Women's Health

The team at Interior Community Health Center provides women’s health services at the office locations in Fairbanks and Healy, Alaska.

If you’re looking for a kind and caring professional primary health care team to help you maintain your health and wellbeing, call us today.

Some of our women’s health services include:

• Annual well woman exams
• Gynecological exams
• Pap smears and HPV testing (cervical cancer screening)
• Birth control, including IUD and Nexplanon insertion
• Breast cancer screening
• Regular prenatal / pregnancy appointments
• Pregnancy support and referrals
• Postpartum screenings
• Hormonal testing

Do I need an annual well woman exam?

Also known as annual women’s health exams, well woman exams are important to making sure you stay healthy over the course of your life. They allow you and your provider an opportunity to discuss recommended preventive care, to perform cervical cancer screening, and review your overall health and wellness. While you may not need cervical cancer screening every year, it’s still a good idea to meet with your provider and talk about what else you may need! 

How often do I need cervical cancer screening?

For women aged 21 through 29, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends testing with cervical cytology (a pap smear) every 3 years. After, for women aged 30 through 65, the USPSTF recommends screening either every 3 years with a pap smear, every 5 years with a high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) alone, or every 5 years with a combination pap smear and HPV test.

ICHC provides both pap smears and HPV testing, and can perform these services at a well woman exam. Schedule today to discuss your cervical cancer screening recommendations!

What birth control options does ICHC offer?

We can prescribe birth control pills, or perform insertion (and removal) of a Nexplanon device or of intrauterine devices, also known as IUDs. These forms of birth control do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, but are effective at preventing unwanted pregancies. To discuss your birth control options and choose what is best for you, make an appointment today! 

What is Nexplanon?

Nexplanon is a hormonal birth control device that is inserted into your upper arm. Just like birth control pills, it is effective in protecting against pregnancy and reducing menstrual symptoms like painful or heavy periods. It releases a continuous low dose of hormones that prevent eggs from being released from your ovaries and changes the lining of your uterus. Nexplanon typically lasts about 3 years before it needs to be replaced.

What kind of IUDs does ICHC have available?

Right now, ICHC offers two kinds of IUD. One is the Liletta device, which is a hormonal IUD that can last up to 6 years before needing to be replaced. Just like birth control pills, it is effective in protecting against pregnancy and reducing menstrual symptoms like painful or heavy periods. The other is Paragard, a copper IUD that does not use hormones. It is effective in preventing pregnancy and lasts for about 10 years before needing to be replaced, but does not reduce menstrual symptoms.

Does Interior Community Health Center do mammograms on site?

No, ICHC provides these services through community referrals. We can place orders for this service during a regular office visit or a well woman exam. To help make breast cancer screening affordable, we are a participating provider in the Alaska Breast & Cervical Screening Assistance Program ( previously called “Ladies First”), which helps eligible Alaskans receive breast and cervical health screenings.

Can Interior Community Health Center manage my pregnancy?

ICHC provides prenatal care (care for pregnant women and their unborn child during their pregnancy) for low risk patients, but does not perform deliveries. Patients who are considered high-risk pregnancies will be referred or transferred to an obstetrician/gynecologist for their safety and that of their child. We will help facilitate this transition to the best of our ability. We also provide postpartum (after pregnancy) care, and care for your baby after delivery, even if you went elsewhere for your prenatal care.