Early detection, prevention, and minimally invasive care — personalized to every stage of a woman's life.
Dr. Assia Stepanian is one of Atlanta's most trusted gynecologists, recognized for expertise across multiple fields of gynecology. Academia is devoted to early detection of gynecologic pathology and to treatment using the most minimally invasive medical and surgical routes.
All gynecologic conditions other than malignancy are treated with a high degree of individualized care, with the holistic health of the patient as the primary concern.
When annual visits are conducted by a gynecologist who is thorough and highly experienced, a significantly higher number of problems are prevented or detected early. Academia believes in giving patients as much information as possible while keeping them central to decision-making.
Discussing and managing conditions found at the annual exam — rather than at a separate appointment — decreases wait time and stress. Patients may also request that a visit focus only on the annual exam.
Transvaginal ultrasound (TV U/S) at the time of the annual examination supports early identification of cancer or premalignant conditions of the ovaries and uterus, even in asymptomatic patients. Doctors are not likely to feel endometrial polyps and often cannot feel ovarian cysts the size of a normal ovary.
In a single year, Academia's approach identified over 150 patients with asymptomatic endometrial polyps, later removed hysteroscopically in the office. Endometrial polyps can become malignant in 5% of premenopausal and 11% of postmenopausal women if left untreated.
TV U/S also helps in women desiring reproduction, where conditions like fibroids, ovarian cysts, and adenomyosis can remain asymptomatic yet affect fertility — earlier detection allows better outcomes and preservation of ovarian reserve.
"Dr. Stepanian and the transvaginal ultrasound saved my life. She is the only doctor I had ever seen who included a transvaginal ultrasound in her exam… Subsequently, I was diagnosed with Stage 1A ovarian cancer, a rare early diagnosis. I'm one of those survivors, thanks to Dr. Stepanian and the transvaginal ultrasound."
— Academia PatientAcademia offers age-related, holistic care tailored to each woman — from the first visit through active aging.
Dr. Stepanian's caring, gentle personality puts young women at ease. Several conditions can be detected in adolescence — PCOS, menstrual irregularities, blood disorders causing heavy menstruation, endometriosis, fibroids, and various malformations. Academia gently guides young women in decisions about their bodies and intimacy.
Many gynecologic conditions begin in this age group. A key question is whether pregnancy is desired and what is needed for it to be as healthy as possible. In line with ACOG recommendations, the most important advice for women who desire pregnancy is to consider it earlier rather than later. Special attention is given to ovarian reserve and to managing conditions that could complicate pregnancy. For those not desiring pregnancy, suitable long-term contraception is considered.
Starting in the early 40s, Academia looks for symptoms of perimenopause — sleep changes, hot flashes, mood and concentration changes, vaginal dryness, fatigue — and addresses them before quality of life is affected. If hormone replacement therapy is indicated, it is tailored to medical and family history. Non-hormonal management is offered when appropriate, including MonaLisa Touch for vaginal atrophy and lichen sclerosus.
With foresight and attention to gynecologic risk factors, these years can be happy and active. Ovarian and uterine cancers are most frequently seen in women in their 60s and 70s, so preventive evaluation — including transvaginal ultrasound — is imperative. Many women experience a renewed call for intimacy, successfully supported with MonaLisa Touch when appropriate.
To schedule your visit with Dr. Stepanian, call (404) 549-3224.