Gynecologic Screenings & Preventive Care

Gynecologic screenings and preventive care services from Virginia Mason Franciscan Health are creating healthier communities throughout the Puget Sound. These services enable us to detect health issues in earlier stages so that you receive timely treatment. 

Our highly skilled providers tailor preventive services to your age and health risks. These appointments also help us support your overall health. We check for signs of common gynecologic concerns and may recommend additional tests and treatments. Let us help you feel your best for years to come.

At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, our team of gynecologists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners provide health screenings and preventive care. We have a genuine interest in your well-being, which is why you'll find caring individuals at every turn. Whether checking in at the front desk or scheduling follow-up tests, we do everything possible to help you have an excellent experience. 

Highlights of our program include:

• Personalized care: We offer many screenings and preventive care services. The right ones for you depend on your age, health history, and risk of certain chronic conditions, like cancer. Our collaborative approach involves explaining recommendations and helping you decide how to proceed.

• Compassion: Your beliefs and lifestyle play an important role in your health, which is why we ask questions about them. Our offices are a safe, nonjudgmental place where you can talk openly about routines, preferences, and concerns. Doing so enables you to receive the services and support you need to reach your health goals.

• Coordination: Some health screenings, like mammograms, require the services of other providers. You may benefit from additional consultations if a screening comes back positive. We coordinate referrals to other specialists whenever necessary, so you continue receiving care from a team you know and trust.

Online appointment scheduling
Your time is valuable, which is why we offer online appointment scheduling with select gynecologic care providers. All it takes is a few clicks. Browse providers who offer online scheduling.

Our holistic approach to gynecology exams involves discussing your overall well-being. Your provider starts with questions about your personal and family health history. This information lets us know more about your needs and the assessments, tests or treatments that can help you. 

Your provider may ask about:

• Birth control and whether you are experiencing challenges with it
• Gynecologic conditions you have or had, including endometriosis and uterine fibroids
• Lifestyle, such as whether you use tobacco, have sex with men or women and eat a nutritious diet 
• Other medical conditions you have, such as diabetes, heart disease, or sleep issues
• Period health, including how often you menstruate and whether you are having bothersome symptoms like cramps or heavy flow
• Pregnancies, how many you've had and if you are currently trying to get pregnant
• Sexual health, including whether you are experiencing discomfort during intercourse

Next, your provider performs one or more screening tests. Some are physical exams, while others involve answering a series of questions. 

Your care may include: 

• Breast exam to check for lumps, skin changes, and unusual nipple discharge 
• Menopause or perimenopause screening
• Pelvic exam and Pap smear, which detects signs of cervical cancer
• Sexually transmitted infection risk assessment and testing, if appropriate

Your provider may also perform or recommend other preventive care services to assess your:

• Blood pressure 
• Bone health
• Cholesterol 
• Diabetes 

As you age, your risk of certain cancers increases. Or you may face a higher risk if one or more family members have had cancer. Your provider may recommend:  

• Mammogram to check for breast cancer
• Colorectal cancer screening
• Lung cancer screening for older adults who are currently using or previously used tobacco

Healthy lifestyle screening and support may include checking for signs of:

• Alcohol misuse 
• Depression and other mental health concerns
• Intimate partner violence 
• Obesity or nutritional concerns
• Tobacco use

Find out more about our gynecology services in the Puget Sound area or make an appointment.