Chances are you’ve graduated from OBGYN care at this point, and we’d like to say—good for you! We are here to help you manage any concerns that may arise. No matter where you are on your journey, WHA is here to provide exceptional care.
Few over age 65 need to have continued screening tests for cervical cancer (hooray!). Depending on your history, your provider may recommend age-appropriate screening.
If you’re on HRT, talk to your provider about how that’s going for you. If you are still benefiting from it and have been taking hormones orally, your provider may want to discuss transitioning you to transdermal (through the skin). If you haven’t been on estrogen and are noticing more urogenital changes in your 60s and beyond, consider discussing vaginal estrogen with your provider.
If your gynecologist is helping to manage any type of HRT, you should continue to see them as recommended. If you’re not on hormone therapy and you’re not experiencing gynecological issues, you should see a primary care provider or internal medicine specialist for regular preventative health care visits. In the absence of factors that put you at higher risk, Medicare recommends a preventative pelvic and breast exam every two years–and we are happy to see you for that–or any time you’re experiencing a gynecological concern.
If you’re post-menopausal and experience vaginal bleeding, we want to talk to you right away. Call our office; we may have you talk to one of our advice nurses to help assess the situation.
Few over age 65 need to have continued screening tests for cervical cancer (hooray!). Depending on your history, your provider may recommend age-appropriate screening.
If you’re on HRT, talk to your provider about how that’s going for you. If you are still benefiting from it and have been taking hormones orally, your provider may want to discuss transitioning you to transdermal (through the skin). If you haven’t been on estrogen and are noticing more urogenital changes in your 60s and beyond, consider discussing vaginal estrogen with your provider.
If your gynecologist is helping to manage any type of HRT, you should continue to see them as recommended. If you’re not on hormone therapy and you’re not experiencing gynecological issues, you should see a primary care provider or internal medicine specialist for regular preventative health care visits. In the absence of factors that put you at higher risk, Medicare recommends a preventative pelvic and breast exam every two years–and we are happy to see you for that–or any time you’re experiencing a gynecological concern.
If you’re post-menopausal and experience vaginal bleeding, we want to talk to you right away. Call our office; we may have you talk to one of our advice nurses to help assess the situation.
Feeling safe, respected and in control is key to enjoying sex (and it should be enjoyed!). Discomfort—whether physical or emotional—can affect your experience, and you deserve to be heard if something doesn’t feel right. Talk to your provider if you’re experiencing pain, vaginal dryness or other changes.
“Sex should never hurt.”
— Shauna O’Neal, CNM, FNP-C
Bladder control is the ability to store and release urine properly, which can be affected by pregnancy, childbirth, aging or medical conditions. Issues with bladder function include incontinence (loss of bladder control), urinary retention (difficulty emptying the bladder), urinary frequency (needing to urinate often) and urgency (sudden, strong urges to urinate), all of which may require medical evaluation and treatment.
Feeling safe, respected and in control is key to enjoying sex (and it should be enjoyed!). Discomfort—whether physical or emotional—can affect your experience, and you deserve to be heard if something doesn’t feel right. Talk to your provider if you’re experiencing pain, vaginal dryness or other changes.
“Sex should never hurt.”
— Shauna O’Neal, CNM, FNP-C
Taking steps to prevent disease can protect your long-term health. Women face unique risks for conditions like heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Regular screenings, healthy lifestyle choices (like exercise, well-rounded nutrition, not smoking and not drinking regularly), along with early intervention can help lower these risks.
Emotional health is your ability to cope with life’s ups and downs, manage stress and maintain positive relationships. It’s closely connected to mental and physical health. Paying attention to your feelings, getting support when needed and making time for movement and things that bring you joy all support emotional well-being.
Physical activity includes any movement that engages your muscles and burns energy—like walking, running, strength training or yoga. The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week for adults, including during pregnancy. Regular movement supports your overall health, reduces pregnancy complications and helps well-being during times of transition such as menopause.
Keep on keepin’ on with annual mammograms.
Screening for osteoporosis is recommended for people of average risk beginning at age 65.
Talk to your primary care provider about their recommendations for how often to be screened for colon cancer, which will depend on your risk factors, the type of screening tests you’ve had in the past and your past results.
This is old hat! See your primary care provider to screen for:
High blood pressure. Get your blood pressure tested every year. Optimal blood pressure in healthy people assigned female at birth is less than 120/80.
Diabetes. Screening for diabetes is recommended if you are overweight or obese, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or have had diabetes during pregnancy.
Thyroid disease. Periodic screening is recommended beginning at age 45.
Cholesterol/lipids. Screening tests for high cholesterol are recommended periodically, but may be done more frequently if you are overweight, obese or have other risk factors.
Adding one more to the list! We can help with seasonal flu and Tdap if you’re in for a visit – otherwise see your primary care provider for:
Seasonal flu vaccine is especially important for people with chronic health conditions, pregnant people and older adults.
Tdap vaccine. Every adult should get the Tdap vaccine (if they did not receive it as an adolescent) to protect against pertussis (whooping cough) and a Td (tetanus, diphtheria) booster shot every 10 years.
Shingles vaccine. Healthy adults aged 50 years and older should get a zoster vaccine to prevent shingles and the complications from the disease.
Pneumonia vaccine. This is recommended for all adults age 65 and older and for younger adults who have certain chronic health conditions.
COVID vaccine. Stay up to date with current guidelines here >
Keep on keepin’ on with annual mammograms.
Screening for osteoporosis is recommended for people of average risk beginning at age 65.
Talk to your primary care provider about their recommendations for how often to be screened for colon cancer, which will depend on your risk factors, the type of screening tests you’ve had in the past and your past results.
This is old hat! See your primary care provider to screen for:
High blood pressure. Get your blood pressure tested every year. Optimal blood pressure in healthy people assigned female at birth is less than 120/80.
Diabetes. Screening for diabetes is recommended if you are overweight or obese, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or have had diabetes during pregnancy.
Thyroid disease. Periodic screening is recommended beginning at age 45.
Cholesterol/lipids. Screening tests for high cholesterol are recommended periodically, but may be done more frequently if you are overweight, obese or have other risk factors.
Adding one more to the list! We can help with seasonal flu and Tdap if you’re in for a visit – otherwise see your primary care provider for:
Seasonal flu vaccine is especially important for people with chronic health conditions, pregnant people and older adults.
Tdap vaccine. Every adult should get the Tdap vaccine (if they did not receive it as an adolescent) to protect against pertussis (whooping cough) and a Td (tetanus, diphtheria) booster shot every 10 years.
Shingles vaccine. Healthy adults aged 50 years and older should get a zoster vaccine to prevent shingles and the complications from the disease.
Pneumonia vaccine. This is recommended for all adults age 65 and older and for younger adults who have certain chronic health conditions.
COVID vaccine. Stay up to date with current guidelines here >
WHA takes Medicaid, Medicare and most commercial insurance plans. Check the list of insurance companies WHA is contracted with here.
From the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, answers to frequently asked questions about vulvar health and care options.
From the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, find links to frequently asked questions on a wide range of women's health, pregnancy and childbirth and gynecology questions.
Online resources for parents.
Michael P. Smrtka, MD. Perinatal Progress, Volume 9, Number 1. April, 2016.
July 2021
August 2013
A comprehensive online resource for pregnancy and parenting, offering expert articles, week-by-week guides, community forums and tools.
A website about birth control and STDs.
What you need to know--before you need to know it.
Expecting parents often have questions about how much care may cost, how much they may be responsible for and when payments will be due. Here's a handy summary of how it all works!
It's International Breastfeeding Week and we've collected all of our past blog articles here.
The website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – this is a great resource for vaccination and disease screening and prevention recommendations.
Particularly useful for steps you can take to reduce your risk of problems.
Thomas Lee, MD and Wendy Busch, MS, CGC. Perinatal Progress, Volume 5, Number 1. September 2012.
Information to help you check your insurance coverage and benefits for genetic screening.
From allergies and backaches to constipation, gas and heartburn (fun!), here are safe strategies for coping with or treating what ails you during pregnancy--straight from our providers!
2018-09-20; Thomas Lee, MD, MBA, 16:17
The latest information from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists on COVID-19.
2018-09-20; Lisa Farkhouh, MD, 14:12
Barbra M. Fisher, MD, PhD
Perinatal Progress Volume 11, Number 1
April 2018
April 2018
A nonprofit focused on endometriosis awareness, education, advocacy and research that also offers opportunities to get involved with events and community support related to this chronic reproductive health condition.
La información más reciente del Colegio Americano de Obstetras y Ginecólogos sobre COVID-19.
A resource from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Thomas Lee, MD, MBA
Perinatal Progress Volume 11, Number 2
August 2018
2018-03-21; Karen Hansen, MS, CGC; 15:11
2018-01-24; Karen Hansen, MS, CGC, 16:24
August 2014
2018-01-24; Michael Smrtka, MD, 14:49
Oh those pesky forms...from how long they take to how much it costs, here's everything you need to know.
A website to compare the cost of prescription medications.
Wondering how much weight you should be gaining during pregnancy? We've got you covered.
2018-03-15; Barbra Fisher, MD, PhD and Jeri Milanovich, MS, CGC, 8:15
Mark W. Tomlinson, MD, MBA and Lisa J. Farkouh, MD
Perinatal Progress Volume 8, Number 1
April 2015
On online resource and forum for women having bleeding issues, fibroids, pelvic pain, etc.
Hook EB, Cross PK, Schreinemochers DM
An overview of different genetic and chromosomal conditions for which screening is available, who they are most likely to affect and how often they occur.
Does it sometimes feel like you need a degree in insurance to even understand your statement? Think of this as a crash course to help you understand how we bill for services and what questions to ask your insurance provider.
YourPelvicFloor.org is the patient-centered website of International Urogynecological Association where you can find patient information leaflets, videos, FAQs and more.
Information and support related to breastfeeding—including local support groups.
Learn more about WHA’s free translation services and our commitment to non-discrimination.
2018-03-15; Meredith Williams, MD, 13:22
2018-03-15; Sophia Lannon, MD, MPH, 12:08
July 2021
2018-09-20; Ashlie Tronnes, MD, 16:34
Barbra M. Fisher, MD, PhD and Meredith Williams, MD
Perinatal Progress Volume 6, Number 1
August 2013
2019-05-29; Thomas Lee, MD, MBA; 17:28
If you think the information in your medical or billing record is incorrect, you can request a change, or amendment, to your record using this form.
If you would like to transfer your records to provider outside of WHA, download and complete this form. If you have a MyHealth account, you can also request your records there.
A downloadable educational guide from the Society for Women’s Health Research designed to support individuals through the menopause transition with information on symptoms, midlife health, care planning, wellness and preparing for conversations with health care providers and loved ones.
A good resource for articles on sex after 40. Also includes various products, but this is not a specific endorsement of those.
Fecal and urinary incontinence information for patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals.
Enter to win a manicure for two on our Facebook page in honor of #NationalFriendshipDay.
An educational resource from Oregon Health & Science University about vulvar conditions, with guidance for patients experiencing vulvar discomfort or concerns.
Remember when mom made sure you had everything you needed? Think of this as mom’s checklist—only shorter.
Learn more about your rights and protections against surprise medical bills.
Read WHA's Notice of Privacy Practices
April 2017
Updated 2017
Updated 2017
Updated 2017
2019-09-19; Ashlie Tronnes, MD; 16:55
Good basic content on pregnancy and women's health.
Michael P. Smrtka, MD
Perinatal Progress Volume 7, Number 1
June 2014
Meredith K. Williams, MD
Perinatal Progress Volume 12, Number 2
October 2019
A book (and now an organization) that's been around for decades, revised often.
Learn more about midwifery care and women's health during pregnancy and beyond on this site from the American College of Nurse-Midwives.
Every good relationship has clear expectations—and we want this to be a very good relationship! Learn more about what you can expect from us and vice versa.
If you have a visit in one of our offices, you could be asked to provide feedback through an online survey. Learn more about what we do with the information here.
A nonprofit dedicated to increasing understanding of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and supporting those affected with educational materials, information on symptoms and treatment options, and links to community support and specialist directories.
2019-03-21; Mark Tomlinson, MD, MBA; 15:29
2019-05-29; Barbra Fisher, MD, PhD; 16:41
Great information about all aspects of reproductive health.
From the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, this FAQ includes ideas for optimizing your health before pregnancy, including preventive care, lifestyle guidance and preparation for conception.
2019-09-19; Meredith Williams, MD; 22:20
By WHA providers, for WHA patients: here's the educational information we recommend to all our pregnant patients.
WHA's prenatal educational information, explained in 25 minutes!
Here's all the information we covered with you at the beginning of your pregnancy and other helpful resources, including information from the CDC and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists on pregnancy and COVID-19.
Masks are no longer required—but still greatly appreciated.
Your clinician wants to be able to see and speak with you during your upcoming appointment, so please take a moment to make sure you're prepared.
Learn more about how we’re protecting you—and your health information.
February 2024
August 2014
A community-centered resource and support space focused on menopause experiences in LGBTQ+ communities, providing education, stories and connections related to aging and midlife health.
Ashlie A. Tronnes, MD and Karen E. Hansen, MS, CGC
Perinatal Progress Volume 12, Number 1
May 2019
Sophia M.R. Lannon, MD, MPH
Perinatal Progress Volume 10, Number 1
May 2017
March 2017
2017-09-21; Thomas Lee, MD, MBA, 15:27
A blog about lots of topics for teens.
Wendy Busch, MS, CGC and Jeri Milanovich, MS, CGC
Perinatal Progress Volume 3, Number 3
October 2010
A website for teens, by teens.
Consult Series #46 - October, 2018
Choosing Wisely, An Initiative of the ABIM Foundation
Consult Series #42 - March, 2017
Find trusted information on menopause and midlife women’s health, including symptoms, treatment options and evidence-based guidance for patients and clinicians from a professional medical society.
Mark W. Tomlinson, MD, MBA
Perinatal Progress Volume 3, Number 2
June 2010
2017-09-21; Lisa Farkouh, MD, 12:35
Lisa J. Farkouh, MD
Perinatal Progress Volume 9, Number 2
August 2016
Juan Martinez-Poyer, MD
Perinatal Progress Volume 4, Number 2
September, 2011
2017-09-21; Ashlie Tronnes, MD, 15:24
2018-01-24; Mark Tomlinson, MD, MBA, 15:10
A searchable database of current medical information for both patients and providers.
Life happens and we’re here when it does. Learn more about what to do when you think you need to be seen urgently or need help after hours.
Santosh Pandipati, MD, FACOG
Perinatal Progress Volume 3, Number 1
February, 2010
2019-03-21; Michael P. Smrtka; 15:08
2018-05-29; Sophia M.R. Lannon, MD, MPH; 17:20
A great resource from the American Urogynecologic Society for women experiencing pelvic floor disorders, including bladder and bowel control issues and pelvic organ prolapse.
If you’re seeing one of our urogynecologists to talk about urinary incontinence, we may ask you to keep track of things for a while before your visit. Download a copy of the voiding diary here.
Good information on all things pregnancy.
Help us get to know you before your visit or get reacquainted if it’s been a while. If you need to complete a wellbeing assessment, a urogynecology intake form—or any other online forms, you’ll have a notification in your MyHealth account.
This resource from the Oregon Medical Board provides more information on what to expect from various types of physical exams at the doctor's office, including how to advocate for your rights and what to know about medical chaperones.
1003 Providence Drive, Suite 340, Newberg, OR, 97132, (503) 538-2698
1508 Division Street, Suite 205, Oregon City, OR, 97045
Phone: (503) 657-1071 | Fax: (503) 657-3321
9701 SW Barnes Road, Suite 200, Portland, OR, 97225. (503) 734-3700
5050 NE Hoyt Street, Suite 230, Portland, 97213
Phone: (503) 249-5454 | Hours: M-F 8:30AM-5:00PM
WHA is part of the Legacy Epic computer system for scheduling, medical records and billing. Learn more about what that means for you.
Learn more about when--and how--you'll hear about your test results and how we'll work with you to adjust your treatment plan, if necessary.
