During an annual exam, we discuss any gynecologic issues you may be experiencing and perform a breast and pelvic exam. For teenage patients, we also discuss safe sex practices, STD screening, self-image, and safety in college. 

We practice trauma-informed care and prioritize our patients’ comfort and boundaries. For patients with a history of trauma, or anxiety about pelvic exams, we listen to your needs and walk you through every step of the process. We are one of the few practices in the country to offer a HPV self-swab, a substitute for the pap smear that allows the patient to have complete control for those who experience anxiety, pain, or mobility barriers with standard pelvic exams.

When should I start seeing a gynecologist?

What should I expect during a pap smear? Part 1 Part 2‍ ‍Part 3

Birth control is important to prevent unwanted pregnancies. We provide a variety of contraceptive options that are suitable for different goals and lifestyles, including birth control pills and IUDs. We are happy to discuss in detail and help you pick the right option for you.

At our practice, we are able to perform pregnancy verification ultrasounds or consult for nausea, vomiting, and other concerns within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. If you are more than 12 weeks pregnant, you will need to see a provider who can guide you through your entire pregnancy.

Endometriosis is a common condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can cause severe pain, irregular bleeding, and infertility and requires surgical intervention. We treat endometriosis using robotic surgery, allowing you to recover within just 1-2 weeks.

Fertility success starts long before you step into an IVF clinic. By optimizing whole-body health and addressing anatomical barriers, we give you the best chance to conceive, carry, and thrive. Because eggs, ovulation, and implantation all respond to daily habits, every new-patient visit begins with an evidence-based lifestyle plan. We will discuss nutrition, metabolic health and weight, movement, sleep, stress, and environmental toxins. Dr. Lee Christianson carries dual certifications in OB/GYN and Lifestyle Medicine, and provides expert care to patients looking to optimize their fertility.

Our fellowship-trained minimally invasive team offers the full spectrum of fertility-sparing procedures: myomectomy (fibroid removal), endometriosis excision & pelvic adhesiolysis, hysteroscopic septum or polyp removal, ovarian cystectomy/drilling (PCOS), and diagnostic laparoscopy with chromotubation.

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths made of smooth muscle and fibrous tissue that develop in or on the wall of the uterus. They can cause pain, prolonged menstruation, and exhaustion. They’re also extremely common—approximately 80% of women have had a fibroid by the time they turn 50. Dr. Cheruba Prabakar is a fibroids specialist known as “The Fibroid Doc” available to address all your concerns and treatment needs.

Heavy uterine bleeding can disrupt your daily life and cause you to feel light-headed and dizzy. There are many possible causes of heavy bleeding, including polyps, fibroids, adenomyosis, and abnormal cells (ex. cancer) in the uterus. This is a condition that can be evaluated and treated in the office.

Learn about Myfembree, a medication used for treating heavy bleeding

Infertility or reduced fertility is a common problem, affecting one in eight couples trying to conceive. There are many reasons for infertility or reduced fertility in both men and women. If you are younger than 35 and have not been able to conceive for over 1 year, or older than 35 and have not been able to conceive for 6 months, it’s time to seek additional care. 

If you are a patient already undergoing fertility treatment and looking for a polyp or fibroid removal, we can schedule a surgery at our office within 1-2 weeks so that you can proceed with embryo transfer as soon as possible.

Watch Dr. Cheruba Prabakar’s interview with fertility specialist Dr. Carolina Sueldo

Menopause is the natural point in life when a person stops having menstrual periods for 12 months in a row and can no longer get pregnant. Patients experiencing menopause may struggle with sleep irregularity, mood changes, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and low libido. At our practice, we take a personalized, evidence-based approach to help you feel like yourself again. Dr. Cheruba Prabakar and Dr. Lee Christianson are both certified menopause practitioners and will guide you through the latest recommendations around menopause hormone therapy including the use of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. As a lifestyle medicine physician, Dr. Christianson also incorporates diet and movement into your treatment.

We offer a Menopause Mastery membership for year-round, all-inclusive care as you navigate this transitional phase.

Ovarian cysts are a common problem, from the teen to the post-menopausal years. Sometimes they don’t cause any symptoms; however, when they are large enough or begin twisting, they can cause severe pain. There are many different types of ovarian cysts, and recommendations on treatment and surgical removal may differ based on age and other factors.

Learn about Ovarian Torsion

There are many reasons why someone may feel pain during sex, including tight or spasming pelvic muscles, endometriosis, fibroids, remnant hymenal tissue, and vaginal dryness. Everyone deserves to have good sex! If you are experiencing pain during intercourse, we can help you.

A pap test is a screening for cervical cancer. Guidelines for how often you may need a pap test differ by age; between 21-30, we suggest you receive a pap smear once every three years. Between 30-65, you should have one every five years. After 65, you may be eligible to stop testing.

If your pap smear or HPV test has an abnormal result, we may suggest a colonoscopy. This allows us to examine the inside of the large intestine to detect and prevent cancerous growth. This procedure can be performed in-office within just a few minutes.

Pelvic pain can be debilitating and severely impact your day-to-day life. There are many reasons why someone may have pelvic pain, endometriosis being one of the more common causes. We can help you figure out why you are suffering from pelvic pain and guide you along the correct treatment paths.

Vaginal spotting or bleeding after menopause can be concerning, and has several potential causes. This issue needs prompt evaluation from a gynecologist, and may require an ultrasound or biopsy at our office.

The “fourth trimester” can present unique challenges and health concerns.  If you are looking for extra support during this time–especially around the issues of urinary incontinence, bowel issues, and postpartum depression–please schedule an appointment.

Do you feel a bulge between your legs, like something is falling out? Have you been urinating unusually often, or experiencing trouble urinating? Do you need to stick your fingers into your vagina to have a bowel movement? If any of these symptoms sound familiar to you, you may be experiencing prolapse. We offer diagnosis and treatment for this condition at our office.

Vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast, are uncomfortable, itchy, and sometimes painful. These infections can be easily diagnosed and treated in the office.