Complete Gynecological Care

Tammy Hadfield is a board certified, women’s healthcare nurse practitioner who has specialized in the care of women since 1990. She is happy to provide patients with a warm, comfortable atmosphere to visit regarding their healthcare needs. She provides complete gynecological care for her patients, including…

• Annual physicals
• Breast exams
• Fasting screening and laboratory testing
• Urinary tract infection (UTI) testing and treatment
• Sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing
• Evaluation of abnormal menstrual bleeding
• Vaginal health concerns
• Birth control management
• Referrals when needed

She is also a specialist in hormone management for PMS, perimenopause and menopause, in addition to being a trained colposcopist. A colposcopist is a trained healthcare provider who is able to evaluate abnormal pap smears for precancerous and cancerous lesions of the cervix, vagina and vulva.

As a women’s health specialist, she does not provide urgent care nor can she be designated as your primary care provider, but she is happy to provide you with a comfortable environment for your yearly annual well women exams and any non-surgical gynecological needs. You will find your experience at Embrace Wellness to be quite different than that of your primary care provider. Our clinic is designed to feel warm and welcoming, just like our care and attention to your needs.

When should you have a pap smear?

It is important to note that a pap smear is only one component of an annual physical exam. An annual exam or physical is a head to toe evaluation which includes listening to your heart and lungs, assessing the head, neck, abdomen and extremities, breast examination, and in some cases a pelvic exam but not necessarily a swab of the cervix, knowns as the pap smear.

Women should have a pap smear every three years starting at age 21. Sexually transmitted infection screenings are recommended yearly by the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) starting at the onset of sexual activity until age 25, which can be done as a swab of the cervix or a urine test. At age 30, all women should have a pap smear and high-risk Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) testing every three years. If you don’t know your HPV status, you should; talk to your health care provider.[TH1]

Birth Control Management

In addition to preventing pregnancy, research shows that hormonal birth control may provide other benefits like regular or lighter periods and relief of menstrual cramping, lower risk of certain cancers and ovarian cysts (PCOS), and other diseases and deficiencies. Finding the right birth control is important, as the hormone levels and delivery can aid in or worsen other factors like PMS, hypothyroidism, menopause, and even sexual dysfunction.

We provide an array of birth control options that include oral contraceptive pills, the vaginal ring, intrauterine devices-both hormonal and non-hormonal, and implants. Birth control choices are based on each patient’s individual needs and the choice is yours.

Lichen Sclerosus–When is an itch not just an itch?

With the vast number of over the counter feminine anti-itch products and yeast treatment kits available on the market, most women believe that itching and recurrent yeast is a normal part of being a woman. But nothing could be further from the truth.

If you are experiencing the following symptoms, you could have lichen sclerosus:

• Recurrent itching on the inner labia, outer labia, and/or rectal areas
• Painful intercourse
• Persistent dryness on the outside the vagina
• Changes to the labia as if they are melting away or sticking together
• Cracking on your labia or the opening of your vagina that could be described as a “paper cut sensation”
• Callusing of the labia

Once thought to be a rare vulvar disease, this condition is actually quite common and is often misdiagnosed by medical professionals. Itching and recurrent yeast symptoms are not normal, and you are not alone.

If you have never talked to your healthcare provider about this concern or have left a visit feeling unheard, please schedule a visit with us today. Tammy has diagnosed hundreds of women with this condition using pathology-confirmed evaluation. She has conventional treatments, such as topical steroid creams and hormone therapies, in addition to investigational treatments, such as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP).

Whether you are in need of birth control options, need an evaluation of a gynecological concern, or just need a caring, compassionate women’s healthcare provider, Embrace Wellness is here for you. Call for an appointment today.