Armed with the latest technological advancements, the medical team at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center helps women stay up-to-date on yearly physicals and routine screenings

By Ken McEntee

Early detection usually results in a better chance of successful treatment of cancer and other medical conditions, advises Lori Mullen, MD, an OB/GYN, gynecological surgeon and lead physician with Geauga Women’s Specialties at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center.

That, Dr. Mullen says, is one reason why women should not neglect their annual physicals and routine medical screenings.

“During the pandemic, many people have put off their routine health care,” she laments. “As a result, some conditions have progressed longer than they should have before being detected. It is safe—and important—to see your gynecologist and your primary care physician every year and to keep up with your mammograms, pap smears and other periodic health screenings.”

Starting at the age of 18, Dr. Mullen says, women’s annual physical exams should include screening for:

• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol
• Glucose
• Skin conditions
• Weight and Body Mass Index (BMI)

Meanwhile, women also should stay current on their gynecological exams, including pap smears and HPV tests for cervical cancer, breast exams and mammograms to detect breast abnormalities that may be, or may become, cancerous.

UH Geauga Medical Center, she says, offers the latest technology for breast cancer testing.

“Many women have dense breast tissue, which may limit what can be detected on a routine mammogram,” Dr. Mullen explains. “At University Hospitals, an advanced technology called tomosynthesis is used for breast cancer screening. Tomosynthesis provides a 3D image with better detail than a routine mammogram. We also offer what we call a Fast Breast MRI for women who have very dense tissue or who have had a breast surgery in the past.”

Guidelines for frequency of pap smears and HPV testing for cervical cancer have changed several times in recent years.

“It can be confusing, and some women may think that if they are recommended for a pap test every three or five years, they only need to visit their gynecologist every three or five years,” Dr. Mullen says. “That isn’t true. We suggest that our patients see us every year for an exam and to discuss what kind of screening we need to do. Whatever the guidelines, your medical care decisions are between you and your physician.”

Dr. Mullen says UH Geauga Medical Center offers a “small hospital feel with big hospital care.”

“We’re a community hospital, but we have a collaborative approach to the maternal fetal medicine specialists in the UH system,” she assures. “That means we are able to care for higher risk pregnancies right here close to home.”

UH Geauga Medical Center offers 24-hour care, which is particularly important during labor and delivery, Dr. Mullen says. Last year, about 1,000 babies were delivered at the hospital.

UH Geauga Medical Center offers a wide variety of gynecologic procedures, including minimally invasive surgeries like laparoscopic hysterectomies.

“We work closely with specialists in infertility, gynecologic urology and gynecologic oncology, so patients always have access to specialized care in close coordination with their primary OB/GYN,”

Dr. Mullen says. “Conditions like incontinence and pelvic floor disorders are easily treatable here, often without surgery.”

“I can’t over-emphasize the importance of getting early prenatal care as well as having an examination before you plan to become pregnant, just to be sure that you’re in the best health possible,” she says. “I’m seeing more hypertension and diabetes during pregnancies than I have ever seen during my 25 years in practice. Regular visits can help to keep things like that under control.”

You can schedule your appointment by visiting UHHospitals.org/WomensHealth, or by calling 440-901-1713. UH Geauga Medical Center is located at 13207 Ravenna Road, in Chardon.