Covington Women’s Health Specialists Awarded Best of Newton 2022

We are proud to announce that Covington Women’s Health Specialists was voted the Best Obstetrics & Gynecology in 2022 Best of Newton Award for the sixth year in a row! 

Every year, Newton County residents nominate and submit their vote for their favorite local businesses to Covington News. These categories include the town’s best jewelry store to grocery store—and of course, gynecologists!

“We are incredibly thankful to our team for their knowledge, love and support,” Dr. Cathy T. Larrimore said. “No matter what changes we face, our patients can depend on us to provide good quality healthcare.”

After two and a half years of the pandemic, two maternity leaves and countless COVID policies, we are still going strong! Thank you to everyone who voted for Covington Women’s Health Specialists. We are honored to serve you and our community!

What the Bumps on Your Vulva Could Mean

Finding new bumps anywhere on your body can be concerning, especially if they show up on your genitals. While you shouldn’t hesitate to schedule an appointment if  you discover something unfamiliar around your vulva, here are some potential causes to consider in the meantime.

Ingrown Hairs

Wherever hair grows on the body, ingrown hairs can form. These irritated bumps can be uncomfortable, red, and inflamed, and could even become filled with pus.

While an ingrown pubic hair can clear up on its own, a warm compress can help draw the hair out. Then gently remove it with sterilized tweezers. While the affected area is healing, avoid any other hair removal practices.

If  you choose to shave on a regular basis, you can keep ingrown hairs at bay by using only a clean, sharp razor, and lubing up the outer area with a gentle shaving cream. You might also consider professional waxing as an alternate hair removal method if ingrown hairs become a persistent issue.

Pimples

As with your cheeks, chin, back, and even chest, the labia can develop pimples when skin pores become clogged. Tight-fitting clothing, exposure to sweat and other body fluids, and public pools or hot tubs are all potential causes for these breakouts. Typically, when given gentle cleaning and otherwise left alone, your unseemly zit will clear up within a few days, but be sure to schedule an appointment if a blemish lingers.

Cysts

Your vulva may be a possible site for cysts, thanks to Bartholin’s glands which secrete fluid to provide lubrication during sex. If these helpful gland openings become obstructed, built up fluid can cause a cyst. And if the cyst gets infected, accumulated pus can create an abscess. You’ll know this is the case if the area becomes red, swollen, tender or hot—sometimes you may get a fever, too. A warm bath soak may help the cyst drain, but if the swelling and discomfort persists after several days, see one of our providers for consultation on other treatment options.

Allergic Reactions

Contact dermatitis, a common skin reaction, may form around your vulva after contact with all kinds of things, including condoms, lubricants, feminine products, scented bath oils, or even laundry detergents. If you’ve recently introduced a new substance to your private regimen, try eliminating it for a few days to see if it helps clear things up. If not, we advise you to make an appointment with your gynecologist.

Bumps With More Serious Causes

STIs

If you have a bump that becomes inflamed or irritated, and doesn’t disappear on its own, make sure to rule out any sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Genital herpes, genital warts, syphilis, scabies, and molluscum contagiosum can all create bumps on the genitals, and must be tested by an expert in order to determine proper treatment.

Cancer

Vulvar cancer makes up only 0.6% of all cancers in women, and is extremely rare. But it’s still important to be on the lookout. Though symptoms vary, the main indicators include open sores, an unusually rough texture, persistent itching, non-menstrual bleeding, or severe pain and burning. Anything that feels uncomfortable or gives you alarm for more than a week should certainly be checked out by your doctor or gynecologist.

Bumps and irritation may be a normal part of your body’s functions, but if any new symptom has developed, contact Covington Women’s Health for peace of mind. Our practitioners can help diagnose and treat issues, and put you at ease. Schedule an appointment online or call us at (770) 385-8954.

Nervous About Pap Smears? Read This First

Pap smears are a routine aspect of gynecological care. But if you’ve never had one before, it’s normal to be a bit nervous. Here’s what to expect to quell any fears you may have.

What Are Pap Smears?

Also referred to as a Pap test, the Pap smear is used to look for cellular changes in the cervix that could become cancerous if left untreated. This routine procedure is performed right in the doctor’s office, typically as part of your annual preventative exam.

During the process, your provider will gently remove cells from your cervix with a specifically designed brush. Once the cells are extracted, medical experts will inspect them under a microscope, specifically looking for signs of cervical dysplasia, or precancerous changes. Your doctor will discuss any abnormal results with you as soon as they are available.

According to the Cervical Cancer Screening and Prevention guidelines, women at an average risk for cervical cancer should begin receiving Pap smears at the age of 21.

What Is the Purpose of a Pap Smear?

While medical experts primarily use Pap test results to look for precancerous cells that could lead to cervical cancer, the National Cancer Institute notes that the test can also help uncover infections or other causes of inflammation.

Sometimes, a Pap smear may also be combined with an HPV test. Instead of identifying precancerous cells, however, medical professionals use the HPV test results to detect the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can later cause cellular changes that lead to cervical cancer. In tandem, both tests allow your doctor to determine your cervical and vaginal health.

What Happens During a Pap Smear?

While a pap smear can be slightly uncomfortable, the procedure usually lasts less than 30 seconds. During the process, you’ll undress  from the waist down and then lie on your back with your feet resting in stirrups. Your doctor will slowly insert a speculum, which opens the vaginal walls to access the cervix. In the final step, your doctor will gently brush your cervix with a special tool to receive cells from the area.

Though generally quick and simple, some women report slight irritation during the test, and it’s normal to experience some vaginal bleeding or cramping afterward.

How Can I Prepare for the Pap Test?

Ideally, you’ll want to plan your appointment for a time when you’re not menstruating heavily. Blood can make it more difficult to get an accurate test on cervical cells.

When you arrive for your appointment you may also ask to empty your bladder, to eliminate any added pressure and alleviate discomfort during the test. Just be sure to first ask a nurse or front desk associate whether you’ll also need to provide a urine sample during your visit.

Although having a Pap test may be momentarily uncomfortable, it’s an important component of comprehensive gynecological care which could have life-saving benefits. While cervical cancer was once the leading cause of death in U.S. women, the Pap test has significantly decreased rates by uncovering the presence of cancer early, when treatment is most effective.

If you’re due for your Pap smear, or are embarking on it for the first time, our providers will make the process as comfortable as possible, and are ready to answer any questions you may have. Schedule an appointment online or call us at (770) 385-8954.