Obstetrics and Gynecology
A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in the health of the female organs.
Many women start visiting a gynecologist from their early teens and continue to attend a well-woman clinic for general health issues too. Women are advised to visit a gynecologist annually for a checkup, and any time they have symptoms that concern them.
A gynecologist should be certified and registered with a professional body, such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
A visit to the gynecologist is recommended for annual screening and any time a woman has concerns about symptoms such as pelvic, vulvar, and vaginal pain or abnormal bleeding from the uterus.
Conditions commonly treated by gynecologists include:
- issues relating to pregnancy, fertility, menstruation, and menopause
- family planning, including contraception, sterilization, and pregnancy termination
- problems with tissues that support the pelvic organs, including ligaments and muscles
- STIs
- polycystic ovary syndrome
- urinary and fecal incontinence
- benign conditions of the reproductive tract, for example, ovarian cysts, fibroids, breast disorders, vulvar and vaginal ulcers, and other non-cancerous changes
- premalignant conditions, such as endometrial hyperplasia, and cervical dysplasia
- cancers of the reproductive tract and the breasts, and pregnancy-related tumors
- congenital abnormalities of the female reproductive tract
- emergency care relating to gynecology
- endometriosis, a chronic condition that affects the reproductive system
- pelvic inflammatory diseases, including abscesses
- sexuality, including health issues relating to same-sex and bisexual relationships
- sexual dysfunction
Gynecology Tests and Procedures
- Breast Biopsy
- Breast MRI
- Breast Scan
- Breast Ultrasound
- Cervical Biopsy
- Colposcopy
- Dilation and Curettage
- Endometrial Biopsy
- Hysterectomy
- Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP)
- Breast-Conserving Surgery
- Mammogram
- Mastectomy
- Pap Test
- Pelvic Ultrasound