An OBGYN specializes in childbirth, pregnancy, and the female reproductive system. They monitor your health throughout pregnancy and care for you after delivery. Here are some reasons you may need to see an OBGYN:
Menopause
Women stop menstruating during menopause. Estrogen and progesterone production decrease, and you cannot get pregnant. During menopause, you may experience dry skin, thinning hair, incontinence, and vaginal dryness. An OBGYN performs blood tests on women undergoing menopause to evaluate hormonal levels. They may also do bone density screenings and pelvic examinations. Based on the results, specialists recommend hormone therapies or diet and lifestyle changes to reduce the symptoms of menopause.
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
A changed menstrual cycle, especially heavy bleeding or shortened periods, often indicates abnormal uterine bleeding. Health specialists perform tests, such as endometrial biopsies, sonohysterography, and ultrasounds, to determine the cause. During an endometrial biopsy, doctors remove a small sample of the uterus’ tissue lining. Sonohysterography and ultrasound use sound waves to generate images on a computer, allowing specialists to assess the interior of the uterus.
Treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding often includes medications like birth control and tranexamic acid. For bleeding caused by fibroids, specialists may recommend the gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which shrinks fibroids to reduce symptoms and bleeding.
Osteoporosis
Low estrogen levels can cause bones to become weak and break easily. Specialists use a scanner that measures bone density to diagnose osteoporosis. Depending on your screening and bone-breaking risks, they recommend medications or hormone therapy. Following a doctor’s nutrition and body weight maintenance guidelines helps prevent the condition from advancing.
Dyspareunia
A women’s health specialist assesses your medical history and symptoms when diagnosing dyspareunia, which involves pain during or after sexual intercourse. Full physical examinations include pelvic exams that look for structural anomalies and signs of infection. Specialists use a speculum to hold the vaginal walls open during physical exams.
Based on the results of the physical examination, a physician may conduct additional tests like a pelvic ultrasound. Providers often recommend therapies, like vaginal muscle relaxation techniques, to ease dyspareunia symptoms or medications to correct lubrication issues.
Heavy Menstrual Flow
Women’s reproductive health specialists may offer endometrial ablation to treat heavy menstrual flow. It is commonly recommended to patients who have no future child-bearing plans when medications and other conservative treatments fail. Specialists use anesthesia when starting the procedure to ease discomfort. They dilate your cervix to allow access to the uterus when removing the endometrium through radiofrequency, cryoablation, electrosurgery, or a heated balloon.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Health specialists provide personalized endometriosis treatments and prescribe over-the-counter medications to ease pain. Treatment suggestions often include contraceptives for hormone therapy, traditional surgery, and total hysterectomy. Traditional surgery involves endometrial tissue removal while preserving the ovaries and the uterus. Total hysterectomy is the removal of the ovaries, uterus, and cervix.
Learn More About OBGYN Services
An OBGYN offers primary health care services to manage gynecology, obstetrics, and women’s health. Their services may also include vaginal rejuvenation, hormone replacement therapy, and STD testing. Contact a reputable healthcare practice to learn more about OBGYN services.
