Armenian American Cultural Association, Inc. AACA

Basic Gynecology

Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in Armenia.

Prior to 2001, regular cervical cancer screening was not widely available in Armenia. AACA arranged for a partnership between the Wellness Center and Dr. Emma Zargarian of the Greater Baltimore Medical Center (affiliated with Johns Hopkins University), to provide basic services for the detection and prevention of cervical cancer. In June 2001, the Gynecology Department was established with a U.S.-trained gynecologist and furnished with modern medical technology and expertise.

Today, services include the detection, diagnosis and treatment of pre-cancerous lesions through annual checkups and Pap smears, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and infertility caused by chronic infections; family planning through education and counseling; and addressing menopausal issues – the first ever such service in Armenia.

The following medical services are provided at the Gynecology Department:

  • Gynecological Consultation
  • Pap Smear Exam
  • Endometrial Biopsy
  • Transvaginal Ultrasound
  • Pregnancy Test
  • Colonoscopy Exam
  • Urinalysis
  • Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Screening
  • Punch Biopsy
  • Hysterosography
  • LEEP Treatment
  • Menopause Counseling

The Gynecology Department is located on the first floor of the Wellness Center and is headed by Dr. Marine Voskanyan.

Infertility Treatment Program

The initial goal of establishing a Gynecology Department at the Wellness Center was to provide basic gynecological services and annual Pap smears for the early detection of cervical cancer. However, as the capacity of the Center’s gynecological staff grew, more and more women began coming to the Wellness Center with infertility issues.

The Center’s staff began treating infertility, approaching the problem with a perspective shaped largely by the training they received under the guidance of Dr. Emma Zargarian of the Greater Baltimore Medical Center.

As a result of Dr. Zargarian’s extensive training work in conjunction with the latest technology, the Center has been instrumental in the birth of 105 “Miracle Babies” born to couples who had lost hope as they struggled with infertility for 4-12 years.

“Previously, women in Armenia were blamed for their infertility, particularly by their mothers-in-law. By treating both the husbands’ and wives’ chronic STIs, the Center has helped couples from throughout Armenia become proud parents, bringing tremendous joy to these new families.” – Rita Balian, President and CEO, AACA and Founder of the Wellness Center

See our Miracle Babies page for more…

Menopause Counseling

Menopause is the permanent end of menstruation and fertility, defined as occurring 12 months after a woman’s last menstrual period.

Menopause is a natural biological process, not a medical illness. Even so, the physical and emotional symptoms of menopause can disrupt a woman’s sleep, sap her energy and — at least indirectly — trigger feelings of sadness and loss.

Even though menopause is not a disease, women shouldn’t hesitate to seek treatment for severe symptoms. Many effective treatments are available, from lifestyle adjustments to hormone therapy.

The Wellness Center’s Gynecology Department provides consultation for menopausal issues to patients — a first in Armenia.