Gynecology

What is gynecology?

Gynecology is the medical specialty focused on female reproductive health, including conditions affecting the vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, breasts, and external genitalia. Gynecology services include preventive care, along with diagnosis and treatment of reproductive system health concerns. Advanced Women’s Health Specialists treats women at every stage of life, from adolescents to senior citizens, in a comfortable, welcoming environment.

What are common gynecologic conditions?

Many health conditions fall under the gynecology umbrella, including: 

• Lumps in the breast
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Menopausal symptoms
• Endometriosis
• Ovarian cysts
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Pain during or after intercourse
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Vaginal discharge and infections
• Uterine fibroids

The practice also provides treatment for infertility and pelvic floor problems.

Which gynecology services are available?

Advanced Women’s Health Specialists customizes care to each patient, taking time to answer your questions, address your concerns, and educate you about your treatment options. The most common gynecology services available at the practice include: 

• Annual well-woman exams 
• Adolescent gynecology
• Family planning
• Birth control
• Infertility treatments
• Pap smears
• Cancer screenings
• STD screenings
• Ultrasound imaging tests
• Cervical (cone) biopsy
• Colposcopy
• Hysteroscopy
• Laparoscopic surgeries
• LEEP procedure

The practice has extensive experience performing a wide range of gynecologic procedures, including minimally invasive surgeries, so you can feel confident that you’re in good hands if you have a condition that requires either an in-office or surgical procedure.

Do I need a well-woman exam every year?

It’s recommended that all women receive an annual well-woman exam, which includes a breast exam, pelvic exam, and additional tests or health screenings depending on your age and individual health factors. Teenagers should schedule their first well-woman visit at the age of 13.

If you have normal Pap smears, you can get a Pap smear every other year. If you have an ongoing gynecologic condition or recently had an abnormal Pap smear, your doctor may recommend more frequent Pap smears. 

When should I see a gynecologist?

In addition to your well-woman exams, you should schedule an appointment with the gynecologist if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Pain during or after sexual intercourse
• Bleeding between periods
• Severe cramps during periods
• Irregular or nonexistent periods
• Vaginal swelling, itching, or pain
• Unpleasant vaginal odor

You should also schedule an appointment if your vagina is unusually dry ,as that can be a sign of decreased estrogen.

To learn more about well-woman exams, available preventive care services, or to discuss potential women’s health symptoms with a doctor, call Advanced Women’s Health Specialists or book an appointment online today.