Women’s health needs can change throughout adulthood. Routine cervical cancer screening, contraception decisions, menstrual changes, and menopause symptoms all deserve care that considers your medical history, comfort, and personal goals.
At My Primary Care NP, women’s health care is integrated into the practice’s wider selection of adult services. Lana Kim, DNP, provides Pap smears, contraceptive counseling, menopause support, and hormone replacement therapy counseling for appropriate patients in Bel Air.
What Women’s Health Services Are Available?
Women’s health visits provide an opportunity to discuss preventive needs, reproductive health, symptoms, medications, and changes that may affect your quality of life.
Depending on your needs, Lana may help with:
- Pap smears and cervical cancer screening
- Contraceptive counseling
- Menstrual concerns
- Perimenopause and menopause symptoms
- Hormone replacement therapy counseling
- Vaginal dryness or discomfort
- Sexual health questions
- Appropriate laboratory testing
- Referrals for gynecologic or specialty care
My Primary Care NP does not replace every service provided by an OB-GYN. Lana can address appropriate primary care concerns and help determine when pelvic imaging, procedures, pregnancy-related care, or specialized gynecologic evaluation is needed.
When Do You Need a Pap Smear?
A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, collects cells from the cervix to look for changes that could develop into cervical cancer. Cervical cancer screening may involve a Pap test, testing for high-risk human papillomavirus, or both, depending on your age and circumstances.
Your recommended schedule depends on factors such as:
- Your age
- Previous Pap or HPV results
- Whether you still have a cervix
- Your immune system
- A history of cervical precancer or cancer
- Other individual risk factors
Current federal guidelines recommend regular cervical cancer screening for average-risk adults within specific age ranges, but people with elevated risk or previous abnormal results may need individualized follow-up.
Lana can review your screening history and help coordinate follow-up when a result requires additional evaluation. Pap testing may also be included as part of your broader preventive care plan.
How Does Contraceptive Counseling Work?
Contraceptive counseling helps you compare birth control options based on your health, preferences, pregnancy plans, and comfort with each method.
Lana may discuss options such as:
- Birth control pills
- Patches or vaginal rings
- Injections
- Barrier methods
- Long-acting methods placed by an appropriate provider
- Emergency contraception
- Permanent contraception referrals
The right option depends on factors such as effectiveness, side effects, medical history, convenience, cost, and whether you want a reversible method. Most contraceptive methods do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, while condoms can help reduce that risk.
Some contraceptive methods may not be appropriate for patients with certain cardiovascular risks, migraine patterns, cancer histories, or medication interactions.
What Symptoms Can Occur During Menopause?
Menopause is the point when menstrual periods have stopped for 12 consecutive months. The transition leading up to menopause is called perimenopause and may begin years earlier.
Symptoms may include:
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Sleep disruption
- Mood changes
- Vaginal dryness
- Pain during sex
- Urinary symptoms
- Changes in concentration or energy
Some women experience few changes, while others have symptoms that interfere with sleep, work, relationships, or everyday comfort.
Because thyroid disorders, medication effects, anxiety, depression, and other conditions can sometimes produce similar symptoms, Lana may consider whether evaluation through chronic disease and medication management or mental health care is also appropriate.
Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Right for You?
Hormone replacement therapy, also called menopausal hormone therapy, may help relieve symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal discomfort. Treatment may involve systemic hormones, localized vaginal treatment, or another approach based on the symptoms being addressed.
Hormone therapy is not appropriate for everyone and requires thorough evaluation before you begin, but it can provide meaningful symptom relief for some.
Why Choose My Primary Care NP for Women’s Health?
My Primary Care NP includes women’s health within comprehensive primary care. Lana Kim, DNP, considers your reproductive health, medications, preventive needs, chronic conditions, mental well-being, and personal goals together.
The practice is built around patient-centered care, accessibility, compassion, respect, excellence, and collaboration. Lana provides clear information, protects your privacy, and helps you understand when a concern can be managed in primary care or requires an OB-GYN or another specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Women’s Health Care
Arrange a Women’s Health Visit in Bel Air
Women’s health care should provide clear answers, respectful guidance, and treatment based on your individual needs.
My Primary Care NP offers Pap smears, contraceptive counseling, menopause support, and hormone therapy counseling in Bel Air, Maryland. Call 410-417-9322 to speak with Lana Kim, DNP, and arrange a consultation.
