Women's Health Associates

Thank you for trusting us as your source of information on Women’s Health.  If you are a new patient looking for a gynecologist, we are aware of the fears that you may have about your gynecological visit.  For those of you whom we consider a part of our family, you already know our motto is “Be Your Best,”  as we walk with you on your journey to better health.  We make every attempt to provide the services you need while making your visit with us as comfortable as possible. We are grateful to have been voted Aiken’s Choice as the Best for Gynecological Care since 2017, seven years in a row!

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Aiken Standard's Aiken's Choice for GYN 7 years in a row

Young female doctor at desk isolated. Selective focus

Routine Medical Services

Menstrual Disorders

Menopause Management

Hormone Therapy

Surgical Treatment

Contraceptive Management

Genetic Risk Assessment

Nurse Assisting Patient Undergoing Mammogram

Advanced Women’s Health Technology

a 3D mammogram (breast tomosynthesis) is an imaging test that combines multiple breast X-rays to create a three-dimensional picture of the breast

This is the latest FDA-approved advancement to find breast cancer early, when it is most treatable, in people who have no signs or symptoms. A yearly mammogram is recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for your lifetime.

Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the breast. It helps diagnose the causes of pain, swelling and infection and helps guide in office aspirations. Ultrasound is safe, noninvasive, and does not use radiation.

No two women are the same and that means the same breast cancer screening plan is not right for everyone. About 40% of women have dense breast tissue. For these women, mammograms alone may not be enough for early detection of breast cancer. We want to provide the most advanced technology to our patients. That is why we now offer Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS). ABUS is the only breast cancer screening technology FDA-approved* for detection in women with dense breast tissue.

If you have dense breast tissue, the addition of ABUS screening can increase the detection of cancers (as cited in Brem et al, Radiology, March 2015).

What should I expect?   For an ABUS screening, you will lie down on an exam table instead of standing at the machine as you do with a mammogram. A flexible, polyester, mesh fabric screen is placed over your breast and comfortably stabilizes breast tissue for optimal image quality. Next a layer of ultrasound lotion is applied to your breast and the scanner is firmly positioned on your breast by our experienced team member to acquire the images. This comfortable exam takes approximately 15 minutes. The radiologist will review the ABUS screening images along with your mammogram. 

Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. It helps diagnose the causes of pain, swelling and infection in the body’s internal organs and to examine an unborn child (fetus) in pregnant women. Ultrasound is safe, noninvasive, and does not use radiation.

A colposcopy is a type of cervical cancer test that allows the doctor to get a closer look at your cervix — the opening to your uterus. It’s used to find abnormal cells in your cervix.  You’ll lie down on an exam table like you would for a pelvic exam. The doctor places a speculum into your vagina and open it.  Then they wash your cervix with a vinegar-like solution. This makes it easier to see abnormal cells. Next, they’ll look at your cervix through a colposcope — an instrument that looks like binoculars on a stand with a bright light. The colposcope doesn’t touch you or go inside you.

If your doctor or nurse sees something that doesn’t look normal, they’ll do a biopsy. This means they’ll take a tiny sample of tissue and send it to a lab.  There are 2 types of biopsies: One takes tissue from outside your cervix. The other takes tissue from inside the opening of your cervix. Sometimes you need more than one biopsy.

A colposcopy and biopsy only takes about 5-10 minutes.

A colposcopy is nearly pain-free. You might feel pressure when the speculum goes in. It might also sting or burn a little when they wash your cervix with the vinegar-like solution.

If you get a biopsy, you might have some discomfort. Most people describe it feeling like a sharp pinch or a period cramp. You might have a little spotting, bleeding, or dark discharge from your vagina for a few days after a biopsy.

Peace of Mind. Knowing if you have an inherited risk for cancer can be a useful tool for prevention and help identify a cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage.  That is why we work with INVITAE.  Their testing kits are easy to use, provide quick and reliable information and their services are billable to most insurances.  Speak with Dr Besson at your next visit to see if you should use this testing option.