Endometriosis is a common condition among women aged 25 to 35, and sometimes older. This health disorder occurs when cells lining the uterus begin to grow elsewhere in a woman’s body. Symptoms of endometriosis may include: Abdominal pain Irregular uterine bleeding Problems with infertility Endometriosis is also known in some cases to be genetic. The doctors at The Group for Women offer many services for the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis. Pelvic examinations and transvaginal ultrasounds are two methods we can use to determine if you have endometriosis. Depending on the severity of your condition and other factors such as age and your desire to have children, we may suggest medication and/or surgery to relieve pain and other symptoms. If you are past childbearing age or do not wish to get pregnant, your doctor can discuss other options. At The Group for Women, we care about your health. When you visit any of our doctors for treatment of endometriosis and other conditions, we will counsel you with regards to the best option for your body and health, and will see you through treatment and recovery with the utmost care. If you have questions about treatment, we are happy to answer them. Contact The Group for Women today at 757-466-5751 to schedule your appointment. The Group for Women is a leader in women’s healthcare providing OBGYN services, Urogynecology, Birth Control, Hormone Replacement Therapy, office procedures and minimally invasive and outpatient surgical procedures to patients in the cities of Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Newport News and Hampton throughout Hampton Roads and beyond. Call us today for your appointment 757-466-5751.

The Group for Women cares for all of your female health needs, both routine and when you have problems. Throughout your life you may experience female health problems that may need tests, medications and possibly surgery. The Group for Women uses the latest tests, procedures and state-of-the-art surgical techniques to help diagnose and provide treatment. It is important that you let your doctor know if you are experiencing any of these conditions. If you have pain or unusual bleeding, please call our office immediately at 757-466-6350 so we can see you as soon as possible, in most cases that same day. However, if this is an emergency, call 911. Types of Gynecologic Problems: Menstrual Problems: Premenstrual Stress Disorder; Menstrual irregularity, pain or excessive flow; Breast Disorders: nipple discharge, pain, masses Abnormal Pap Smear Hormonal Disorders Contraceptive (Birth Control) Management Pelvic pain from Endometriosis or Fibroids Disorders of the ovaries Menopause: Pre-Menopause symptoms; Post-Menopausal bleeding; Hormones Urinary: Bladder infections; Pelvic relaxation; Urinary Incontinence Infections of the Vagina and Vulvar (external female genitals): Burning, stinging or itching; Appears red and swollen Bone Density: Osteoporosis Fertility: Evaluations and treatment for infertility Call for your appointment today at 757-466-5751. The Group for Women is a leader in women’s healthcare providing OBGYN services, Urogynecology, Birth Control, Hormone Replacement Therapy, office procedures and minimally invasive and outpatient surgical procedures to patients in the cities of Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Newport News and Hampton throughout Hampton Roads and beyond. Call us today for your appointment 757-466-5751.

As you grow older and your body changes, you will notice that you do not naturally produce as many hormones as you did in your youth. Some external changes are easily noticed – skin discoloration, wrinkles, gray hair – but as you approach menopause you are also at risk developing osteoporosis. Over time, your bone tissue may become thinner and bone density decreases, leaving your bones brittle and more susceptible to fractures and breakage. A bone density test can help determine the best care of your body to prevent these problems. The Group for Women is dedicated to helping you maintain optimal bone health as you mature. It is not uncommon for women over the age of 50 to suffer bone fractures – especially broken hips – and we are here to consult with you and offer treatment options best suited to your needs. A bone density test is a good way to know the state of your bone tissue and determine whether hormone replacement therapy, a change in diet and exercise, or surgery is the best course of action for you. Unfortunately, many women do not realize the symptoms of osteoporosis until the disease has reached a late stage. As a patient at The Group for Women, we can help monitor your health and work toward preventative measures so you can grow older with grace and strength. Getting a bone density test is a good first step. Mid-Atlantic Imaging Centers If you answer yes to any of the following questions you may be at risk for osteoporosis: Do you have a fair complexion? Are you over 40 years old? Do you smoke cigarettes? Do you have a family history of osteoporosis? Do you consume low amounts of dairy products? Are you currently on thyroid medications? Through a Bone Density Scan, which measures your bone mass, osteoporosis can be detected early and treated. Mid-Atlantic Imaging Centers perform full bed (hip and spine) Bone Density Scans at all five imaging centers located in Chesapeake, Newport News, Norfolk and Virginia Beach offices. Contact The Group for Women today at 757-466-5751 to schedule your appointment. The Group for Women is a leader in women’s healthcare providing OBGYN services, Urogynecology, Birth Control, Hormone Replacement Therapy, office procedures and minimally invasive and outpatient surgical procedures to patients in the cities of Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Newport News and Hampton throughout Hampton Roads and beyond. Call us today for your appointment 757-466-5751.

Who Needs Routine Preventative Care? Women of all ages, from their adolescent teenage years through their senior years. What are Routine Preventative Care Appointments? They are annual appointments with your gynecologist, and they are an important part of your care with The Group for Women. These annual appointments should begin in your teen years and are especially important when you are sexually active. During your appointment, your doctor will: Perform a pelvic exam Take a pap smear Have routine blood work and a urinalysis done to check for any abnormalities Examine your breasts, show you how to perform a self-breast exam and recommend the age when you should begin to have a mammography Offer contraceptive counseling Perform other gynecologic screenings as needed Discuss your diet and exercise Recommend any supplements for bone health like calcium Ask you about any other questions or concerns you have about your health care Why are Routine Preventative Care Appointments important? An annual appointment with your gynecologist is very important because abnormalities can be detected and treated quickly. Because your female organs are internal, they cannot be seen without a special exam and tests. For example, a pap smear can detect many minor abnormalities long before they are able to be seen even by your doctor or felt by you, the patient. A pap smear is a test that checks for changes in the cells of your cervix which is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that opens into the vagina (birth canal). The doctor performs this test by taking a swab of your cervix. It is done in the examination room and is painless. The pap smear can tell if you have an infection, abnormal (unhealthy) cervical cells, or cervical cancer. Annual appointments give you an opportunity to discuss any issues you may be having and ask questions to your doctor. Depending on your age, your doctor can discuss many issues including menstrual difficulties, menopause, hormone therapies, birth control, pregnancy plans and problems with intimacy. Who will you see for your Routine Preventative Care Appointment? The Group for Women encourages you to establish a relationship with one of the practice’s doctors, so they can get to know your healthcare needs. Throughout your life, however, you may need to see another one of our highly qualified doctors for a special problem or procedure, so we encourage you to be familiar with our team of doctors and nurses. To learn more about the services we provide, please contact us today at 757-466-6350.  

Charlette King and Nancy Sinibaldi, our nurse practitioners, are registered nurses who have specialized training in obstetrics and gynecology. Charlette received her BSN from Long Island University in Brooklyn and her MSN from Hampton University. Charlette is fluent in French as well as English. Prior to joining The Group for Women, Charlette worked for Planned Parenthood in Southeastern Virginia. Charlette is also on the Adjunct faculty of Hampton University. As one of our nurse practitioners, Charlette provides the following types of medical care: yearly gynecological exams and Pap smears; contraceptive methods and counseling; routine prenatal and postpartum care; diagnosis and treatment of infections, evaluation of menstrual irregularities and discomforts; and hormone replacement therapy.