Adolescence to aging
Gynecology incorporates female reproductive health into general and mental health services.
10 easy-to-access Twin Cities locations
Choose from 65+ Board certified OGBYNs and APPs
Routine to specialty care
Services are delivered with a curious, health education-approach where your provider talks through your concerns, life factors, history, goals, and options to develop a personalized, accessible plan that fits to your life.
Sexually transmitted infections often have no symptoms, which is why regular testing matters. STI testing can include urine tests, blood work, or swabs, depending on your symptoms or risk of exposure. You’ll also have space to ask questions, get clarity on protection methods, and make confident decisions about your sexual health.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome affects hormone levels, often showing up as missed periods, acne, or unwanted hair growth. Diagnosis may involve bloodwork and an ultrasound. Understanding PCOS is the first step in managing its symptoms and long-term effects, like fertility issues or insulin resistance. Many people live well with PCOS once they know what to expect.
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in or around the uterus. They’re common and often go unnoticed, but for some, they can cause heavy bleeding or pelvic pressure. Diagnosis typically involves a pelvic exam or ultrasound. Knowing whether fibroids are present can help guide next steps if symptoms are interfering with daily life.
Vaginal discomfort can come in many forms — itching, dryness, odor changes. These can be caused by infections, hormone shifts, or even hygiene habits. A gentle exam or lab test helps clarify the cause. Caring for vaginal health is about maintaining comfort, confidence, and recognizing changes before they become disruptive.
Pelvic ultrasounds use sound waves to create images of the uterus and ovaries. They’re often used to investigate pain, irregular bleeding, or early pregnancy. The process is noninvasive and painless, providing vital information about what’s going on inside, helping connect symptoms to answers in a visual, straightforward way.
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Unusually heavy periods or bleeding between cycles may point to hormonal shifts or structural issues like fibroids or polyps. Evaluation may include a pelvic exam, ultrasound, or lab work. Understanding the cause of bleeding can offer clarity and guide treatment, whether it’s lifestyle-based or clinical.
Endometrial ablation is a procedure that treats heavy periods by removing the uterine lining. It’s typically done for patients who aren’t planning future pregnancies. The process can be performed in-office or surgically, and recovery is usually quick. For some, it can mean lighter periods—or no periods at all.
Ovarian or vaginal cysts are fluid-filled sacs that may cause pain, bloating, or pressure. When necessary, removal is often performed using minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy. Removal decisions are based on cyst size, type, and symptoms. Recovery is usually quick, with symptom relief often felt shortly after.
Laboratory work can help identify the causes of fatigue, hormone imbalances, bleeding changes, or infections. Your provider may recommend blood tests, swabs, or urine samples depending on your symptoms. Results provide insight into what’s happening inside your body, helping link symptoms to a clear diagnosis or next step.
Contraceptive counseling involves exploring different birth control options from pills and patches to long-acting devices like IUDs and implants. A provider will explain how each method works, its side effects, and what fits your goals, whether you’re currently preventing pregnancy or planning for the future. It’s also a space to ask about periods, safety, and sexual wellness.
This condition occurs when tissue, such as the uterine lining, grows outside the uterus. It can cause pelvic pain, painful periods, or trouble getting pregnant. Diagnosis often involves tracking symptoms, imaging, and, in some cases, laparoscopy. Early detection can help manage discomfort and reduce long-term complications.
Ongoing or sudden pelvic pain might be due to a number of causes: infections, ovarian cysts, fibroids, or muscle tension. Evaluation may include a physical exam, ultrasound, or lab testing. Pinpointing the source can guide treatment that brings comfort, reduces flare-ups, and restores quality of life.
Skin tags and benign growths around the vulva are common. They can sometimes cause irritation, discomfort with clothing, or personal concerns. When necessary, removal is a quick and low-risk procedure. It can improve comfort and allow tissue to be checked if there’s any uncertainty.
Regular breast care includes clinical exams, knowing your personal and family history, and imaging when appropriate. Recognizing changes early—such as lumps, thickening, or nipple discharge—can lead to an early diagnosis. Preventive screenings are an important part of feeling confident and proactive about your health.
Mammograms are low-dose X-rays used to screen for early signs of breast cancer. Often done annually after age 40, or earlier if you have a higher risk, they help detect changes before symptoms appear. The test is quick and can play a key role in early intervention.
~ Anonymous (or all women everywhere)
A different kind of care
Almara Women’s Health is an independent practice that is owned and operated by physicians. This gives us the ability to build a more comprehensive and personalized health care delivery system specifically around the needs of women. Learn more about how to get a personalized, evidence-based, and comprehensive approach for your life and longevity.
The practical science women need
There’s a quiet shift that happens when your daughter enters her teen years. Suddenly, her world changes—her body, her emotThere’s a quiet shift that happens when your daughter enters her
You’re in your 40s or 50s. Your period is skipping around. Sleep is weird. Moods are unpredictable. And one minute you’re freezing, the next you’re drenched in sweat. If any
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Gynecology focuses on the female reproductive system, including the external genitalia, vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and breasts. Gynecology provides women with preventive care, diagnosis, and treatment of reproductive health concerns.
It is recommended that pap smears begin at age 21 years of age. However, an annual exam with a gynecologist offers much more than a routine pap smear, and we welcome you to initiate your care with us at any age.
Reasons you may want to schedule your first appointment to see us may include contraceptive (birth control) counseling, screening for sexually transmitted infections, management of heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding or even for routine health care maintenance.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, you should have a well-woman visit at least once every year. Typically, this includes a pelvic exam, breast exam, and additional tests or health screenings depending on individual factors.
If you have an ongoing gynecologic condition or you recently had an abnormal Pap test, your provider may recommend more frequent checkups and screenings.
If you have had a long scheduled annual exam, please do not feel you need to reschedule because your period surprises you that morning. There are a couple of things to consider, however. If you are having a pelvic ultrasound, we often try to avoid seeing you during your menses because we may not get ideal views of the inside of your uterus. The exception is when we ask patients to come in for a baseline fertility ultrasound on day 3. The other consideration is, if you are due for a cervical Pap smear, the specimen may be inconclusive if you’re experiencing exceptionally heavy flow.
As a partner in your health, we recommend that you be seen annually at OBGYN Specialists. In order to provide you with comprehensive preventive care, it is important that we review any changes in your medical history, family history and mental health history each year, as well as perform routine annual screening tests such as pap smears, mammograms, cholesterol screening and colonoscopy. Annual exams are a necessary part of your health care, and we will gladly refill appropriate medications at these appointments.
Annual gynecologic exams are recommended and necessary even though Pap smears are not always needed on an annual basis. This is a general physical examination that Includes breast and pelvic exams. It can include birth control or family planning advice, screening for sexually transmitted infections (as needed), navigating midlife and menopause. This visit changes with the patients phase of life and needs.
Almara Women’s Health is a collaboration of physician-owned practices building leading-edge health care for women of all ages and experiences. With whole life care that spans from routine check ups to specialty programs and surgeries, Almara is building better healthcare for women.
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