Women’s Health Education – First Choice OBGYN

Compassionate Women’s Healthcare in the Mat-Su Valley

To our patients

Women's Health Education

Our goal is to give patients quick, trustworthy answers to common women’s health questions. Each topic includes clear explanations and guidance you can use to better understand your care before, during, and after your visit.

Women's Health Topics to Explore

Your health changes throughout every stage of life, and staying informed helps you make the best choices for your body and well-being. This section offers trusted information about women’s health topics—from preventive screenings and menstrual health to menopause and overall wellness. At First Choice OBGYN, our goal is to help you understand your options, support your long-term health, and empower you to take an active role in your care.

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Any bleeding that differs from your normal period pattern.

Learn about common causes, diagnostic tests, and treatment options for AUB.

Adenomyosis

Tissue grows into the uterine wall, causing pain and heavy bleeding.

Common treatments include hormones or, in severe cases, hysterectomy.

Annual Health Screening

Routine blood work and preventive tests help track your overall health and catch issues early.

Learn which blood tests, colon screenings, and bone density checks support your long-term wellness.

Birth Control

A safe, effective option for preventing pregnancy and regulating periods.

Find out how oral contraceptives work, their benefits, side effects, and what to do if you miss a pill.

Breast Cancer & Mammogram

Know your risks and get screened regularly.

Regular self-checks, exams, and mammograms help find breast changes early.

Colposcopy

A closer look at your cervix using a special magnifying scope.

A quick in-office exam that helps identify abnormal cervical cells after an irregular Pap test.

Dysmenorrhea

Severe cramping that disrupts daily activities.

Primary comes from normal contractions; secondary from conditions like endometriosis or fibroids.

Endometriosis

Tissue grows outside the uterus, causing pain and scarring.

Can lead to severe cramps and heavy bleeding; treated with hormones or surgery.

Emergency Contraception

A safe way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex.

Works best when taken soon after sex. It’s not an abortion pill and won’t affect an existing pregnancy.

Endometrial Ablation

A treatment to reduce or stop heavy menstrual bleeding.

Procedure removes the uterine lining to lighten/stop periods; pregnancy afterward is unsafe.

Endometrial Biopsy

A brief procedure to test the lining of your uterus.

A quick in-office test that collects a small uterine tissue sample for lab analysis.

Fibrocystic & Dense Breasts

Common, non-cancerous breast changes.

Dense tissue makes mammograms harder to read—keep regular screenings.

Gynecologic (Pelvic) Ultrasound

Safe imaging to view your uterus and ovaries.

How to prepare, what happens during the scan, and when you’ll get results.

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)

Routine cervical screening is key to early detection.

Pap and HPV tests check for abnormal cells. Follow-up may include a closer cervical exam.

Hysterectomy

Surgery to remove the uterus for certain medical conditions.

A procedure that treats issues like fibroids, bleeding, or pain. Recovery depends on the surgical approach, with most patients returning to normal activity within weeks.

LEEP

Removes abnormal cervical cells using a safe electrical loop.

A short in-office treatment that prevents precancerous cervical changes from developing into cancer.

PAP Smears & Cervical Cancer

Learn how Pap tests help detect early cervical changes and protect long-term health.

Discover what to expect during a Pap test, how often to screen, and why regular testing is your best defense against cervical cancer.

Perimenopause, Menopause & Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone changes can cause hot flashes, mood shifts, and sleep trouble.

Discover how HRT and lifestyle changes can ease symptoms and restore balance.

PMS & PMDD

Hormonal changes before your period can affect mood, energy, and focus.

Understand symptoms, causes, and treatment options for both conditions.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

A common hormonal condition that affects ovulation and menstrual cycles

Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options to help regulate hormones and improve fertility.

STIs & STDs

Many infections show no symptoms—testing keeps you safe.

Screening, vaccines, and safer sex help prevent infection.

Tubal Sterilization

A permanent procedure to prevent pregnancy.

Removes the fallopian tubes—over 99% effective and may lower ovarian cancer risk.

Vaginal Atrophy

Learn why dryness and irritation occur after menopause.

Low estrogen causes thinning tissue. Moisturizers or vaginal estrogen can help.