3 Reasons to Visit a Gynecologist

Gynecologists focus on a woman’s reproductive health from puberty to menopause. Specialists treat conditions that affect your pelvis, uterus, ovaries, and other parts of the reproductive system. Doctors often recommend yearly gynecology visits for a well-woman exam, but reproductive health conditions may require more frequent appointments. Here are three reasons to visit a gynecologist:

Contraceptive Management and Counseling

If you wish to avoid becoming pregnant, a gynecologist can help you to choose a birth control method. They help you understand your options, including how each method works and potential risks. Doctors also review your current health and medications when recommending birth control options. Specialists may conduct a pelvic examination for birth control types such as the intrauterine device (IUD), diaphragm, and cervical cap.

Irregular Vaginal Bleeding

Irregular vaginal bleeding can result from health conditions, injury or trauma, vaginal infections, or certain medications. Common health conditions that cause bleeding include hypothyroidism, uterine fibroids, uterine polyps, adenomyosis, endometrial hyperplasia, and bleeding disorders. Some women experience spotting during ovulation and when starting a new birth control. If you begin bleeding while pregnant, visiting an OB-GYN can help rule out causes such as preterm labor, placental abruption, ectopic pregnancy, and miscarriage.

Depending on your symptoms, the gynecologist may conduct magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound to view the pelvic organs. Other tests include sonohysterography, hysteroscopy, and endometrial biopsy. Once the cause of irregular vaginal bleeding is determined, your doctor can develop an appropriate treatment plan. They often recommend hormonal medications and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to manage irregular bleeding and reduce menstrual cramps. Surgery to remove polyps, tumors, or cysts could be necessary to stop bleeding. If other treatment options fail, the gynecologist could recommend a hysterectomy, which is the removal of the uterus.

Endometriosis Treatment

Endometriosis is a condition that causes tissues resembling the uterine lining to grow outside the uterus, such as in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, peritoneum, and the outer spaces around the uterus. Factors such as family history of endometriosis, short menstrual cycles, and infertility may indicate the presence of this chronic disease. The external endometrial tissue, like the uterus lining, may also shed, causing bleeding between periods or a heavy menstrual cycle. Endometriosis often causes pelvic and back pain, pain during sex and urination, and fertility complications.

To diagnose and treat endometriosis, doctors often use laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgery that allows doctors to determine the extent of the disease and remove lesions. Specialists may also recommend medication, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and hormonal medications like birth control pills, to help manage recurring symptoms. For patients with advanced endometriosis, a hysterectomy may be recommended.

Consult a Competent Gynecologist

During a gynecology exam, doctors often ask questions about your menstrual cycle, sexual activity, and reproductive concerns to help establish a baseline for your health and identify any risks. They also provide routine and preventive care for breast cancer and screenings for sexually transmitted infections. If you are experiencing changes in your reproductive health or plan to become pregnant, consult a gynecologist today for a health evaluation.