Gynecology
You deserve care that makes you feel comfortable, respected, and heard. At VHC Health, you receive supportive women’s health services in Arlington and the DC metro area.
Complete Women's Health Care
Lean on us at every stage of life—from yearly checkups and birth control to pregnancy planning and menopause. No matter your needs, our team has the skills and experience to guide you every step of the way.
When you see our gynecologists, obstetricians, and care team, you get support for your whole health journey.
- Annual exams and Pap testing
- Teen-friendly health services
- Birth control and family planning, including permanent options
- Treatment for period and uterine problems like endometriosis and fibroids
- Menopause care
- Postpartum care
- Preconception and fertility care
- Sexual health services, including testing and counseling
- LGBTQ+ care
Make an OBGYN Appointment
Annual Gynecological Exam
Yearly exams help you stay healthy. These visits can find problems early and help prevent future health issues. During your exam, you may have:
- A talk about your medical history to understand health risks
- A general physical exam
- Breast and pelvic exams to check for changes
- STD testing
- Vaccines for common illnesses like hepatitis and HPV
Pap Test
A Pap test (also called a Pap smear) checks for early signs of cancer in your cervix. During the test, your doctor gently collects cells from your cervix, usually during a pelvic exam. These cells are then checked in a lab.
You should start getting regular Pap tests at age 21. Most women need one every three to five years, depending on age and health history.
Abnormal Pap Test
If your results aren't normal, your doctor may suggest:
- Colposcopy – Looks closely at your cervix using a thin tube with a light and camera and sometimes takes a small tissue sample
- LEEP – Uses a wire loop with a mild electrical current to remove abnormal cells from the cervix
Your doctor will explain everything and help you understand your next steps.
Birth Control & Family Planning
You have many safe and effective ways to prevent pregnancy. Our team helps you understand each option so you can choose what works best for your body and your life.
Ask about:
- Birth control pills
- Depo-Provera® shot
- Emergency contraception
- IUDs (with or without hormones)
- Nexplanon® implant
- NuvaRing® vaginal ring
- Birth control patch
If you prefer birth control without hormones, we’ll help you find the best option for you.
Female Sterilization (Permanent Birth Control)
Female sterilization is over 99% effective. If you and your doctor decide it’s right for you, the procedure is done using small incisions and usually has a quick recovery.
During the procedure, your doctor may block, remove part of, or remove all of the fallopian tubes. This can also lower your risk of ovarian cancer.
The procedure can happen after a C-section or as a separate outpatient surgery. If it’s separate, you usually go home the same day and return to normal activities within two weeks.
Looking for an OB/GYN?
Get to know a few of our providers by watching their videos.
Find an OB/GYN Physician
Elizabeth Brunn, MD
Melanie A. Polin, MD
Amanda E. Rohn, MD, FACOG, NCMP
Gynecologic Surgery
If surgery is the best choice for your condition, a VHC gynecologic surgeon stays by your side through every step of your care.
Surgery may help if you have:
- Heavy or long-lasting periods
- Trouble getting pregnant
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Uterine fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Gynecologic cancers
Whenever possible, we use less invasive surgery to help you heal faster and get back to your life sooner.
Hysterectomy
In some cases, a hysterectomy may be the best treatment for your condition. This treatment removes the uterus and sometimes the cervix. Your doctor will explain your hysterectomy options and help you choose what’s best for you.
Urogynecology
VHC Health’s urogynecologists focus on the pelvic floor—muscles that support your bladder and bowels. Expect caring treatment for pain, incontinence and other symptoms, and start feeling better.
