Comprehensive Gynecologic Services
Annual Exams
Dr. Carlson provides annual gynecologic exams for women of all ages.
She recommends the following guidelines:
Breast Cancer Screening Early detection of breast
cancer has been shown to decrease the chance of dying from breast
cancer. A women’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer
(based on a lifespan of 80 years) is 12.5%. Women aged 40-49 should
have a mammogram every 1-2 years and women over 50 should have
one yearly. Monthly self examination and a breast exam annually
by a physician is also an important component of early detection.
Cervical Cancer Screening
Health care providers screen for cervical cancer by performing
a Pap test. This test uses a brush to remove cells from the surface
of the cervix. Women should begin cervical cancer screening within
three years of becoming sexually active. Risk factors for cervical
cancer include smoking, exposure to HPV (human papillomavirus),
multiple sexual partners, exposure to DES, and HIV. The frequency
of cervical cancer screening should be discussed with your health
care provider. Annual gynecologic exams (breast exam and pelvic
exam) should be performed annually regardless of a woman’s
need for a Pap test.
Colon Cancer Screening
All women should have a baseline colonoscopy when they turn fifty
to screen for colon cancer and precancerous polyps. The frequency
of screening after the baseline exam is determined by the results
of the first screening test. Some women with a family history
of colon cancer may undergo a colonoscopy before the age of 50
and have more frequent screening tests than women without a family
history.
Cholesterol Screening
Heart disease is the number one cause of death in women. All women
should have their cholesterol checked starting at the age of 20
and then at least every 5 years. If the results of any of the
screening tests are borderline or high risk, more frequent screening
should be recommended. Also, women with a family history of heart
disease should be screened at closer intervals. In addition, women
over 55 should be screened more frequently (every one to two years)
even if they do not have a family history of heart disease.
Surgical Procedures
Dr. Carlson performs minor out patient gynecologic surgical procedures
including dilatation and curettage (D&C), hysteroscopy, LEEP,
cone biopsy, labial revisions, and perineum revisions. She performs
all surgical procedures at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington,
Vermont.
Menopause Counseling
Dr. Carlson offers extensive options for the evaluation and treatment
of menopause. She thoroughly evaluates all aspects of menopause
including physical, psychological and laboratory components. Treatment
options include life stlye changes, alternative treatment options,
and hormone replacement therapy both traditional and bioidentical.
Contraceptive
Management
Dr. Carlson offers a complete array of contraceptive choices from
natural family planning, to hormonal options (pills, injections,
patches, vaginal rings), barrier methods (diaphragm fitting) and
the insertion of IUDs.
Infertility Evaluation
Dr. Carlson provides initial infertility evaluations which include
a thorough history, physical and laboratory evaluation. Dr. Carlson
performs hystersalpingograms (HSG) to assess the endometrial cavity
and evaluate tubal patency. She prescribes medicaton to treat ovulatory
disorders. Dr. Carlson refers all patients that require assisted
reproductive techniques, such as in vitro ferilization, to infertility
specialists.
Pelvic Pain Evaluation and Treatment
Dr. Carlson provides a complete pelvic pain evaluation including
symptom history, physical examination, ultrasound,and laboratory
tests. This initial and comprehensive evaluation expedites the diagnosis
and treatment of pelvic pain. Treatment modalities include counseling,
behavior modification, medication, and if necessary diagnostic and
therapeutic surgical procedures.
Abnormal
PAP tests
Dr. Carlson evaluates and treats abnormal PAP. She provides counseling
and treatment for human papilloma virus (HPV) infections including
the HPV vaccine. Dr. Carlson offers both colposcopy and LEEP procedures
in her office.
Genetic Testing
Dr. Carlson offers genetic testing for BRCA 1 and BRAC2 and Lynch
Syndrome. Women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer
are counseled about the possibility of a genetic link and testing
for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene. Women with a family history of colon
and uterine cancer may be eligible for testing for Lynch Syndrome.
Both tests are blood tests which a drawn in the office setting and
sent to a special lab where the blood tests are done.
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