W O M E N ' S   W E L L N E S S   A P P O I N T M E N T​

An appointment for you and controlled by you, in a safe and supportive atmosphere. 

Women's wellness appointment's include a full breast exam with education around how to do them and what to look for, lymph node screening, a bimanual exam (if indicated), and a pap smear - all done in a safe and supportive atmosphere.      

The best time to get your pap smear done is mid cycle, around the time of ovulation.  

    W H Y   &   H O W   O F T E N  S H O U L D   S H O U L D   P A P  S M E A R S   B E  D O N E ?  

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Pap smears screen for cervical cancer and should be done every 3 years in women aged 21 to 65.  If abnormal cells come up then it is recommended to repeat the test every 6 months to 1 year.  Cervical cancer is a very preventable and easily treated cancer if caught early, which is why it is so important to go for regular pap smears.  Once you reach the age of 65 and your previous pap smears came back normal you no longer need to get them done.  
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Note: any chlamydia, gonorrhea, yeast, or bacteria vaginosus testing can be added.    

H O W   T O  P R E P A R E  F O R  A   P A P S M E A R   E X A M                     

There is very little you need to do to prepare for your women's wellness appointment; however, below are a few recommendations: 

• Try to come mid cycle, around ovulation.  It is best to avoid your menstrual cycle as it is difficult during this time to get a clear sample.  
• Express any concerns or questions prior to your exam.
• Avoid intercourse, douching, or using any vaginal medicines or spermicidal foams, creams, or jellies for two days before your Pap smear, as these may wash away or obscure abnormal cells. 

W H A T   I F   A B N O R M A L   C E L L S   C O M E   U P ?     

If your test comes back positive for abnormal or unusual cells it does not mean you have cervical cancer.  Your results depend on the type of cells that are present.  Below are some of the different terms used to describe different cell types and what the next course of action may be (recommendation obtained from the Mayo Clinic guidelines):  

• Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS). Squamous cells are thin and flat and grow on the surface of a healthy cervix. In the case of ASCUS, the pap smear reveals slightly abnormal squamous cells, but the changes don't clearly suggest that precancerous cells are present.
  With the liquid-based test, your doctor can reanalyze the sample to check for the presence of viruses known to promote the development of cancer, such as some types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
  If no high-risk viruses are present, the abnormal cells found as a result of the test aren't of great concern. If worrisome viruses are present, you'll need further testing.
• Squamous intraepithelial lesion. This term is used to indicate that the cells collected from the Pap smear may be precancerous.
  If the changes are low grade, it means the size, shape and other characteristics of the cells suggest that if a precancerous lesion is present, it's likely to be years away from becoming a cancer.
  If the changes are high grade, there's a greater chance that the lesion may develop into cancer much sooner. Additional diagnostic testing is necessary.
• Atypical glandular cells. Glandular cells produce mucus and grow in the opening of your cervix and within your uterus. Atypical glandular cells may appear to be slightly abnormal, but it's unclear whether they're cancerous.
  Further testing is needed to determine the source of the abnormal cells and their significance.
• Squamous cell cancer or adenocarcinoma cells. This result means the cells collected for the Pap smear appear so abnormal that the pathologist is almost certain a cancer is present.
  "Squamous cell cancer" refers to cancers arising in the flat surface cells of the vagina or cervix. "Adenocarcinoma" refers to cancers arising in glandular cells. If such cells are found, your doctor will recommend prompt evaluation.

If your Pap smear is abnormal, your may be referred out for a procedure called a colposcopy using a special magnifying instrument (colposcope) to examine the tissues of the cervix, vagina and vulva.  A tissue sample (biopsy) may also be taken from any areas that appear abnormal.   


Your Naturopathic doctor can also help set into motion a treatment plan to help deal with any abnormal cells that may come up.   

"​ The body has the ability to heal once triggers are removed, 
​the correct nutrients are provided, and the energetic system & mind are in balance. " 

B R E A S T   E X A M S  

​Do you perform a regular breast exam?  Do you know how to execute proper technique?  Do you know what a cancerous growth feels like? 
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Breast cancer is one of the most common female cancers affecting us today and regular exams / screenings are important as preventative measures.  During breast exams I will help you know what to look for when doing self exams (even if it is just looking in the mirror every few days to weeks).  If any abnormalities come up you will be referred out for an ultrasound or recommended to go for a mammogram.  treatment plans may also be initiated to help address any underlying causes such as excess estrogen, inflammation, diet, infection, etc. 

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     BETTER HEALTH IS NOW!      

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