Gynecologists diagnose, treat, and manage conditions affecting women’s health. These professionals deal with issues such as fertility, menstruation, menopause, and childbirth. If you experience the following conditions, visit a women’s healthcare facility for evaluation:
Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain manifests as a dull ache or sharp discomfort in your lower abdomen. Pelvic pain often results from painful periods, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop within the wall of the uterus. The non-cancerous growths vary in size and cause severe pelvic pain if not treated. Other conditions like ovarian cysts, urinary tract infections, and pelvic inflammatory disease can also cause chronic pelvic pain. Depending on the severity of the pain, your doctor may recommend pain relief medication to alleviate pain or surgery to remove fibroids or cysts.
Pregnancy and Prenatal Care
Visiting your gynecologist once you discover you are pregnant can help you learn how to carry a healthy pregnancy. During the visit, your gynecologist may confirm the pregnancy, estimate the due date, and monitor the baby’s development through an ultrasound screening. They can also identify potential complications like gestational diabetes or ectopic pregnancy, allowing for timely treatment. You also receive personalized advice on what to eat and which exercises are safe. They may recommend consuming food rich in folic acid, protein, iron, and calcium to help prevent neural tube defects in the developing baby.
Pain During Sexual Intercourse
Pain during intercourse may arise from yeast infections, vaginal dryness, uterine fibroids, or sexually transmitted diseases. These conditions cause vaginal irritation, inflammation, and discomfort. You may feel itching and burning and produce abnormal discharge, making sexual intercourse painful and uncomfortable. Consulting a gynecologist will allow you to learn how to alleviate physical discomfort and enhance your sexual experience.
Irregular Periods
Although irregular periods can be a common occurrence among some women, they may also indicate an underlying health issue. Irregular periods are mainly characterized by spotting between cycles, missed periods, heavy periods, and periods that last longer than usual. Various factors such as stress, weight changes, excessive exercise, and age can cause irregular periods. Other conditions like hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis are associated with heavy and painful periods. These conditions alter the regular ovulation process. Your gynecologist diagnoses and recommends appropriate treatment options, including hormone therapy or birth control.
Abnormal Pap Smear Results
Seeing a gynecologist after receiving abnormal Pap smear results can lead to early identification and treatment of cervical health problems. A Pap test or Pap smear is a screening procedure that healthcare providers use to detect precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix. Infections, inflammation, human papillomavirus (HPV), and cervical dysplasia contribute to abnormal pap smear results. Your gynecologist analyses the results and conducts more tests, such as colposcopy and biopsy, to determine the extent of abnormal cell changes. This early intervention may prevent the development of cervical cancer.
Contraceptive Management
Gynecology professionals help you choose a birth control method that is best for you. They assess your family planning goals, medical history, preferences, and potential risks to suggest safe and effective contraceptive options. If you are looking for a long-term contraceptive method, they may recommend intrauterine devices (IUD), patches, or birth control pills. They also guide you if you wish to change or discontinue a contraceptive due to a desire for pregnancy, lifestyle changes, or side effects.
Schedule an Appointment With Gynecologists Today
Gynecologists help you have a healthy reproductive system. They address issues like pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, longer periods than usual, and infrequent bleeding. Contact a reputable specialist today to learn more about their services.
