Patient Information
Women’s Health Care in Morehead City, NC
GirlTalk & Gynecology is always accepting new patients into our practice. We serve women in every stage of life and are committed to truly patient-focused services. To ensure you feel comfortable and welcome in our office, we have worked to create a warm, nurturing environment. Instead of paper vests and gowns, we provide patients with fuzzy socks and cushy robes to keep them nice and warm. We take the time to get to know you, your health history, and will listen to your needs and concerns.
We offer a comprehensive range of Women’s Healthcare in Morehead City, NC including adolescent gynecology, preconception counseling, menopause management, outpatient procedures, weight management, infertility, contraception, and more. Our providers and staff are committed to providing each patient with compassionate, professional care.
Your First Visit
Our goal is provide you with excellent healthcare and a positive experience. We understand that women connect with conversation and have unique medical concerns. Your first visit is all about getting to know you. We will review your personal and family medical history and address questions or concerns you have about your health. Our providers and staff want to ensure that you have a relaxed yet professional visit and that you feel valued as a patient in our practice.
Prior to your first visit, you are able to provide us with your health history information via our secure, HIPAA compliant Patient Portal. This will help facilitate your visit on the day of your appointment and will familiarize you with the information that we will talk about during your first visit. Your invitation to join the GirlTalk & Gynecology Patient Portal will be sent to you via email when you schedule your new patient appointment. You will provide us with your insurance card, if we are filing a claim for you, along with photo identification at your first visit.
Patient Portal
Our Patient Portal allows you to communicate in a secure and confidential manner with our practice and your healthcare team. If you have a medical emergency call 911.
Insurance Information
We accept most major insurances such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Cross Federal, Cigna, Aetna, Medcost, TRICARE-Standard, as well as many other subsidiaries and secondary carriers. We are not able to accept any form of Medicaid as primary, secondary or tertiary coverage.
Becoming a Patient at GirlTalk & Gynecology
Simply give us a call at (252) 222-0660 to schedule your appointment!
Why am I gaining weight as I'm getting older?
Weight gain is a very common complaint as we get older. Several factors may play a role including decrease in muscle mass, lower metabolism, hormonal changes, and genetics. Diet and exercise, including strength training, are important in maintaining a healthy weight.
Do I need to have my hormone levels checked to see if I am postmenopausal?
A woman is postmenopausal when she has gone a full year without a period. Hormone testing is typically not needed for women experiencing perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms as the treatment should be guided by the severity of the symptoms, the patient's medical history, and her preference among various treatment options.
Is it safe to not have a period while on birth control pills?
Yes, it is safe to not menstruate while on birth control pills as the hormones in the pill keep the uterine lining thin and prevent ovulation.
What is the best birth control option for me?
The answer depends on many factors including a woman's medical history and risk factors, plans for future fertility, and her preference. For example, many women chose a birth control pill not only for pregnancy prevention but also to help control periods and for some women improve acne and PMS symptoms. Taking the pill at the same time daily works for their schedule and they like the ease of stopping it when they are ready for pregnancy. Other women may choose an IUD to provide long term pregnancy prevention without the worry or hassle of having to remember taking a pill everyday.
What can I do to prevent a vaginal infection?
Some women are prone to an overgrowth of vaginal bacteria or yeast. Options to help reduce vaginal infections include using a very mild soap, sleeping without underwear, wearing cotton/breathable fabrics during the day, changing out of sweaty or wet clothing as quickly as possible, and taking an oral probiotic daily.
Does birth control affect future fertility?
There has been no evidence to suggest birth control will cause infertility. In fact, for some people, birth control can help regulate their cycles so their body is prepared for conception when they decide they would like to conceive.
How often do I need a pap smear?
While the ACOG recommends pap smears every 3-5 years, this can differ from person to person based on their history. Some patients opt to do annual pap smears as it is a cheap and effective way to screen for cancer.
What is HPV?
HPV stands for human papilloma virus and is a type of sexually transmitted virus. Most HPV infections cause no issues, however certain strains can significantly increase your risk of cervical cancer, which is why it is important you be screened routinely.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
Symptoms of endometriosis can include heavy, painful periods as well as pelvic pain outside of your period.
How do I know if my cortisol is high?
Randomly testing cortisol levels on bloodwork is usually not helpful in determining if your cortisol levels are high. Most of the time you will show specific symptoms of high cortisol and will need to be seen by an endocrinologist for further evaluation.
Does birth control cause weight gain?
Most of the research has not found a strong link between birth control and weight gain. However, some birth controls can cause some mild fluid retention when you begin them, which may increase the number on your scale temporarily.
How can I prevent recurrent bacterial vaginosis?
Try limiting fragranced soaps and laundry detergent and try over the counter probiotic.
What forms of birth control can help regulate my cycle?
Combined birth control pills, Nuvaring or birth control patch.
What can be used to help treat hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms?
Medications such as SSRI's, clonidine, HRT, and gabapentin.
What supplements do you recommend?
Calcium 1200mg daily and Vit D 800-1000iu daily are recommended to support bone health.
What can I do to help with bone health?
Supplements such as calcium, Vit D, and weight bearing exercises.
How can I loose weight during perimenopause/menopause?
It has been shown that focusing on higher protein diets and increasing strength training can be beneficial for weight loss. Also working with your local nutritionist can be helpful to develop an appropriate weight loss plan.
Why am I gaining weight as I'm getting older?
Weight gain is a very common complaint as we get older. Several factors may play a role including decrease in muscle mass, lower metabolism, hormonal changes, and genetics. Diet and exercise, including strength training, are important in maintaining a healthy weight.
Do I need to have my hormone levels checked to see if I am postmenopausal?
A woman is postmenopausal when she has gone a full year without a period. Hormone testing is typically not needed for women experiencing perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms as the treatment should be guided by the severity of the symptoms, the patient's medical history, and her preference among various treatment options.
Is it safe to not have a period while on birth control pills?
Yes, it is safe to not menstruate while on birth control pills as the hormones in the pill keep the uterine lining thin and prevent ovulation.
What is the best birth control option for me?
The answer depends on many factors including a woman's medical history and risk factors, plans for future fertility, and her preference. For example, many women chose a birth control pill not only for pregnancy prevention but also to help control periods and for some women improve acne and PMS symptoms. Taking the pill at the same time daily works for their schedule and they like the ease of stopping it when they are ready for pregnancy. Other women may choose an IUD to provide long term pregnancy prevention without the worry or hassle of having to remember taking a pill everyday.
What can I do to prevent a vaginal infection?
Some women are prone to an overgrowth of vaginal bacteria or yeast. Options to help reduce vaginal infections include using a very mild soap, sleeping without underwear, wearing cotton/breathable fabrics during the day, changing out of sweaty or wet clothing as quickly as possible, and taking an oral probiotic daily.
Does birth control affect future fertility?
There has been no evidence to suggest birth control will cause infertility. In fact, for some people, birth control can help regulate their cycles so their body is prepared for conception when they decide they would like to conceive.
How often do I need a pap smear?
While the ACOG recommends pap smears every 3-5 years, this can differ from person to person based on their history. Some patients opt to do annual pap smears as it is a cheap and effective way to screen for cancer.
What is HPV?
HPV stands for human papilloma virus and is a type of sexually transmitted virus. Most HPV infections cause no issues, however certain strains can significantly increase your risk of cervical cancer, which is why it is important you be screened routinely.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
Symptoms of endometriosis can include heavy, painful periods as well as pelvic pain outside of your period.
How do I know if my cortisol is high?
Randomly testing cortisol levels on bloodwork is usually not helpful in determining if your cortisol levels are high. Most of the time you will show specific symptoms of high cortisol and will need to be seen by an endocrinologist for further evaluation.
Does birth control cause weight gain?
Most of the research has not found a strong link between birth control and weight gain. However, some birth controls can cause some mild fluid retention when you begin them, which may increase the number on your scale temporarily.
How can I prevent recurrent bacterial vaginosis?
Try limiting fragranced soaps and laundry detergent and try over the counter probiotic.
What forms of birth control can help regulate my cycle?
Combined birth control pills, Nuvaring or birth control patch.
What can be used to help treat hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms?
Medications such as SSRI's, clonidine, HRT, and gabapentin.
What supplements do you recommend?
Calcium 1200mg daily and Vit D 800-1000iu daily are recommended to support bone health.
What can I do to help with bone health?
Supplements such as calcium, Vit D, and weight bearing exercises.
How can I loose weight during perimenopause/menopause?
It has been shown that focusing on higher protein diets and increasing strength training can be beneficial for weight loss. Also working with your local nutritionist can be helpful to develop an appropriate weight loss plan.