Gynecology
Rhett Women’s Center (RWC) provides full-service gynecological care. Our primary goal is to meet the patient’s needs, ranging from annual preventive exams to managing various gynecological problems. We offer on-site lab and ultrasound services to provide the most thorough assessment of a patient’s situation to save her time and money. RWC strives to offer complete gynecological care while prioritizing a woman’s needs and comfort.
Annual Exam
Our providers at RWC care about you and your health; making a yearly exam is one of the most important things a woman can do to ensure good overall health and wellness. This is a time she can discuss specific concerns and review essential topics with her provider, including breast health, sexual health, contraception, menstrual cycle and associated symptoms, perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms, bone health, and diet and exercise. This visit will also be a time for a complete physical exam and appropriate screening tests, including cervical cancer screening (a PAP smear which may include an HPV test), STD screening, and lab tests – all done in-house. Depending on your age and/or symptoms, you may also receive an order for a screening mammogram, bone density scan, or colonoscopy at an annual exam.
Abnormal Pap Smear
At RWC, we understand that not all abnormal PAP tests cause immediate concern. Depending on a woman’s age, her sexual history, and her previous PAP history, our providers may encourage a woman to closely monitor an abnormal PAP smear with a plan to repeat the test, which may include an HPV test. Another option considered for managing an abnormal PAP test is a colposcopy. This procedure examines the cervix, vagina, and vulva more closely and thoroughly to look for abnormalities. Using a colposcope to magnify this tissue, Dr. Rhett and Dr. Smith can identify the presence of abnormal tissue and will biopsy it if necessary.
Lab Services
RWC is proud to offer convenient in-house lab services. If your visit includes blood work, it can be done on the same day. In addition, you can schedule the necessary follow-up appointment to discuss your results before you leave. Our trained nurses and phlebotomists will draw your blood quickly with results back to our providers, usually within a week. Our in-house lab is another way RWC strives to make your life easier.
Ultrasound
Many gynecological disorders, including ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, or malignant tumors, can be easily detected with the help of ultrasound. RWC offers in-house ultrasound imaging done by our diagnostic sonographer, Michelle Polhamus. An ultrasound, which provides a picture of internal organs, tissue, and fluid in the body, may be recommended for symptoms including painful periods, menstrual irregularities, pelvic pain, or post-menopausal bleeding. Most often, a gynecological ultrasound is done transvaginally. This means that a small ultrasound transducer, covered with a protective sheath, is inserted partway into the vagina. This is the most effective way ultrasound can help detect changes in the size, shape, and overall condition of your uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and bladder. The information gained from ultrasound imaging helps our providers develop the most appropriate care plan for each patient.
Hospital Surgery
RWC provides comprehensive gynecological care, including indicated gynecological surgeries. Our providers will assist each patient in reviewing all treatment options and discussing any alternatives to surgery. If, after a thorough evaluation, surgery is determined to be the best option, RWC will take care of you. Drs. Rhett and Smith have privileges at East Cooper Regional Medical Center and Roper Hospital Systems. If your condition requires, they can provide the continuity of care necessary when facing major surgery. A pre-op visit will be scheduled at RWC to review all the risks and benefits of your operation, obtain any required lab work, as well as give you any needed prescriptions. You will be given ample time to get all your questions answered. Scheduling will be taken care of by RWC.
Vaginal Hysterectomy
An incision is made at the top of the vagina, blood vessels are disconnected, and the uterus is removed through the vagina. * Abdominal hysterectomies in which a small incision is made in the abdomen, and the uterus is removed with an enlarged uterus or suspected scar tissue. This is due to a higher risk of infection and longer recovery time.
Laparoscopy
A laparoscopy is a thin, lighted tool with a camera inserted through a small incision around the navel, allowing the doctor to see the pelvic organs on a screen. This can be done for diagnosis as well as treatment. For example, scar tissue and ovarian cysts can be removed.
Contraception
There are a variety of options for birth control available to women. At RWC, we feel it is imperative to explore all options for each patient. A woman’s individual preferences, her age, sexual history, past medical conditions, and desire for a future pregnancy are just some of the factors we consider when discussing contraceptive options. We want to ensure that each woman knows her options and the most efficient and cost-effective way to give her the protection she needs. These options may include barrier methods (condoms/spermicide), oral contraceptives (birth control pills), the Depo-Provera injection, a sub-dermal arm implant (Nexplanon), an IUD (Mirena and Paraguard), or permanent options (Bilateral tubal ligation).
Libido
Many women complain of low libido. They feel like the “spice” is gone from their sex life. They are frustrated because they are “never in the mood,” and/or their relationship is suffering because of their disinterest in sex. Many factors such as hormonal changes, stress, pressure at work or from family, and struggle with body image can decrease the frequency and quality of sexual relations with your partner. We encourage all patients to share any concerns related to sex with their provider. All providers at RWC determine the best course of treatment by carefully considering stress management techniques, communication with your partner, regular exercise, medication, and relationship therapy. In addition, our practitioners use hormonal testing and Bioidentical Hormone Optimization as another method to ensure that each woman’s sexual problems are treated effectively. You do not have to give up a normal healthy sex life as you age!