GYN Choices
Abortion Clinic & Family Planning Obstetrics & Gynecology located in East Brunswick, NJ
Gynecological care focuses on a woman’s specific health care needs through the various stages of her reproductive life. It begins with the start of menstruation in adolescence, continues through the childbearing years of early adulthood, and extends through menopause in late middle age. The top-rated team of board-certified gynecologists at GYN Choices in East Brunswick, New Jersey are proud to provide comprehensive gynecological care for women of all ages, including adolescents. To learn more or make an appointment, call the office today.
What services do gynecologists offer?
The team of physicians at GYN Choices of Central Jersey treats a wide variety of medical conditions, provides preventive health screenings, manages prenatal care, and performs surgery.
On any given day in the office, the gynecologists at GYN Choices of Central Jersey may carry out a well-woman exam, investigate a gynecologic problem, and provide family planning, fertility, and contraception counseling. They routinely evaluate, diagnose, and treat:
- Abnormal uterine bleeding. You know what is normal for you in terms of menstruation. If your periods become heavier or more frequent, your gynecologist will perform appropriate tests to discover why and how to manage symptoms.
- Chronic pelvic pain. Pelvic pain that persists for six months or longer may point to an underlying condition that requires treatment. Proper tests are needed to identify the right course of treatment.
- Abnormal Pap results. Abnormal Pap results do not mean you have cervical cancer. Test results are graded to the degree of anomaly and addressed based on their grade. Sometimes, no treatment is necessary.
- Endometriosis and uterine fibroids. Growths inside or on the uterus can cause painful symptoms. Our experienced team can determine how to address these conditions in hopes of restoring comfort as quickly as possible.
- Polycystic ovaries (PCOS). Polycystic ovarian syndrome is not well-understood, but we have ways to diagnose and treat symptoms using appropriate medications and procedures.
- Urinary incontinence. As the strength of the pelvic floor declines, the risk of urinary incontinence, the accidental leakage of urine, increases. With proper care, we can help you maintain comfort and confidence!
- Sexually transmitted diseases. If you are sexually active, you are at risk of sexually transmitted infection. Your gynecologist can discuss how to mitigate these risks and can also provide treatment if needed.
- Acute and Chronic Vaginitis. Vaginal comfort is maintained by a delicate balance in natural bacteria. Shifts in this balance can lead to acute or ongoing vaginal or vulvar irritation. Appropriate medication usually resolves symptoms quickly.
- Vulvodynia. Irritation to the tissue at and around the vaginal opening can be extremely uncomfortable. Vulvodynia can be remedied with topical or oral medication in most cases.
The team at GYN Choices of Central Jersey offers a full range of minor, in-office procedures, including colposcopies, endometrial and vulvar biopsies, and tubal ligation surgery.
Because they strive to deliver comprehensive care that’s both personal and convenient, GYN Choices of Central Jersey is AIUM-accredited to provide in-office ultrasound imaging.
Whether you require routine ultrasounds to monitor your baby’s development throughout your pregnancy or you have a chronic pelvic pain that requires prompt diagnosis, having access to on-site ultrasound imaging means fewer appointments for you and timely treatment.
What Our Patients Have to Say
"Dr. White was my obgyn for my second child. We were very happy with the overall experience. He is very thorough and nothing beats his experience in the field. We had to choose between some difficult diagnostic options during my pregnancy and the doctor was very supportive throughout the process.
I would have to make a special mention about his staff, they are always very welcoming and helpful. They would not hesitate to go out of their way to help their patients. Definitely recommend!"
What should I expect during my first appointment with the gynecologist?
We understand that your first visit to a gynecologist can be intimidating, especially if you aren’t sure what to expect. Often, the first visit revolves around a consultation and discussion of a patient’s medical history. Be prepared to answer a lot of questions! For example, your gynecologist may gather information such as the following:
- Details about the regularity of your menstrual cycle.
- The duration and severity of menstrual cramps.
- Your sexual activity and use of birth control.
- Vaginal health issues, such as itching.
Our patients can feel comfortable discussing their feminine and intimate health with their doctor. Information remains confidential. Patients must also understand that our objective in asking so many questions is to get to know their gynecological and family planning needs. The better we know each patient’s lifestyle and medical history, the more equipped we are to offer the utmost care.
Your first visit to our gynecology practice may or may not include various screenings. You can expect a nurse or doctor to check your heart rate, blood pressure, and weight. If you are sexually active, the doctor may recommend having lab work done to screen for sexually transmitted infections. While a general physical exam and external genital exam is the norm, not all patients need a pelvic exam and Pap smear at their first visit.
If your doctor recommends a pelvic exam and Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer, and you feel comfortable having these exams at your first visit, they will explain to you exactly what the exams involve. If you have any questions, ask! Your comfort is important to us!
How should I prepare for my Gynecology appointment?
You need not do anything special to prepare for our gynecology appointment. For optimal comfort, we suggest scheduling visits in the middle of your menstrual cycle, not when you are menstruating. Also, avoid the following for the 2 days before your exam:
- Sexual intercourse
- Inserting anything into the vagina (tampons, etc.)
- Vaginal creams or powders
- Douche
It is not necessary to shave or trim pelvic hair before seeing the gynecologist. Remember, your doctor sees hundreds of patients a month. They have seen countless grooming trends, from no hair at all to full pubic hair; it’s all normal to us.
What are the benefits of well-woman care?
During your annual well-woman visit, you have an opportunity to sit and talk with your gynecologist about your medical history, current concerns, and future health goals.
The exam portion of your annual well-woman visit covers your general health, as well as any recommended screenings based on your age and medical history. This may include having a bone density screening for osteoporosis, a mammogram to check for breast cancer, or a Pap test to screen for cervical cancer.
After your exam, you may discuss your future health goals. Whether you’d like to achieve a healthy body weight, you’re planning to conceive, or you’re interested in learning how to manage your menopause symptoms, your gynecologist at GYN Choices of Central Jersey can give you the advice and tools you need to reach your personal health goals.
How Often Should You Visit a Gynecologist?
Your gynecology visits will occur in accordance with your age. Currently, the general guidelines are:
- Yearly visits from the time of sexual activity to age 30.
- After age 30, every other year, until menopause.
As with all rules, there are exceptions to this one. How often you may see your gynecologist will be unique to your health and circumstances. This is a testament to holistic healthcare. If you are trying to become pregnant or are being treated for a gynecological condition or STI, you may need to see us more often. Once you reach a certain age, if you have no recent history of abnormal pap smear results, your gynecologist may recommend less frequent visits. This is the value of partnering with one gynecologist for your reproductive health and overall wellness. Here at GYN Services of Central Jersey, we provide care with only you in mind.
Should You Visit Your OBGYN After Giving Birth?
Yes! Being a new mom, whether for the first time or the fifth, can bring unique challenges. Your postpartum visits with your trusted physician help you navigate the changes that your pregnancy, birth, and new baby have brought to your life. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that the first postpartum visit occur no more than three weeks after delivery. Furthermore, to better support women and infants in long-term health and wellness, the ACOG views postpartum care as an ongoing process rather than a single visit. To support you, we offer services that are tailored to your individual needs.
What Type of Questions Will My Gynecologist Ask During My Appointment?
Your gynecologist is here to help support your reproductive and general health as it relates to your periods, pregnancy, sexual activity, hormones, and more. When you visit with us, you can expect us to ask about some of the more intimate aspects of your life. It is important to anticipate questions that may feel very private so that you can prepare yourself to answer with complete honesty. Your gynecologist is on your side and in the business of keeping you as healthy as possible. During your consultation appointment or subsequent appointments, your doctor may ask about:
- Your general, current feelings. This includes your emotional state and physical wellness.
- Your last period or menstrual history.
- Your family history. This helps identify risks for breast cancer and reproductive cancers.
- Your sexual activity and engagement in unprotected sexual intercourse.
- Lifestyle habits, including drug and alcohol use.
- Birth control methods or questions about birth control.
What is a Pelvic Exam?
A pelvic exam is a routine part of your well-woman visit with your gynecologist. The purpose of the exam is to examine your external and internal reproductive organs for signs of abnormalities, such as bumps or masses. During this brief examination, your doctor will examine your vulva and labia outside of your vagina. They will also examine internal organs including the cervix, vagina, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus. For your pelvic exam, you lie on your back with your feet in supported footrests. Your doctor will first observe your external genitalia for signs of genital warts, abnormal discharge, cysts, and general irritation. They then insert a smooth speculum, a small instrument, into your vaginal opening. The speculum opens the vaginal canal to allow the examination of this area as well as your cervix.
Your pelvic examination may feel odd but should not be painful. It is extremely helpful to focus on relaxing your knees, legs, and pelvic floor during the exam! If you experience pain or need help relaxing, talk to your doctor. They can talk you through your appointment so that it does not feel awkward or uncomfortable.
A pelvic exam may also include what is called a bimanual exam. During this portion of the evaluation, the doctor uses two hands. One or two gloved, lubricated fingers are inserted into the vagina. The other hand presses gently on the lower abdomen. The bimanual exam helps your doctor check the shape, size, and position of your uterus, and also identifies tenderness that may indicate infection, cysts, or tumors. While there are multiple aspects involved in your pelvic exam, the entire process takes just a few minutes.
What is a Pap Smear?
Your pap smear may be performed during the speculum part of your pelvic examination. While the vaginal canal is opened by the speculum, the doctor uses a small, long q-tip to swab your cervix. The swab picks up a small sample of cervical cells, which are brushed onto a clear "slide." The slide is sent to the lab for microscopic examination of the cells. Pap smears are done to check for pre-cancerous or cancerous cervical cells. An abnormal result does not necessarily mean that you have cervical cancer. If your pap results are abnormal, your doctor will discuss the degree of abnormality and what the next steps should be.
The pap smear portion of your routine gynecology exam takes just a minute or two at the most. When the swab takes place, you might feel slight discomfort that lasts just a moment. Focusing on your breath or other distraction, the minor sensation may be barely noticed. After your exam, you may experience mild cramping or spotting. This is normal and should pass quickly.
How Will my gynecology appointment change after I become pregnant?
Once a woman becomes pregnant, the primary objective of her healthcare is to track fetal development. Care also shifts to the mother’s health needs as she progresses through her pregnancy. In this instance, the OBGYN discusses necessary screenings, medications, and lifestyle changes that promote optimal health. From about 8-weeks into her pregnancy until she reaches week 30, a woman may see her OBGYN once a month.
At certain times, various screenings are performed, such as ultrasound and blood tests. At each visit, the doctor discusses fetal growth, fully explains tests that are recommended at that time, and answers questions that may have come up since the previous visit.
When should adolescents first visit a gynecologist?
As girls become adolescents, their annual wellness appointments should begin to include routine gynecological care. Most girls should have their first visit with a gynecologist when they are planning or are sexually active.
A girl’s first visit to the gynecologist touches on a variety of essential topics, including good health habits and why gynecology is an integral part of routine preventive care.
Besides receiving accurate information about sex, sexuality, menstruation, and puberty, early gynecological care helps educate adolescent girls on how to prevent sexually transmitted diseases as well as unplanned pregnancy.
The exam portion of the visit typically includes a general physical, breast exam, and external genital exam. Most girls don’t require a pelvic exam until they reach the age of 21.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
We are happy to serve patients in the East Brunswick area with friendly care in a professional environment. Call 732-698-1115 to schedule an appointment today.
