Women’s Health Specialist

What is women’s health care?

Regardless of whether you identify as a woman, having female reproductive organs (a vagina, uterus, etc.) means your body requires special care. 

Dr. Richey and her team provide comprehensive women’s health services for a broad spectrum of patients, including:

• Annual well-woman exams
• Pap tests and colposcopies
• Birth control counseling
• Menopause counseling
• Pregnancy care
• In-office ultrasounds
• Sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing and treatment
• In-office surgeries like loop electrosurgical excision procedures (LEEP)
• Urinary tract infection (UTI) treatment

Dr. Richey and her team welcome patients at all stages of life, from pre-teens preparing for their first period to mature women in their golden years.

What is a well-woman exam?

A well-woman exam, also known as an annual exam or gynecologic visit, is an important part of  preventive health care for women. Depending on your age and medical history, these exams may involve screening tests for certain conditions, such as cervical cancer or osteoporosis. 

Well-woman exams are also a great opportunity for you to ask Dr. Richey any questions you have or address concerns about your sexual and reproductive health, such as irregular periods or pain during sex. 

If you have questions about birth control, Dr. Richey spends time discussing your options so you can choose the best method for you. 

What happens in a well-woman exam?

What happens at your well-woman visit depends on your age and risk factors for medical conditions. Starting at age 21, your visit includes a pelvic exam and Pap test. 

During a Pap test, you lay on your back and prop your feet up. Dr. Richey inserts a speculum into your vagina and quickly swabs your cervix to collect a sample of cells. She sends the sample to a lab for testing. 

If your Pap test results are abnormal, she may ask you to come back for a colposcopy. This test involves visually examining your cervix through a magnifying instrument. Dr. Richey may take a tissue sample (biopsy) if she finds precancerous-looking cells.

As you grow older, Dr. Richey helps you transition through menopause and establish a plan for good post-menopause health. 

Even if you no longer get your period, it’s important to stay on top of your women’s health care. Many conditions, such as heart disease, become more common after menopause.

For patient-centered care at every phase of life, call Donna Richey, MD, or book an appointment online today