Teenaged women may be reluctant to go to a obstetrician-gynecologist's office, but they still need access to reproductive health care. Dr. Arden provides these services in an adolescent-friendly environment to help make teens more comfortable.
Pelvic Exam: The pelvic exam, also known as a g.y.n. exam or an internal exam, is an important part of women's health care, but it is only done when medically indicated. Dr. Arden specializes in the first pelvic exam, seeing it as an opportunity to teach patients about their bodies and performing the exam in an unhurried manner that empowers the patient to be an active participant in her own health maintenance. There is an excellent description of the exam is found at this link: http://www.contraceptiononline.org/contrareport/pdfs/08_04_pu.pdf
Pap Smear: The Pap smear is a lab test that can be done as part of a pelvic exam. It is a screening test for the earliest signs of pre-cancer of the cervix. Dr. Arden uses only "Thin-Prep" Pap smears, which are more accurate than traditional slide tests. Current recommendations call for the first pap smear 3 years after the initiation of sexual intercourse, or at age 21. There is an excellent description of the Pap smear at this link: http://www.contraceptiononline.org/contrareport/pdfs/10_01_pu.pdf
