Gynecology

In response to growing demand and interest, Clinic Sofia is pleased to welcome two new doctors to our team and family. In addition to Dr. Deborah Krahl, who joined Clinic Sofia earlier this month, Dr. Erin Smith and Dr. David Clay will both begin seeing patients in August.

Cervical cancer has decreased more than 50 percent in the past three decades thanks to screening with Pap tests and other technology. A Pap smear, which involves collecting cells from the opening of the cervix, is the best way to detect changes in cervix cells. When it is detected early, cervical cancer is one of the most treatable cancers.

You may have heard about the recent study published in “JAMA Psychiatry” that researched the potential link between hormonal contraception and depression. We will probably be examining these results – and hopefully new studies on the topic as well – for years to come.

Every September, the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance recognizes “30 Days of Teal” to help raise awareness of the often deadly disease during National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

The symptoms of ovarian cancer – bloating, feeling full quickly, urinary frequency, backaches, fatigue and nausea –can be subtle or easily mistaken for other things, which is why ovarian cancer often goes untreated until the disease has spread to the pelvis and abdomen. While the five-year survival rate is currently less than 50 percent, when ovarian cancer is found early, that figure jumps to 94 percent, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Affecting nearly one-quarter of women at some point, fibroids are benign growths on the uterus that often appear during or after childbearing years. They can be as small as a pea and as large as a melon. Fortunately, fibroids are not linked to an increased cancer risk and they rarely develop into cancer.

Dr. Amy Hammers joined Clinic Sofia last month, coming back home to Minnesota to be with her family after receiving her medical degree at Creighton University and completing her residency at the University of Florida College of Medicine. She looks forward to welcoming new patients and helping women understand more about their bodies and obstetrics: “As a provider, my job goes beyond medical care. I love being an advocate, supporter and educator for women, too. The emotional dynamic of working with women and their unique personalities gives me something to look forward to every day.”