, a cone-shaped tissue sample is removed from the cervix.
• The OB GYN MD at North Valley Women’s Care use a Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure, known as LEEP, to complete the tissue removal.
• An Endocervical Curettage is a method to gather a sample of tissue from the endocervical canal. The instrument, the curettage, gently scrapes the lining of the area.

What you can expect during a cervical biopsy procedure:

This procedure may produce symptoms of cramping and bleeding, with discomfort while the OBGYN performs the tissue sampling.

The LEEP procedure usually requires either general or regional anesthesia.

To prevent or to stop bleeding a topical paste may be applied to the incision area, the area may be cauterized, or stitches may be used to help the healing process.

After the cervical biopsy procedure:

You may experience bleeding, or a dark discharge caused by the topical medicine to control bleeding. Wearing sanitary pad is permitted though using a tampon should not be used to allow for proper healing. Also, avoid douching to allow the incision to heal and avoid intercourse for up to one week to prevent infection.

An over-the-counter pain reliever can be used to ease any discomfort.

Vulvar Biopsy:

The vulva is the outside area of the female genitals. During your routine women’s health screening, your OBGYN will inspect the vulva for any abnormalities, such as lesions, infections, irritations, etc. The OBGYN may also use the colposcope to take a closer look at the area of you are expressing concerns or discomfort, or if the GYN Physician sees reason to explore more.

If abnormal areas are present, a vulvar biopsy will be performed, which removes a sample of the skin to be tested.

Your OBGYN will test this sample to see if it is cancerous as well.

What to expect:

The GYN Physician will use a local anesthetic to numb the area and then will use a scalpel to remove a small piece of skin. Depending on the size of the skim removed, the OBGYN may have to use stitches to close the incision point.

After the procedure:

The vulva area will be sore as it heals. It is imperative to keep this area as clean and dry as possible. If urination is painful, use a protective barrier, such as Vaseline or Aquaphor to ease discomfort.

Convenience, Care and Compassion from Our Women to Women OBGYNs

We understand that these procedures can be uncomfortable and unpleasant. You can trust, that with our expertise, precision and conscientious care you are in good hands.

Call North Valley Women’s Care today to discuss any concerns or questions you have about these procedures. We are happy to discuss these with you further.

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We are your local providers of the highest quality obstetrics and gynecology, and we want to hear from you. If you have questions about our care and services, or to schedule an appointment, call us today!