A woman’s annual exam, commonly referred to as a well-woman exam, is a yearly preventive health appointment with your OBGYN. As the name implies, they are meant to keep you well. These visits provide an opportunity for you to undergo age-appropriate screenings and address your overall health. Additionally, they serve as a platform for asking questions and receiving guidance on any health concerns. Regular check-ins with your practitioner ensure you stay abreast of advancements in women’s health and receive trustworthy advice from a provider familiar with both you and your personal health history.
The initial phase involves swiftly collecting your vital signs, followed by a discussion of any health changes since your last visit. For those undergoing their first well-woman exam at SheMD, a comprehensive review of personal and family health histories is conducted. Subsequently, Dr. Kahan conducts a breast and pelvic exam. Positioned on the exam table with your feet in stirrups, a speculum is used to gently separate vaginal walls, facilitating a visual examination of vaginal tissue and part of the cervix for potential abnormalities. As part of this process, a Pap smear might be performed—a straightforward test examining cervical cells for cancerous changes. This is followed by the bimanual exam, which allows for a gentle palpation of the pelvic organs including the uterus and ovaries.
A Pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer, designed to detect abnormal changes in the cells of your cervix. While hearing that your Pap smear results are abnormal can be concerning, it’s important to remember that this doesn’t always mean something serious. The test allows us to catch any changes early so we can take the necessary steps to protect your health. At SheMD, I’m here to support you and provide clarity on what your results mean.
If you have an abnormal Pap or HPV, you may need a colposcopy, which is a quick, in-office procedure that can be done in just a few minutes, allowing me to take a closer look at your cervix and identify any areas of concern. My goal is to help you feel informed and empowered throughout the process. We’ll develop a personalized plan to monitor or treat any abnormal cells, ensuring your health and peace of mind are prioritized.
Every woman’s menstrual cycle is unique, but it’s important to recognize when bleeding falls outside the normal range. Typically, a cycle occurs every 21 to 35 days, but signs of abnormal bleeding can include:
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to schedule a diagnostic work-up at SheMD. Abnormal bleeding can result from conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, infections, or even certain birth control methods. I’ll work with you to identify the cause and create a personalized treatment plan to help regulate your cycle and address your concerns.
Vaginal infections are common and can cause discomfort, but with the right diagnosis, they’re often easily treatable. If you’re experiencing symptoms like unusual discharge, itching, burning, or an unpleasant odor, it’s important to visit SheMD for a proper diagnosis.
While it may be tempting to rely on over-the-counter treatments or self-diagnosis, vaginal infections vary—conditions such as yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) each require different treatments. By seeing me in the office, I can accurately identify the type of infection you have and provide the most effective treatment. Getting the right diagnosis ensures quicker relief and prevents the risk of prolonged symptoms or complications.
Choosing the right contraception is a personal and important decision. At SheMD, I offer a range of contraception options to suit your individual health needs and lifestyle. Whether you prefer hormonal birth control, long-acting reversible options, or non-hormonal methods, I’m here to help guide you through the decision-making process.
Contraceptive options include birth control pills, IUDs, implants, injections, patches, and barrier methods. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your medical history, family planning goals, and any concerns about side effects, effectiveness, or convenience. By understanding your unique needs, I can help you select the contraception method that works best for your body and your life.
Pelvic pain can be disruptive and challenging to manage, impacting your daily life, work, and overall well-being. For some women, the pain can be so severe that it interferes with work or other responsibilities. Pelvic pain can stem from various causes, making it essential to get an accurate diagnosis to find relief.
Common causes of pelvic pain include conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). At SheMD, I’m here to help you uncover the underlying cause of your pain. By taking the time to thoroughly evaluate your symptoms, I can guide you along the right treatment path, so you can get back to living life without constant discomfort.
Irregular periods can be frustrating and concerning, especially when they disrupt your routine and leave you feeling unsure about your health. A typical menstrual cycle occurs every 21 to 35 days, but if your periods are unpredictable, too frequent, too far apart, or unusually heavy or light, it may indicate an underlying issue that needs attention.
There are many potential causes of irregular periods, including hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid issues, stress, or even changes in your weight. At SheMD, I work with you to determine the cause of your irregular cycles and create a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. Whether it’s through lifestyle modifications, hormonal therapies, or further diagnostic testing, I’ll guide you toward restoring balance and regularity to your menstrual cycle.
The first trimester of pregnancy is an exciting yet critical time for both you and your baby. While I do not provide pregnancy care, I am able to see you during the first 12 weeks to ensure you have a healthy start to your pregnancy. From pregnancy confirmation to addressing early concerns, I’m here to support you during this important phase.
During your first visit, I can confirm your pregnancy through a combination of blood work, urine tests, and ultrasound. However, since SheMD specializes in gynecology and wellness care, I see patients up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, at which point you’ll need to transition to a dedicated obstetric provider for the remainder of your prenatal care. I’ll help guide you through this transition, ensuring you’re connected with the right specialists to continue your pregnancy journey smoothly.
Infertility or reduced fertility is quite common, affecting about 1 in 8 couples who struggle to conceive. The causes of infertility can be varied, including factors related to the male partner, the female partner, or in some cases, remaining unexplained. If you are under 35 and have been unable to conceive after a year of trying, or over 35 and have not conceived within six months, it may be time to seek expert care.
At SheMD, I provide thorough infertility evaluations to help uncover potential reasons for difficulty conceiving. These reasons may include hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or male factors such as low sperm count or poor motility. Together, we’ll explore the causes and develop a personalized plan. If necessary, I can refer you to specialized fertility experts for more advanced treatments, but I will be with you every step of the way to support you on your path to parenthood.
I saw Dr. Kahan for the first time last month. She's very nice, patient, and explains things clearly. Also, her office is very clean. I would say she's the best gynecologist.
Chloe CCDr. Kahan has excellent bedside manners. She explained everything thoroughly and answered all questions. The office was very clean and friendly staff.
JuliaI came to visit The doctor changed my IUD, and everything went very smoothly after two times visits. So happy to find her.
Helen Bai