DiscovHER Health

January 17, 2024

Empowering Cervical Cancer Screening | DiscovHER Health | Complex GYN and Sexual Health Specialist serving Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Virtual and In-person appointments available!
All, Pelvic Pain

Why did my pap smear hurt?

For many women, the thought of a traditional Pap smear, especially if experiencing pelvic pain or conditions like Vulvodynia, can be daunting. At DiscovHER Health, we recognize the importance of cervical cancer screenings while understanding the discomfort it might cause for some. Learn more about a more gentle pap smear in Alexandria, Virginia. Blind Pap Test: A Comfortable Approach The pap smear should not hurt. Our clinic offers empowering alternatives to traditional Pap smears for women experiencing pelvic pain. One such method is the Blind Pap Test, a technique that obtains a sample without visual inspection of the cervix. This is approach minimizes discomfort, is a more gentle pap smear and empowers women who may not tolerate a speculum during screenings. Pain should not prevent you from getting necessary cervical cancer screening. Prioritizing Your Comfort: Topical Anesthetic and Breathing Techniques Additionally, our providers prioritize your comfort by offering topical anesthetic in some cases to manage any discomfort during the procedure. We understand the significance of creating a comfortable and supportive environment during these screenings. Empowerment through Active Consent During the exam, our providers emphasize diaphragmatic breathing techniques to help ease any discomfort and enhance relaxation. Our team is trained to prioritize your comfort and actively encourages active consent throughout the procedure. Remember, you are in control and have the right to stop the exam at any time you feel uncomfortable. Understanding Test Results – Gentle Pap Smear Cervical Cancer Screening in Alexandria and Virginia It’s important to note that while the Blind Pap Test demonstrates an ability to obtain adequate samples, there might be variations in the components reported compared to traditional Pap tests. A study demonstrated that fewer cells from the internal cervix are obtained during blind pap. However, your comfort and empowerment during the screening process are our primary goals. Comprehensive Care at DiscovHER Health At DiscovHER Health, our commitment is to provide comprehensive care that respects your needs and comfort, ensuring that crucial cervical cancer screenings are accessible and as comfortable as possible for all women. Taking Control of Your Health – Empowering Cervical Cancer Screening in Alexandria and Virginia Don’t let discomfort prevent you from prioritizing your health. Reach out to us at DiscovHER Health in Alexandria, Virginia, to learn more about empowering alternatives to traditional Pap smears tailored to your comfort and well-being. About Us Jenna Perkins is a board certified Women’s Health and Gender Related Nurse Practitioner with extensive knowledge and experience in Urogynecology, Pelvic Pain, Sexual Health, and complex Gynecology. She is founder of DiscovHER Health, Northern Virginia’s premier destination for women’s healthcare and expertly curated products. DiscovHER Health Offers cutting edge treatments Pelvic Health + Wellness Skincare | Face + Body Body Toning + Tightening Weight Loss Program Where are we located? We are located in Alexandria, Virginia and serve patients from all over the Mid-Atlantic including Washington DC, Alexandria, Baltimore, and Chevy Chase Related Topics

Menopause Hormone Test | DiscovHER Health | Complex GYN and Sexual Health Specialist serving Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Virtual and In-person appointments available!
All, Hormones, Menopause

Understanding Menopause, Hormone Tests, and Personalized Treatment in Alexandria and Virginia

Understanding Menopause Symptoms Are you experiencing menopause symptoms like severe hot flashes, weight gain, or insomnia? Wondering if hormone testing is the solution for better relief? Hormone tests for menopause can be an expensive barrier to care. At DiscovHER Health in Alexandria, Virginia, we understand the complexities of menopause and the quest for effective treatment, offering Personalized Treatment for better understanding of menopause in Alexandria and all of Virginia. Insights from NAMS on Hormone Tests for Menopause The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) recently released a comprehensive 2022 position statement regarding Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT). According to their findings, while hormone therapy can be highly effective in alleviating bothersome symptoms, there’s no specific recommendation for routine hormone testing. TR’s Hormone Therapy Journey Take the case of TR, a 51-year-old experiencing severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) for a year now. Initially finding relief with a .05 mg estradiol patch and 100 mg micronized progesterone, TR noticed her hot flashes returning.  Seeking a solution, she asked our nurse practitioner to check her hormones for potential dosing adjustments. Importance of Individualized Dosing NAMS’ latest statement emphasizes that dosing adjustments for MHT should primarily focus on individual symptom resolution, not solely based on lab results. Our approach at DiscovHER Health aligns with this, aiming for personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique symptoms and needs, providing Personalized Treatment in Alexandria and Virginia. The Challenge of “Normal Range” It is important to understand that the hormone therapy doses typically prescribed often cause blood concentration levels to fall within the “normal range”. Though labs may be normal, individual variations in responses highlight the importance of individualized dosing for symptom relief. For TR, increasing her estradiol patch to .075 mg or  was effective as reported at her follow up visit. Progesterone and Uterine Protection It’s essential to note that the 100 mg progesterone orally serves as uterine protection for varying estrogen doses and thus did not require immediate adjustment. The client and provider also opted to not send for expensive lab testing.  DiscovHER Health’s Personalized Treatment in Alexandria and Virginia At DiscovHER Health, our focus remains on personalized care, tailored to your symptoms and preferences. If you’re experiencing menopause symptoms like TR and are seeking relief, our team is here to discuss personalized treatment options that prioritize your well-being and symptom relief. Don’t let expensive hormone tests be a barrier to quality care and understanding menopause. Embarking on Personalized Menopause Relief – Understanding Menopause Experience relief from menopausal symptoms tailored to your needs at DiscovHER Health in Alexandria, Virginia. Contact us to schedule a consultation and begin your journey toward understanding menopause and personalized relief today. About Us Jenna Perkins is a board certified Women’s Health and Gender Related Nurse Practitioner with extensive knowledge and experience in Urogynecology, Pelvic Pain, Sexual Health, and complex Gynecology. She is founder of DiscovHER Health, Northern Virginia’s premier destination for women’s healthcare and expertly curated products. DiscovHER Health Offers cutting edge treatments Pelvic Health + Wellness Skincare | Face + Body Body Toning + Tightening Weight Loss Program Where are we located? We are located in Alexandria, Virginia and serve patients from all over the Mid-Atlantic including Washington DC, Alexandria, Baltimore, and Chevy Chase Related Topics

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