GYNECOLOGIC CARE BY MIDWIVES

See a Midwife for Your Gynecological Care

Annual Gynecology Visits

If you are looking for a gynecologist in the Burlington, VT or Chittenden County area, but would prefer to see a nurse-midwife, we offer you that option at The University of Vermont Medical Center.

Our midwives provide care to women throughout their life cycle. This services include:

• regular gynecological care with Pap smears
• breast exams
• contraception and family planning
• menopause information
• hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• treatment of some gynecologic problems

Referrals are made to a gynecologist whenever indicated.

Menarche: First Menstruation

Menarche, or first menstruation, is marked by many physical changes but there are also emotional changes as well, often described as a rollercoaster of feelings propelled by hormonal surges. Young women face up to 4-5 years of these hormonal tidal waves or roller coasters. The ebbing or flowing of estrogen in a woman's body is synonymous with mood swings, alternating periods of energy and fatigue, and spiritual highs and lows. Menstruation will occur, on average, anywhere between the ages of 11-13, and ranging as young as 9 or as old as 15. After that first cycle of bleeding, it may take as long as a year or so before a young woman reaches a predictable 28-30 day pattern.

Our OB/Midwifery team is happy to meet with young women to discuss the physical and emotional changes that occur during menarche. We can discuss and educate based on individual needs. Some women will want to learn about birth control options, others may want to discuss heavy menses and cramping, others may be struggling with emotional or social concerns with family or friends.

A first pap smear is recommended after a young woman becomes sexually active for three years or by the age of 21. Meeting with a health care provider before that happens is helpful, so that she feels the importance of her new power to procreate. 

Childbearing Years

The years of fertility are many, and yet most women choose to only cultivate that fertility by bearing children a few times. The OB/Midwifery program at The UVM Medical Center provides supportive, educative, individualized care for women during these years.

A woman's needs may vary during these years but birth control options, healthy lifestyle education, and health screenings (pap smears, cholesterol levels and mammograms) are all basic to our health care at this time.

A woman's emotional needs also change as her roles change with her partner, with work, with her aging parents. We understand and are happy to discuss and support women as they may need counseling referrals, support with PMS symptoms, or libido changes. Yearly annual exams are recommended during this time to screen, support and educate women before and during perimenopause, the year(s) leading up to menopause.

Menopause is marked by a woman's last menstrual period. However, she can not know for sure what is her last period until she has been period free for one year. For more information about However, she can not know for sure what is her last period until she has been period free for one year. Read more information about menopause

Contact a Midwife at The UVM Medical Center

For more information about gynecology, obstetrical or midwifery services at The UVM Medical Center please call us at 802-847-1400.