Well Woman Gynecological Care

The primary health care of women by midwives emphasizes disease prevention and health promotion. Patient education and inclusion of the woman in decision making about her own health care is an important facet of midwifery care. We offer normal gynecologic services, contraceptive management, Preconception Care, and care of the peri- and post-menopausal woman.

Gynecological health care encompasses pelvic health and management of infections and sexually transmitted infections, menstrual concerns including the normal physiologic processes involved in menarche and menopause, premenstrual syndrome, abnormal bleeding patterns, diagnosis of pelvic pain, and screening for breast and pelvic malignancies and disease.

Annual exams include a full history, physical exam including breast and pelvic exam, and laboratory testing as necessary, including a Pap test. Human papilloma virus (HPV) testing is available as warranted. Gardasil® is available for those women ages 9-26, who are appropriate candidates, to protect against certain strains of HPV that can lead to cancer of the cervix.

Contraceptive counseling and management are available for many different methods, including oral contraceptives, NuvaRing™, intrauterine contraceptives (Mirena® and Paragard®), natural fertility awareness (NFP), and others. Directions and assistance with emergency contraception as well as fertility awareness and instruction are also some of the many services Avalon has to offer. All of our midwives are fully licensed to prescribe medications and devices in the state of New Jersey.

Perimenopausal and postmenopausal issues are sensitively addressed and treated as necessary. Bleeding patterns, body changes, emotional changes, exercise and diet, as well as the need for mammograms, bone density screenings and colonoscopy are discussed. We offer a wide variety of modalities to assist our clients during these transitional years. Acupuncture, herbal remedies, nutritional guidance, and hormone replacement therapy are just a few of the options women have today. We also have a large referral base including naturopaths, nutritionists, psychologists, massage therapists, homeopaths and other alternative providers to assist women on their journey.