ABOUT

In addition to family planning, Tapestry Health offers female and male reproductive health care. If we do not provide a particular service, we will refer you to a professional who does.

INFECTIONS

Our clinicians check for sexually and non-sexually transmitted infections. If you suspect an infection, come to Tapestry Health for an exam. It could develop into a serious complication if left untreated. Click here to learn about different infections; click here to learn about rapid HIV testing.

HPV VACCINE

Women and men younger than 26 can get the HPV vaccine at Tapestry Health. The vaccine protects against certain strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV), which can cause cancers and genital warts in female and male reproductive organs. Please remember that the vaccine reduces the risk for HPV only, not other STIs.

PELVIC EXAMS & PAP SMEARS

Women can get routine pelvic exams at Tapestry Health. In this exam, a clinician checks for infections or organ abnormalities by evaluating the pelvic area, including the vulva, uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. For some methods of birth control, a pelvic exam is required before receiving a prescription.

As part of a pelvic exam, you may get a Pap smear, which screens for cervical cancer by collecting a sample of cells from the cervix for analysis. It can detect cervical cancer at an early and curable stage, and even prevent it if pre-cancerous lesions are found and treated. Women should begin getting routine Pap smears at the age of 21. Talk with a provider about how often you should get screened.

To ensure accurate results:

• Avoid scheduling a pelvic exam or Pap smear when are due to have your period, unless you are concerned about irregular bleeding and want a clinician to examine it. Menstraul fluid can interfere with lab results.
• Abstain from sex for 48 hours before your appointment
• Refrain from inserting objects during those same 48 hours, including tampons, douches, and spermicides

BREAST HEALTH

We offer clinical breast exams as part of routine checkups. In this exam, a clinician feels the breasts and surrounding areas for abnormalities. Even if you regularly perform breast self-exams, getting clinical exams annually by a professional is essential to staying healthy and making sure that you do not have breast cancer.