By Annie Heath, CNM

by Dr. Jay Sprong

By Judy Brock, CNM

Midwives have been attending women for centuries. But until the 1940s, history tells us they were generally local women with good hearts and instincts, but no formal education. Times have changed, as has the scope of the midwife's practice. Ten years ago, 3 percent of the babies in the United States were delivered by midwives. Today, that number is up to 10 percent and is on the rise. Still, misconceptions about our work persist.

By Tucker Kueny, MD

Marjorie is 42 years old, and she recently came for her annual check up. She was also very concerned because over the last few years she stated that she has had many urinary tract infections. Over and over again, she was treated with antibiotics, but the urine cultures were always negative, and she never really got better. Now the pain in her lower abdomen is stronger, and never really goes away. She also urinates every few hours and sometimes only a little bit comes out.

By Annie Heath, CNM

Many women have grown up hearing that an essential part of their health care includes a yearly Pap test. But in the last year, these recommendations have changed and, in this instance, the right way to take care of yourself can be confusing.

The Pap test, or pap smear, is a medical procedure in which cells are taken from a woman's cervix (the end of the uterus that extends into the vagina) with a brush or spatula and then examined under a microscope. It is a screening test that identifies abnormal cells which might indicate cervical cancer.

Women's Health is a column wirtten by Women's Health Services staff at Cooley Dickinson Hospital and appears monthly in the Gazette. 

Annie Heath, CNM

By Annie Heath, CNM 

A young woman's first gynecological exam can be filled with anxiety and fear.

This is often based on embarrassment or inaccurate information about what the exam feels like and what testing will be done.

With proper planning, however, the exam can be a time when a young woman learns about her body and how to care for it. She can establish a relationship with a health care provider that is confidential and specific to her needs.