General Gynecology Specialist

Why are annual well-woman exams so important?

Well-woman exams focus on preventing disease and promoting wellness. With routine checkups, Dr. Mahller can find subtle symptoms that weren’t there a year ago. Then he works with you to stop them from developing into a more serious health problem. A preventive exam also gives you the opportunity to talk with the doctor about any health concerns you face.

What services are provided during a well-woman exam?

Dr. Mahller recommends annual gynecologic exams for women who are sexually active or over the age of 18. During the exam, he examines your breasts and pelvic organs, looking for any changes or abnormalities.

After the age of 21, annual exams include a Pap smear to test for signs of cervical cancer. Dr. Mahller painlessly removes cells from the cervix, then sends them to a lab for analysis.

During a well-woman exam, he evaluates your risk for chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. You may also receive one or more of the following gynecologic services:

• Birth control and IUD consultation
• Preconception planning
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) test
• Menopause treatment
• Testing for sexually transmitted diseases

What factors should you consider when choosing birth control?

Dr. Mahller takes the time to talk with you about which method of birth control will work best for you and your partner. He’ll tell you about the effectiveness and potential side effects of each type of contraceptive and discuss any issues that affect your options.

It’s important to consider personal variables such as your lifestyle, plans for having children, and personal habits that may influence the success of a given method (like remembering to take a daily pill). In addition to oral contraceptives, Dr. Mahller offers options such as the patch, NuvaringⓇ, IUD, and the Depo-Provera shot.

What health screenings do women need as they get older?

As you age, preventive gynecologic care includes screenings such as:

• Mammogram
• Bone density imaging (DEXA scan)
• Colonoscopy
• Blood tests to check for thyroid problems, diabetes, high cholesterol, or vitamin D deficiency

What other general gynecologic care is available?

Dr. Mahller provides expert care in all aspects of gynecology. He has received specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as:

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Abnormal periods
• Uterine fibroids
• Ovarian cysts
• Vaginal infections
• Pelvic pain
• Endometriosis
• Painful intercourse