Women’s Healthcare at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge

Our Team of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Establishing care with an OBGYN, or obstetrician-gynecologist, is crucial for women’s health as it ensures regular check-ups and screenings for conditions like cervical cancer and breast abnormalities. These healthcare professionals also provide essential guidance on contraception, reproductive health, and family planning, empowering women to make informed decisions about their bodies. Building a relationship with an OBGYN fosters trust and open communication, allowing women to address concerns and receive personalized medical advice tailored to their needs.

From women’s care specialists (providers who specialize in women’s health of all phases of life) to labor and delivery, we have an excellent team of compassionate providers to care for you and your family.

We provide comprehensive prenatal care for labor and delivery and a range of birthing options to accommodate individual preferences and needs. From childbirth education classes to lactation support and newborn care, we are committed to helping families feel informed, empowered, and well-cared for during this special time in their lives.

Prenatal Care

Prenatal care is the healthcare a pregnant person receives before their baby is born. It involves regular check-ups with healthcare providers to monitor the health of both the mom and the developing baby. Prenatal care includes various medical tests, screenings, and discussions about nutrition, exercise, and any concerns or questions the expectant parent may have. The goal of prenatal care is to promote a healthy pregnancy, identify and address any potential risks or complications early on, and ensure the best possible outcome for both parent and baby. Classes can be found here.

Labor and Delivery

Our team is here to care for both parents and new baby when you come to deliver at Methodist. During labor, the expecting mom experiences contractions as their body prepares for childbirth. In our Family Birthing Center, pregnant and laboring mothers receive support, pain management options, and monitoring to ensure a safe delivery of each baby. Our caring nursing staff assists with the delivery process, ensuring both the mom and baby are safe and well-cared for throughout the experience.

Postpartum Care

Postpartum services include the care and support provided to new parents, particularly the mother, and their baby after childbirth. This includes monitoring the health and recovery of the mom, addressing any post-birth concerns or complications, and offering guidance on breastfeeding, newborn care, and postpartum mental health. Hospital staff may also provide education on postpartum exercises, nutrition, and contraception options. The goal of postpartum services is to ensure the well-being of both parent and baby during the early days and weeks following childbirth, helping the family transition smoothly into their new life together. Expecting and new moms are encouraged to share postpartum symptoms with their provider to ensure each patient gets what she needs.

Gynecology and Obstetric Services Provided at Methodist Medical Center

Pelvic Exam

During a pelvic exam for a well-woman checkup, a gynecologist or OBGYN gently examines the vagina, cervix, and pelvic organs using special tools called speculum and fingers to ensure everything is healthy and normal. It might feel a bit uncomfortable but shouldn’t be painful, and it’s an essential part of maintaining women’s health by detecting any potential issues early on. Your provider will tell you when this exam is recommended, as it could be part of your annual visit or conducted if you are having issues

Pap Smear

A pap smear is a quick and simple test where a healthcare provider gently swabs the cervix to collect cells. These cells are then examined under a microscope to check for any signs of abnormality, helping to detect early signs of cervical cancer or other problems. A pap smear is usually done at the same time as a pelvic exam by your OBGYN. Pap smears are typically recommended every three years for women aged 21 to 65, but the frequency may vary based on individual health factors and provider recommendations.

Contraceptive Counseling

Contraceptive counseling involves a female patient discussing different birth control options with a healthcare provider to help her make informed decisions about preventing unwanted pregnancy. Your OBGYN can offer information on various methods, their effectiveness, potential side effects, and how they fit with the individual’s lifestyle and health needs. Talk to your provider about what kind of contraception is right for you.

Blood Pregnancy Test

A blood pregnancy test checks for the presence of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the bloodstream, which is produced by the placenta after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterus. It’s a reliable way to confirm pregnancy, often more sensitive than urine tests and able to detect pregnancy earlier, typically around six to eight days after ovulation.

For the most accurate results, it’s usually recommended to wait until after your missed period, which is typically around two weeks after ovulation. Early testing may yield false negatives due to low levels of the pregnancy hormone hCG in the body. If you think you may be pregnant or take a home pregnancy test that is positive, contact your healthcare provider.

Breast Exam

A breast exam is a simple check performed by a healthcare provider to feel for any lumps, bumps, or changes in the breast tissue. A self-breast exam is recommended for all individuals, especially women, as part of regular self-examinations and clinical screenings to detect any signs of breast cancer early.

At the Oak Ridge Breast Center we offer 3D mammography, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis, an advanced imaging technique used for breast cancer screening. This non-invasive and quick procedure takes multiple X-ray images of the breast from different angles to create a 3D picture, providing a more detailed view and potentially improving the detection of breast abnormalities compared to traditional 2D mammography.

Digital mammography is a type of breast imaging that uses electronic detectors to capture and store X-ray images of the breast. It’s similar to traditional mammography but produces digital images that can be viewed and analyzed on a computer, offering advantages such as easier storage, manipulation, and transmission of images.

A breast MRI is a medical test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the breast tissue. It’s often used to further evaluate breast abnormalities found on mammograms or to screen individuals at high risk for breast cancer.

A breast ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of the breast tissue. It’s commonly used as a supplementary screening tool, particularly for younger women with dense breast tissue or for evaluating breast lumps found during a physical exam or mammogram. Your provider may order a breast MRI or breast ultrasound following an inconclusive mammogram to find out more information.

Is it Time to Schedule Your Mammogram?

The American College of Radiology recommends women begin having an annual mammogram beginning at age 40. However, women with a higher risk of breast cancer may need to start screening earlier or have more frequent screenings. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about what’s right for you. If you’re in the Oak Ridge area, we encourage you to schedule your mammogram with us today. (

Bone Screening

Women are at greater risk for developing osteoporosis. MMC use the following screening techniques to detect osteoporosis:

• X-rays
• Bone density Tests
• Blood Tests 

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak and brittle, making them more prone to fractures. Women are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis than men because women generally have thinner bones and lose bone density more rapidly as they age, especially after menopause when estrogen levels drop. Factors like a lack of calcium in the diet, not enough exercise, smoking, and certain medications can also increase the risk.

It’s essential for women to take steps like eating a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, staying active, and getting regular check-ups to maintain bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Bone Density Tests

The primary screening test for osteoporosis is a bone density scan, also known as a DXA scan. This test measures the density of your bones, usually focusing on the hip and spine, and can identify if you have osteoporosis or are at risk for developing it.

The age at which screening is recommended can vary depending on factors such as family history, medical conditions, and lifestyle choices. However, in general, screening for osteoporosis is recommended for women starting at age 65 and for men starting at age 70.

Younger individuals may also need screening if they have specific risk factors, such as prolonged steroid use, low body weight, or a history of fractures from minor trauma. It’s essential to discuss with your healthcare provider when you should start screening based on your individual risk factors and health history.

X-rays and blood tests

X-rays are often used in conjunction with other tests, such as bone density scans (DXA scans), to evaluate fractures and assess bone health. X-rays can help diagnose fractures that may occur as a result of osteoporosis but do not show changes in bone density until significant bone loss has occurred. DXA scans are more sensitive and accurate in detecting early signs of osteoporosis by measuring bone density directly.

Blood tests can provide information about factors that influence bone health. For example, blood tests can measure levels of certain hormones and minerals that are important for bone strength, such as vitamin D, calcium, and hormones like estrogen and testosterone.

Blood tests can help identify underlying causes of bone loss, such as vitamin deficiencies or hormonal imbalances, which can then be addressed to help prevent or manage osteoporosis. They are typically used as part of a comprehensive assessment along with other diagnostic tools.