Why a Gynecologist is Important to Women's Health
A gynecologist specializes in the health and diseases of the female reproductive system. Many such doctors are also obstetricians who work with women to keep pregnancies healthy and to deliver babies.
Every woman should see a gynecologist to promote good health. Strating from puberty, when the reproductive organs mature, women should be regularly evaluated by a gynecological specialist. Women should schedule an exam between the ages of 13 and 15 or when they become sexually active. Physicians can explain normal bodily functions and answer any related questions about menstruation that may arise. Doctors can advise older women about menopause and hormone replacement therapy. Keeping a close relationship with your gynecologist will be helpful over the years.
During an annual well woman exam, an OB/GYN will perform pelvic and breast exams. A pelvic exam allows inspection of the cervix, and a Pap smear allows the examination of a few cells microscopically for any potentially cancerous cells. Women should have a pelvic exam annually, whether or not they are having a Pap smear. The doctor can assess many disorders of the reproductive system through examination. He or she can also conduct tests with blood and tissue cultures.
Self-examination or a doctor's exam can also discover breast abnormalities early. From there, a mammogram (an X-ray technique) visualizes breast tissue for any possible cancerous changes. Digital imaging software used in computerized mammography can eliminate some errors in the reading. Recently, some disagreement has arisen about how often a mammogram should be performed. The American Cancer Society has recommended that by age 40 women should be screened every one to three years if the results are consistently negative. If there are any suspicious areas of concern, breast ultrasounds are the next step and then breast biopsies, if needed.
When a woman is pregnant, ultrasound and amniocentesis detect abnormalities of the fetus. Another test is called chorionic villus sampling. Tiny vascular fibrils that help form the placenta are checked by laparoscopy, which provides an evaluation of the fetus.
Many of these assessment techniques can be done in a doctor's office, and others in a hospital or outpatient surgical center.
Detecting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is of utmost importance. Any unusual vaginal discharge or lesion should be evaluated. Gynecologists can take smears and decide whether a discharge or sore is related to any of these STDs:
Bacterial vaginosisChlamydiaGonorrheaHerpes simplex or genital herpesHuman papillomavirus (HPV)Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)Syphilis
Other common women's health problems include endometriosis, fibroid tumors and cancer. These should be evaluated by a doctor in gynecology for medications and surgery and referred to an oncologist for treatment. Contraception is also a big part of this field, and different methods of contraception can be discussed and prescribed by specializing physicians.
When women reach menopause, they may experience physical and emotional symptoms in this life changing period. A physician can evaluate blood hormone levels and prescribe hormone replacement therapy if needed to help counteract these symptoms.
When searching for an OB/GYN, contact your health insurance company to make sure that your policy covers this care. Read through the listing of OB/GYNs in the provider directory available from your health insurance provider. You'll want to feel especially comfortable with your obstetrician and/or gynecologist, so carefully research them. Verify their qualifications, education, continuing education, accepted insurance plans and affiliated hospitals by consulting Angie's List, where you can also see reviews and rankings from members who have been under their care.