Do you know something is not right but not sure what to do?
Regain control of your vaginal and urinary health
For many patients, gynecological, vaginal, and/or urinary conditions are difficult to resolve long-term. Whether you have had an abnormal pap, are struggling with vaginal symptoms or an infection (such as warts, bacterial vaginosis, yeast, urinary tract infection, etc), or just need help figuring out what is going on, the discomfort and/or anxiety can be incredibly disruptive.
Genitourinary health is often a reflection of whole body health, with ties to other important areas such as hormonal health, immune function, and the digestive system. Addressing relevant underlying issues is key to long-term symptom management and relief.
I have experience with acute and chronic gynecological and urinary concerns, including:
Cervical dysplasia, abnormal paps
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
Genital warts
Cervical polyps
Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
Bacterial vaginosis
Yeast infections
Cytolytic vaginosis
Vulvitis, vaginitis
Vaginal irritation and/or discharge
Urinary tract infections
Interstitial cystitis
My approach to gynecological and urinary health
With a special interest in women’s health, I have seen A LOT of patients struggling with chronic or recurrent gynecological or urinary issues who are looking for long-term solutions rather than quick fixes or “band-aid” treatment, as well as prevention of long-term health issues.
First, we talk through the subjective information which includes current symptoms, history and treatments, review of other related systems, and overall medical history and timeline. This subjective information helps me rule in or out possible contributors to your condition and identify relevant tests and/or treatments. In many cases, there are naturopathic therapies (diet, lifestyle, nutritional supplements, herbs, remedies) that can be applied immediately.
In chronic or complex cases, it can be helpful to review the objective information already available, such as testing you’ve already completed, and/or gather additional objective information via additional or more in-depth testing to more definitively rule in or out underlying causes or contributors. If relevant, I can also perform a naturopathic gynecological exam – more info below.
The third part of my approach is to formulate a hypothesis from the subjective and objective information we have, treat according to this hypothesis, assess results, and adjust treatment as necessary. The end goals are:
Reduce or relieve any symptoms as soon as possible
Address underlying causes and contributors
Improve function of related systems
Establish sustainable and health promoting habits
Minimize long-term reliance on preventative or acute treatments
In many cases, symptom reduction can be achieved within a few weeks or months. In more chronic and complex conditions it can take longer to thoroughly address the overall root causes. Each step of information gathering, treatment, reassessment, and adjustment yields important information to continue healing and achieve long-term improvement.
My experience with the gynecological exam
Do you dread gynecological exams?
Unfortunately, too many patients do! These exams can feel rushed, invasive, confusing, and embarrassing.
Naturopathic doctors are educated in women’s health and trained to perform gynecological exams through practical training and assessment. A naturopathic gynecological exam integrates the principles of naturopathic medicine into this important screening and diagnostic exam to improve your experience and treatment. I seek to identify and treat the cause, educate my patients, and view gynecological care as part of a whole person treatment plan.
I have offered gynecological exams in practice since 2010 and was Gynecology Coordinator at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine from 2013 to 2017 where I taught the exam and oversaw the evaluation of over 500 naturopathic students.
What can I expect?
Naturopathic gynecological exams are in demand because your comfort is a priority. All steps in the exam will be explained to you, you will be informed about what is healthy and normal, and I strive to make your experience comfortable and educational.
A naturopathic gynecological exam may include the following based on your health concerns and needs:
External examination including both visual and physical assessment of external genitalia
Speculum examination to assess the cervix, vaginal walls
Sample collection for relevant testing (pap, HPV, vaginal swab to test for yeast and bacterial vaginosis, vaginal pH)
Bimanual examination to assess the uterus and ovaries
Clinical breast exam
Video on teaching the gynecological exam:
Related knowledge, courses, and training:
Women’s Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine by Dr. Tori Hudson, ND
Gynecology Coordinator at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (2013-2017)
Chronic Embedded UTIs
Confident Clinician Urinary Tract Health (UTI) Module
