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General GYN Services
Learn more below about the important benefits of a yearly Pap and GYN exam, mammograms as determined by your age and family history, and monthly breast self-exams. Also, explore your options for contraception and our specialized GYN services, including treatments for menstrual irregularities, infertility, tubal ligation reversal, abnormal Pap results, pelvic pain, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and menopause and HRT. Yearly Exam and Pap Yearly Pelvic Exam and Pap Smear
A yearly pelvic exam and Pap smear is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself. Your physician will collect cells from your cervix to determine the presence of infection, inflammation, and most importantly, abnormal cells that may indicate cervical cancer. Regular Pap smears and pelvic exams can detect pre-cancerous conditions early, increasing the likelihood of successful treatment. The National Cancer Institute advises women who are sexually active or who have reached 18 years old to have yearly pelvic exams and Pap smears. This is a healthy habit that you should continue throughout your life, regardless of age. If you have had a hysterectomy, consult your physician as to whether or not you need regular Pap smears. Click here for information on the diagnosis of an abnormal Pap smear.
Contraception services include:
The contraceptive services above require a physician's examination and prescription. Feel free to discuss other non-prescription options with your physician, including:
New Horizons and our affiliate, The Breast Center of Carbondale Memorial Hospital, team up to provide comprehensive, patient-centered breast care. A breast exam is an integral part of your yearly exam. If required, you can take advantage of mammography services at The Breast Center, just steps away from our office. The Breast Center focuses on all aspects of breast health. Your physician at New Horizons may refer you to The Breast Center for diagnostic services, such as ultrasound and biopsy, in addition to mammograms. How to Perform a Monthly Breast Self-Exam While a breast exam is a part of your yearly exam, we encourage you to follow the American Cancer Society's guidelines for monthly breast self-exams for women 20 and older. The American Cancer Society also recommends:
The best time to perform a monthly breast self-exam is two to three days after your menstrual period ends. If you no longer menstruate, choose a date you'll remember, such as the 15th of each month. First Look for Any Changes Become familiar with how your breasts usually look and feel. Stand in front of a mirror and look for any changes while in the following positions:
Examine each breast for anything out of the ordinary, such as puckering, dimpling, or scaliness. Also check for any distortions or discoloration, such as redness, irritation, ulcers, and sores that do not heal properly, or changes in any moles. Next, inspect each nipple for any changes in size, shape, color, or location. Make note of any flattening, dimpling, indentation, retraction, or discharge. Next, Feel for Any Changes Lie on your back and place a small pillow or folded towel under your shoulder. You may use lotion or powder to help your fingers glide easily over the skin. Feel your breast tissue by pressing your three middle fingers in small, overlapping areas. Be sure to examine your whole breast. Take your time and follow a definite pattern, such as up and down lines or strips. With one arm raised, start in the underarm area and move your fingers downward little by little until you reach the area below the breast. Then move your fingers slightly toward the middle and slowly move back up. Go up and down until the entire area is covered, from collarbone to just below the breasts and from armpits to breastbone. You can do this exam either lying on your back or standing in the shower. Repeat this procedure for each breast. Report any breast changes, lumps, or knots to your physician immediately.
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Women have special health challenges. Menstrual irregularities, contraception, and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). At 
Today, there are many contraception or birth control methods to choose from. Your New Horizons physician will discuss the different options with you and your partner, if desired to determine which method is right for you.
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