Office gynecology for the primary care physician, part I: vaginitis, the Papanicolaou smear, contraception, and postmenopausal estrogen replacement.

Abstract

Many routine gynecologic problems can be managed easily in the primary care physician's office. Most cases of vaginitis are due to one of several organisms that are easy to diagnose and treat with information from the history, physical examination, and wet mount. The technique of performing a Papanicolaou smear and the interpretation of results are described, as are various methods of birth control and their efficacies and risks. Last, the risks and benefits of estrogen replacement therapy and modalities for beginning therapy are discussed.