When it comes to your body’s wellbeing, preventative care is key. Routine exams allow you to be proactive about your health, and in some cases, catch potential issues early. Dr. Amaya is a central Phoenix OB/GYN with nearly two decades of experience. She knows that preventative care is a crucial component of long-term health and wellness. Because of this, she offers a variety of preventative services that include the following.
Well-woman exams
A well-woman exam is one of the best ways to protect yourself from potentially dangerous infections and conditions. While every case is different, doctors recommend annual well-woman exams starting at age 21 or whenever you become sexually active.
During your visit, Dr. Amaya will generally conduct a breast exam to check for lumps or other abnormalities. She’ll also conduct a pelvic exam to screen for cervical cancer and other issues associated with the uterus and ovaries. This includes a Pap smear, which involves collecting cells for various tests. Depending on your age and health concerns, you may also be screened for HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) and other infections.
Staying consistent with annual well-woman exams is the best way to ensure a healthy reproductive system.
Birth control
Contraception is an important topic for many patients. While there are many options, Dr. Amaya will take the time to explain these options available to you and discuss the best ones for your needs.
This may include but is not limited to:
- Birth control pills
- Depo-Provera birth control injections
- Ortho Evra birth control patches
- NuvaRing vaginal birth control devices
- Intrauterine devices (IUD), such as Mirena, Paragard, Skyla, and Liletta
Many people often try more than one option before finding the right contraception method for their body, and that’s perfectly normal. Dr. Amaya knows the importance of feeling confident in your birth control and prides herself in being open and honest about possible side effects, complications, or usage challenges.
STI screening
If you’re sexually active, it’s important to see a gynecologist for sexually transmitted infection (STI) screenings.
If you notice anything unusual about your health, it’s best to make an appointment right away. However, it’s important to know that many sexually transmitted diseases and infections don’t come with symptoms, making them difficult to catch without yearly well-woman exams or routine STI screenings.
Some of the most common sexually transmitted diseases and infections include:
- HIV/AIDS
- Genital herpes
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)
If you’re diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease or infection, Dr. Amaya will provide you with extensive information on treatment options. This will depend on the issue at hand, but you can rest assured knowing you’ll have the education you need to make an informed decision.
Counseling for future prevention and care will also be provided.
Preconception planning
Making the decision to have a baby is one of the biggest choices a person will ever make, and it’s an incredibly exciting one. Once you have decided to begin trying to conceive, Dr. Amaya can guide you through preconception planning.
This is a great time to discuss your cycle and how to boost your chances of becoming pregnant. If you’ve been on birth control, several factors may affect how long it takes to become pregnant. She can provide more information on what to expect during this time.
At this appointment, you should also discuss any questions or concerns you have about lifestyle, existing health conditions, or medications you’re currently taking.
Contact Dr. Amaya
Take an active approach to your health through preventative care. Dr. Amaya is a bilingual female gynecologist in Phoenix, AZ with the experience to help you navigate any concerns you may have about your gynecological health. Whether you’re interested in routine well-woman exams or have a particular concern, she can help.
For the best in central Phoenix OB/GYN care, schedule an appointment with Dr. Mariana Amaya today.