Services & Procedures

Piedmont OB/GYN

Services & Procedures

Gynecology

The physicians and staff of Piedmont OB/GYN pride ourselves in providing comprehensive women’s health care. We offer routine annual health examinations which include pap smears, breast exams, contraceptive counseling, and general health maintenance advice. We also offer in office cholesterol and osteoporosis screening and help coordinate mammograms and colon cancer screening. In addition to routine health maintenance, our physicians specialize in multiple medical problems such as endometriosis, infertility, abnormal periods, peri-menopause and menopausal symptoms, pelvic pain, pelvic relaxation, and abnormal pap smears.

Piedmont OB/GYN has several female physicians who specialize in adolescent gynecological needs such as painful or irregular periods, contraceptive counseling, STD prevention and vaccination.

All of our physicians at Piedmont OB/GYN are certified to perform all gynecologic procedures with several physicians specializing in cutting edge laparoscopic procedures and pelvic support procedures.

Obstetrics

The goal of the physicians and staff at Piedmont OB/GYN is to provide the highest level obstetric care for you and your baby. We offer extensive counseling and educational materials at your new OB visit as well as first and second trimester ultrasounds to all patients. We also offer 3D ultrasounds in the third trimester to try and capture the first glimpses of your little one. If a complication should arise during your pregnancy, our physicians are well trained and have a strong working relationship with maternal fetal medicine specialists of Greenville Health System to ensure you and your baby receives the best care available in the Upstate. It’s also reassuring to know that a Piedmont OB/GYN physician in available 24 hours a day seven days a week at Greenville Memorial Hospital, so when it’s time to for your delivery – we’re already at the hospital waiting for you. For further pregnancy information, please refer to ourPregnancy Helpful Hints Page.

Procedures


  • Endometrial BiopsyAn endometrial biopsy is a procedure used to evaluate the lining of the uterus. During the biopsy small tissue samples are taken from the uterine lining. This is used to evaluate certain medical problems such as heavy or irregular periods or bleeding after menopause. The procedure takes only a few minutes to perform.Preparing for the procedure- For 24 hours prior to your procedure avoid using vaginal medications and douching. You make wish to take ibuprofen 600mg 30-45 minutes prior to your appointment to help minimize discomfort during your procedure.After the procedure- You may experience mild cramping. Call the office if you have a fever >101° F, foul smelling or unusual discharge, severe abdominal pain, or heavy vaginal bleeding (more than one pad per hour for 2 hours).
  • ColposcopyA colposcopy is a procedure done to evaluate the cervix after an abnormal pap smear. During the procedure, a speculum is inserted and a vinegar solution will be applied to your cervix so the abnormal cells can be seen by your doctor. If abnormal cells are seen, a biopsy may be taken so the cells can be further examined under the microscope to see if further treatment is needed.Preparing for the procedure- The procedure is best performed when you are not having your period. For 24 hours prior to the test it is best to avoid sex, douching, using tampons, and using vaginal medications.After the procedure- You may have some mild spotting for several days. If you have a biopsy, you may have a dark discharge for several days and mild cramping. For 1 week after your biopsy do not have sex, use tampons, or douche. Call the office if you have a fever >101° F, foul smelling or unusual discharge, severe abdominal pain, or heavy vaginal bleeding (more than one pad per hour for 2 hours).
  • LEEP (Loop Electrocautery Excisional Procedure)A LEEP is a procedure used to treat abnormal cells that if left untreated may progress to cervical cancer. A thin wire loop is used to remove the surface cells of the cervix. During the procedure a speculum will be placed and your cervix will be numbed with local anesthetic. You may experience a dull ache or cramping during the process. The entire procedure usually takes less than 10 minutes.Preparing for the procedure- The procedure is best performed when you are not having your period. For 24 hours prior to the test it is best to avoid sex, douching, using tampons, and using vaginal medications.After the procedure- Do not have sex, douche, and do not use tampons until your return visit. Rest the day of your LEEP. You may return to work or school the day after the procedure. You may have a watery, clear, brown, or bloody discharge. It may have a mild odor. This is normal. Bleeding or spotting 7-10 days after the LEEP can occur and it may be similar to a menstrual period. This is normal. You may experience some lower abdominal discomfort or cramps for 1-2 days after the procedure. You may take Tylenol or ibuprofen if needed. You may find a heating pad helpful. Call the office if you have a fever >101° F, foul smelling or unusual discharge, severe abdominal pain, or heavy vaginal bleeding (more than one pad per hour for 2 hours).
  • Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)A HSG is a procedure used to evaluate for blockages in the tubes or to detect abnormalities in the uterine cavity. It is a test routinely used during the evaluation of infertility or recurrent miscarriages. It is performed in the radiology department and takes less than 10 minutes. A speculum will be placed and a catheter will be inserted inside the uterus. Dye will be slowly injected while the radiologist takes films. You will receive preliminary results at the time of your procedure.To schedule your HSG please call Heidi (our surgery and procedure coordinator) at 455-1276 on the first day of your menstrual cycle. She will then schedule the procedure between cycle days 7-12. The morning of your test take ibuprofen 600mg 45 minutes prior to your appointment.After the procedure, you may experience cramping, mild nausea, and slight vaginal bleeding. You will receive a prescription for several days of antibiotics to prevent infection. Call the office if you have a fever >101° F, foul smelling or unusual discharge, severe abdominal pain, or heavy vaginal bleeding (more than one pad per hour for 2 hours).
  • SonohysterogramA sonohysterogram is a specialized ultrasound performed in the office to examine the inside of the uterine cavity. It is used to evaluate abnormal bleeding, infertility, and recurrent miscarriages. When you come to your appointment a standard vaginal ultrasound will be performed first. Then your doctor will come into the ultrasound suite to complete the exam. A speculum will be placed and a small catheter inserted into the uterus. A saline solution will then be injected into the uterus allowing your doctor to assess the inner lining of your uterus. The whole procedure takes less than 10 minutes. You may experience some cramping during the procedure. To help minimize discomfort during the exam, you may take 600mg of ibuprofen 45 minutes prior to your appointment time.After the procedure, you may have some mild cramping. Call the office if you have a fever >101° F, foul smelling or unusual discharge, severe abdominal pain, or heavy vaginal bleeding (more than one pad per hour for 2 hours).
  • Intrauterine Device (IUD) insertionAn IUD is an intrauterine device used most commonly for contraception, but it may also be used in patients to control abnormal, heavy vaginal bleeding. It is placed in the office and takes only a few minutes. Sometimes it is placed using ultrasound guidance, this decision will be made by your doctor at time of insertion. During the procedure, you may experience some menstrual type cramping. In order to decrease your discomfort take ibuprofen 600mg 45 minutes prior to your appointment time.After the procedure, you may have some mild to moderate cramping for 1-2 days after the procedure. Use ibuprofen as needed. You may also experience irregular vaginal bleeding, this is normal. Call the office if you have a fever >101° F, foul smelling or unusual discharge, severe abdominal pain, or heavy vaginal bleeding (more than one pad per hour for 2 hours).
  • Endometrial AblationsAn endometrial ablation is used to treat heavy vaginal bleeding with no underlying cause. It is a short procedure that destroys the inner lining of the uterus. There are now two types of ablative procedures that can be done in the office.Thermachoice- uses a small balloon shaped catheter and heat to destroy the inner lining of the uterus. The balloon is filled with heated fluid and circulated throughout the uterus for approximately 8 minutes. Once the treatment is completed, the fluid and balloon are removed from the uterus.Novasure- uses a mesh device to expand and fill the uterine cavity. Radiofrequency energy is then used to heat and destroy the inner lining of the uterus for approximately 90 seconds. The mesh device is then removed from the uterus.Ablations are minimally invasive, require no incisions, and can be done in the office under local anesthesia. Ninety percent of patients are satisfied with their bleeding after the procedure. After the procedure, it is normal to experience menstrual like cramping, watery discharge, and frequent urination for 24 hours. You should be able to return to work within 24-48 hours after the procedure.
  • Tubal LigationUsing the Essure coil system, it is now possible to undergo a tubal ligation in the office and avoid the operating room and general anesthesia. Essure uses flexible coil inserts to block the fallopian tubes. The coils are placed under direct visualization using a device called a hysteroscope (a small camera to look inside of the uterus). Once the coils are placed, the tubes adhere to the coils creating a barrier to prevent pregnancy. After approximately 3 months, a special x-ray test is used to ensure blockage of the fallopian tubes.The procedure requires no incisions, no general anesthesia, and no hormones. It is a permanent method of birth control with success rates equal to other types of tubal ligations. Most patients are able to return to normal activities within 24-48 hours. The Essure procedure is covered by most insurance carriers.

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