Gynecology
Navigating the world of women’s healthcare without a reliable, experienced guide is often overwhelming and frightening.
Working with Dr. Barbara Hessel is an entirely different experience. By encouraging you to take an active role in your own health and wellness and offering you an individualized care plan, it’s the level of treatment you deserve.
For ob/gyn care that’s highly personalized to you as an individual
Our Gynecology Services
Evaluation and Treatment Plans
Gynecology services routinely address common problems such as the treatment of fibroids, menstrual disorders, abnormal Pap smears, infections, bleeding, pain, menopausal symptoms, and vulvar disorders in the office.
Dr. Hessel also offers specialized treatment for chronic pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding and uterine fibroids . Dr. Hessel has extensive experience and expertise in diagnosis and treatment of complex gynecologic problems, family planning, treating menopausal symptoms, menstrual disorders, infertility, and gynecologic malignancies.
Annual exams and well-woman care
The components of your visit will vary according to your age. Young women, for example, require annual pap smears, pelvic exams, breast exams, and possible immunization against HPV. Ladies over age 25 may begin to get pap smears less frequently, although they will begin mammogram screenings by age 40. Dr. Hessel will also speak with you about your health concerns, risk for certain diseases, and contraception needs if applicable.
Pap Smear
A Pap smear checks for changes in the cervix. If changes are found and treated early, cervical cancer can be prevented. If you do have cancer, regular screening can help find it early. The earlier it is found, the more treatment options you have.
After an abnormal Pap smear or HPV test, Dr. Hessel may recommend performing a colposcopy exam to look for abnormal cells on your cervix. These cells may indicate inflammation of pre-cancerous changes that could develop into cervical cancer if left untreated.
Cervical Cancer Screening
Cervical cancer used to be the number #1 cause of cancer deaths in women just a few decades ago. Since that time, the Pap smear has become instrumental in lowering these numbers and making cervical cancer one of the most treatable female cancers. In the event of an abnormal pap smear Dr. Hessel utilizes the latest technology in the detecition and prevention of cervical cancer.
What is a DySIS™ colposcopy exam?
Our Practice is one of the first in New York City to offer DySIS™ The latest colposcopy technology used for the detection of cervical cancer. The DySIS Advanced Cervical Imaging System measures the acetowhitening effect, which is an indication of abnormal cells.
This helps Dr. Hessel select biopsies to catch abnormal areas early while they are small and easily treatable. It also allows you to watch the exam if you chose, and Dr. Hessel can store images and video to compare to future exams if needed.
LEEP procedure for abnormal cervical cells
Early treatment for pre-cancerous cells in the cervix found in abnormal Pap tests can prevent cervical cancer. LEEP uses a small wire loop to remove sections of abnormal cells from the cervix and reduce the number of abnormal cells that grow in the future. You will not be asleep for the procedure, but your doctor will numb the area before the procedure or give you a sedative to relax you and keep you comfortable.
LEEP uses a gentle electric current to remove abnormal cells. After the LEEP procedure, Dr. Hessel can send the tissue that has been removed off to the lab for extra testing if needed.
You will be able to go home right after the LEEP procedure and may have some light vaginal bleeding for a few days after. In many cases, LEEP completely removes abnormal cells and no other treatment is required. Dr. Hessel will monitor you closely and recommend more treatments if they are needed.
Menopause and Osteoporosis
Evaluation and Treatment Plans for Menopause and Osterporosis
Dr. Hessel uses natural bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to correct hormonal imbalances that typically show up as you age. Dr. Hessel is an expert in menopause treatment and its early-stage cousin, perimenopause. She can also guide you in the most effective methods of prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, which often accompanies menopause.
Thinning Bones and Osteoporosis Care
As we age, our bones tend to thin out and become more brittle and prone to fracture. This is called osteoporosis or osteopenia (the early stage version). Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease. In fact, about half of women older than 50 suffer bone fractures from osteoporosis.
Diagnosis is fairly simple using a bone density scanner such as a DEXA. Calcium is an important mineral needed to form new bone. If you lack sufficient calcium and vitamin D in your diet, your bones are more likely to fracture. Other leading causes of bone loss are drops in estrogen among women in menopause and not enough exercise.
You can also lose bone density and thickness from:
- Being confined to bed
- Lack of weight-bearing activity
- Some other medical conditions (ask Dr. Hessel)
- Certain medicines (ask Dr. Hessel)
More common risk factors for osteoporosis are:
- Absence of menstrual periods
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Thin frame, low body weight
- Smoking
If detected early, osteopenia is easier to treat and with more treatment options such as calcium, vitamin D supplementation and Genistein treatments (soy derivative).
Women worry about the treatment of osteoporosis with medications that can cause side effects. Dr. Hessel offers menopause treatment options that lower the risk of side effects and are personalized for your individual needs.
Contact Us
Main Office
Same day and Telemedicine appointments are available.
(718) 275 – 7200
(347) 531 – 0220
69-15 Yellowstone Boulevard Suite 3 Forest Hills, New York 11375
Long Island Jewish Medical Center
All inpatient and out patient procedures.
(718) 470-7000
270-05 76th Avenue New Hyde Park,
NY 11040