Annual Exam
Garrison Women's Health Center in Dover, NH offers quality gynecologic care for women by women.
A Caring Experience
Your routine annual exam will include a conversation with your Garrison gynecologist. She looks forward to the opportunity to get to know you better.
She will review your health history and ask questions about your health based on what part of the life cycle you are in. A physical exam will be performed which will include a breast, pap and pelvic exam.
Additional on site testing is available when necessary including Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) screening, mammogram, bone density testing, ultrasound and laboratory services.
We understand that there is often anxiety related to the gynecologic exam whether it is your first exam or your thirty-first exam. Our caring staff and providers are here to help make your experience as comfortable as possible.
What is a Pap Exam?
The annual pap test collects cell samples from the cervix and the vagina which are then checked for signs of cancer. The first pap test should be performed within 3 years after the onset of sexual activity or at age 21, whichever comes first.
Screening for gonorrhea and Chlamydia is recommended for women 15 years and younger and is performed in the same way at the same time as the Pap test.
What is HPV Screening?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cancer. Approximately 80% of women will be exposed to the HPV virus through sexual contact at some point in their life, although most will not progress to cancer.
Most people who become infected with HPV do not even know they have it.
Screening for HPV can be performed from the pap sample. This test is offered after the age of 30 and, if negative, is offered every 3 years thereafter.
When your pap or HPV test is abnormal
You may be worried if your pap or HPV screen returns abnormal. The good news is that when caught early the majority of problems can be either monitored or treated right here in the office.
Depending on the results, a simple procedure called Colposcopy may be recommended.
What is a Colposcopy?
A colposcopy is a simple test that allows your doctor to better visualize the cervix. It uses special stains and an instrument that allows us to magnify the cervix.
During a colposcopy, a biopsy may be performed which may cause minor cramping.
