Gynecological Services

Gynecologists give reproductive and sexual health services that include pelvic exams, Pap tests, cancer screenings, and testing and treatment for vaginal infections. They diagnose and treat reproductive system disorders such as endometriosis, infertility, ovarian cysts, and pelvic pain. They may also care for people with ovarian, cervical, and other reproductive cancers.

Some gynecologists also practice as obstetricians, who give care during pregnancy and birth. If a gynecologist has expertise in obstetrics, they’re called an OB-GYN.

Reasons to See a Gynecologist

It’s important to have regular visits with your gynecologist to maintain your reproductive health. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, these visits should start between the ages of 13 and 15.

Depending on your health history and how old you are, your gynecologist may use this visit to screen for problems like cervical or breast cancer. The well visit is also your chance to ask the gynecologist about reproductive health concerns like birth control.

About OBGYNs

An OBGYN has studied both obstetrics and gynecology. (That is what the OB and GYN stand for.) Their obstetrics education allows them to focus on caring for a woman before, during and after a pregnancy.

Services

The following is a list of some of the more common services an OBGYN can provide for their patients.

• Women's health services: A short list of routine women's health services includes pap smears, breast cancer screenings, gynecological cancer screenings, pelvic pain evaluations and urinary incontinence treatment. Additional health and wellness services may include nutrition programs, prenatal yoga classes, pregnancy classes, or educational workshops that teach women how to be healthy and happy.

• Pregnancy care: OBGYNs offer women pre-pregnancy planning services, prenatal care, pregnancy care and postpartum care. Since pregnant women will see their OBGYN often, it is important that they choose one they feel very comfortable with and trust accordingly. Additional pregnancy, labor and delivery services include genetic screening, nurse midwifery, gestational diabetes management and breastfeeding education, as well as further precautionary tests and services for women of advanced maternal age (generally age 35 and over).

• Surgical procedures: An OBGYN can perform a number of surgical procedures, including but not limited to hysterectomies, endometrial ablations, colposcopies, dilation and curettage and transvaginal ultrasounds. Many of the surgical procedures performed by an OBGYN are minimally invasive.

• Specialty care: such as reproductive endocrinology and infertility or gynecologic oncology, which deals with diagnosing and treating cancers affecting a woman's reproductive system.