8 Common In-Office OBGYN Procedures at Our Raleigh Practice
At Associates in Women’s Healthcare, we’re proud to be able to offer the latest OBGYN procedures in our office that enable you to receive state-of-the-art care while, at the same time, being convenient and efficient. By performing these OBGYN procedures in our office instead of the hospital, you save time and money!
We’ll take a look at some of our most common OBGYN procedures, why they’re performed, and why, as your gynecologists in Raleigh, our scope of experience is a perfect match to fit your needs.
Our Most Common In-Office OB-GYN Procedures
3D Mammography
What makes a 3D mammogram different from a traditional 2D mammogram?
3D mammograms provide more detailed, accurate images, detecting cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage. 3D mammograms are particularly important for women who have dense breasts because in 2D mammograms, both supportive breast tissue and tumors appear white.
We believe in the importance of early detection, which is why we believe in making your annual mammogram as convenient as possible—you can schedule it at the same time you schedule your yearly physical.
You can read more about the differences between 2D and 3D mammography in our earlier blog post.
IUD Insertion and Removal
The convenience and effectiveness of IUDs have made them one of the most popular forms of birth control. They’re ideal if you want long-term contraception without taking pills. IUDs offer more convenience and effectiveness than other forms of contraception. Depending upon the type of IUD you use, they can be effective for up to 10 years. We offer IUD insertion and removal in our office.
Colposcopy
If you’ve had an abnormal Pap smear, you may need to have a colposcopy, where we conduct a closer examination of your vagina and cervix. In certain cases, we may need to take a biopsy to check for any abnormal or precancerous cells. You can discover more details about a colposcopy in our previous blog.
Endometrial Ablation
The endometrium is the thin layer of the lining of your uterus, and it can cause you to have heavy bleeding during your periods. An endometrial ablation is when we cauterize that layer in order to prevent this excessive menstrual bleeding. In general, you will still get your periods after an endometrial ablation, but they will be lighter. This is not sterilization—you should continue to use birth control after the procedure.
LEEP
LEEP stands for Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure, and we may perform this to remove any abnormal or pre-cancerous cells from your cervix. It involves passing an electric current through a thin, wire loop. Numbing medicine is used, so a LEEP procedure should not be painful, although you may experience some cramping and discomfort.
Hysteroscopy
A hysteroscope is a thin, lighted tube that we gently insert into your uterus through your vagina. This hysteroscope transmits images to a monitor so we can treat and diagnose any problems related to the uterus. Depending upon your situation, we may use the hysteroscopy procedure as a chance to obtain tissues for a biopsy.
Gynecologic and Obstetric 3D/4D Ultrasound
Ultrasounds are often used to gather more information about your gynecological health or to monitor your baby’s growth and development. We’re proud to be able to offer 3D/4D ultrasounds which offer a more detailed picture than traditional 2D ultrasounds.
For 3D/4D ultrasounds, our sophisticated medical equipment takes the signals from the ultrasound and creates a 3D image of your baby. A 4D ultrasound creates a video feed. Through this feed, you can watch your baby move. These types of ultrasounds are very popular because you can see your baby’s face for the first time.
Sonohysterogram
This is a type of ultrasound where a saline solution is placed into the uterus. Then, during this OBGYN procedure, sound waves are used to capture pictures of your uterine lining. The fluid is necessary because it helps show more detail, which aids us in diagnosis and treatment.
Associates in Women’s Healthcare: Women Caring for Women in the Raleigh and Triangle Area
Our focus is on much more than your gynecological health. We recognize the importance of preventative care and promote regular screenings to help catch any health issues before they develop into serious problems. Our goal? To educate and empower you.
This is one reason that we conveniently offer so many OBGYN procedures in our office.
We believe it is this philosophy that has caused us to be recognized by both the National Committee for Quality Assurance and Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Blue Quality Physician Program (BQPP).
We encourage you to schedule an appointment today! We would love the opportunity to care for you.