STATISTICS SHOW THAT WOMEN IN THE BRONX ARE AT AN INCREASED RISK OF GETTING CERVICAL CANCER WHEN COMPARED WITH THE REST OF NYC. MORTALITY RATES ARE ALSO HIGHER.

Protect yourself from cervical cancer and sexually transmitted diseases through regular gynecologist appointments.

Gynecologists diagnose and treat conditions and diseases of the female reproductive system, while OB-GYNs also specialize in pregnancy.

These physicians offer routine screenings for STDs, including HIV and HPV, and contraception counseling to women of reproductive age. In addition, women over 40 should talk to their gynecologist about breast cancer screenings.

Here is a little more information on the services offered by gynecologists

Cervical cancer screenings

Regular pap screenings prevent cervical cancer by detecting precancerous cells and starting highly effective treatment.

Bronx women are 23% more likely than the average woman in New York State to be diagnosed with cervical cancer.

Women in the Bronx are 47% more likely to die from cervical cancer than the average woman in New York State.

Minority groups continue to be disproportionally affected. Latino women are the most at-risk group.

It is recommended that you get screened at least every three years if you have not been vaccinated against HPV.

HPV immunizations

Some patients are eligible for immunizations against the HPV virus.

HPV vaccines such as Gardasil® protect against 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts.

The vaccine is delivered in two or three doses around 6 months apart.

The full benefit occurs if the patient receives both doses before infection.

Even if you have been vaccinated, it is still recommended that you continue to be screened, albeit far less regularly.

Breast cancer screenings

You should get to know the shape of your breasts, including how they feel and change over your menstrual cycle, to know what's normal for you.

If you notice any lumps, abnormalities in size or shape, puckering of the skin, etc., book an appointment and request a breast cancer screening.

Talk to your gynecologist if there is history of breast cancer in your family, as they may recommend regular precautionary screenings.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that women over 50 with an average risk of breast cancer should be screened every 2 years. You should discuss with your gynecologist or other health care provider whether to begin screening earlier.

Contraception counseling

If you are sexually active and aren’t planning to have a child, there are many methods of contraception for you to choose from. Deciding which is best for you can be daunting. A good gynecologist can help inform you of how each option works and their general effectiveness, and talk you through your options to help you decide which method best suits your body and your lifestyle.

Here is a list of your options.

Condoms

Contraceptive implant

Contraceptive injection

Contraceptive patch

IUS (intrauterine system or hormonal coil)

IUD (intrauterine device or coil)

Female condoms

Diaphragms (or caps)

The pill (combined or progesterone only)

Natural family planning (fertility awareness)

Vaginal ring

Book your Gynecologist Appointment now and discuss any of the following with the doctor.

Adolescent gynecology and counseling

Bone density testing

Breast cancer screening

Contraception counseling and procedures

Diagnostic ultrasound

Immunizations (including Gardasil®)

Menopause management

Osteoporosis screening, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment

Ovarian cancer screening

Premenstrual syndrome management

Pap smears and cervical cancer screening

Routine and yearly examinations

STD (sexually transmitted disease) screening

HERE AT PARKCHESTER MEDICAL

We provide a full range of gynecological services to suit your needs at every stage of life. As well as providing routine screenings for STDs, and breast and cervical cancers, we also handle menopause management and test for other diseases for which women are particularly prone to in later life, such as osteoporosis.

Whether you’re in need of contraceptive counseling, about to start a family, or considering hormone treatment to manage your menopause, whatever your needs, our board-certified obstetricians are here to help you make informed decisions about your treatment with a compassionate and patient-centered approach.