OBGYN - Dignity Health Medical Group - Santa Cruz, CA

Our OB/GYN – Dignity Health Medical Group care team in Santa Cruz offers a comprehensive range of services for patients at every stage of life, including:

• Annual well-woman exams

• Family planning

• Lactation assistance

• Pelvic exams

• Reproductive health care

• Urinary care

• Care for reproductive and urinary conditions

• Family planning

Your OB/GYN care team at Dignity Health Medical Group in Santa Cruz will include our physicians who specialize in obstetrics (OB) and gynecology (GYN), as well as our certified nurse-midwives. Our staff is also backed by the resources of Dominican Hospital, including childbirth and parenting classes. Dominican Hospital is recognized as a Blue Shield of California Blue Distinction Center for maternity care and offers a fully equipped Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

A lactation consultant can help make sure you and your baby get off to a great start. They can teach you about breastfeeding and how to use a breast pump, should you need it. 

Our lactation consultant has been certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). They help you prepare for breastfeeding while you’re pregnant, answering any questions or concerns you may have. And once your baby is here, they are there to help you feel confident as you embark on motherhood and breastfeeding.

Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) are registered nurses who have completed a midwifery program and passed a national certification exam. They provide care, such as prescribing pain medication, for uncomplicated pregnancies and births without medical intervention. Many patients choose CNMs for their highly personalized approach to pregnancy, birth and women's health care.

The HPV vaccine offers strong protection against the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is the most common sexually transmitted infection and can lead to several types of cancer, including some gynecologic cancers. When used with routine Pap tests and pelvic exams, the vaccine has helped reduce the number of cervical cancer cases — the most common gynecologic cancer. Our specialists can help you decide if the vaccine is right for you.

A pelvic exam is a routine physical examination of a person's external and internal female reproductive organs, which includes the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus and ovaries. It is used to check for infections, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), cancer or causes of pain and abnormal bleeding. The exam is usually quick, taking about 10 minutes.

The cost varies based on your insurance coverage and the services you receive during your visit. Out-of-pocket costs depend on your health plan and may include a copay, coinsurance or charges related to lab work, imaging, tests or screenings. To better understand potential charges before your appointment, check with your health plan to confirm coverage. You may also call our office at (831) 465-5440 and our team can help.

Our gynecologic care team evaluates and treats a range of conditions across all stages of life, including:

• Abnormal bleeding

• Cervical insufficiency 

• Complex menopause symptoms

• Cystocele

• Endometrial polyp

• Endometriosis

• Isthmocele (uterine niche)

• Menstrual disorders 

• Ovarian cyst

• Pelvic health concerns

• Rectocele

• Sexual dysfunction

• Urinary issues, including urinary incontinence

• Uterine adenomyosis

• Uterine anomalies 

• Uterine fibroids