Gynecologists are medical specialists whose specialization mainly covers women’s health status in the area of their reproductive health. Being a gynecologist includes monitoring women’s reproductive health in the domain of pregnancy, obstetrics, menstruation, childbirth, sexually transmitted diseases, hormonal and fertility issues, and similar. 

Regular gynecologist visits are recommended for women after they turn 15 because the older the patients are, the more likely it is that issues will start occurring. Doctors of gynecology have to be experienced and have at least eight years of formal training and education to be considered qualified, so clinics such as Women’s Care of Bradenton make sure their OBGYN staff is examined and certified by bodies such as the American Board of Gynecologists or the ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists). 

Women are often advised to have a gynecology visit at least once a year if the exam results are normal. If they notice any abnormalities or symptoms, it is recommended to contact their chosen gynecologist as soon as possible. 

As mentioned, gynecologists are doctors concerned with female reproductive health, while obstetricians are doctors who specifically specialize in pregnancy and delivery. There are around 20.000 gynecologists in the U.S. (2016 research shows), so when choosing a doctor, you have many different options and choices to pick a professional that suits you and your current needs the best. 

When to See a Gynecologist?

Gynecologist Physician Consulting and Examining Woman Patient Health in Obstetrics and Gynecology Department in Medical Hospital Health Service Center.

As mentioned in the beginning, when discussing when to see a gynecologist, women are advised to have gynecologist visits at least once per year, i.e., annually, to perform a gynecological screening and a physical examination. This might not be the case if you start noticing pain in the pelvic, vaginal, or vulvar area, unusual bleeding, or discharge from the vagina. In such cases, you should call your doctor immediately and schedule a consultation to remedy the symptoms. 

Gynecology specialists most often treat the following conditions:

  • Issues with pregnancy, menstrual cycle, menopause
  • Issues with fertility 
  • Family planning (contraception, pregnancy termination, and sterilization included)
  • Sexually transmitted infections and diseases
  • Problems with the supportive tissue of pelvic organs
  • PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
  • Ovarian fibroids, cysts, vulvar ulcers, breast issues, etc.
  • Endometrial hyperplasia, cervical dysplasia, and other premalignant issues 
  • Cancers of the breasts and other reproductive organs
  • Pregnancy tumors 
  • Genetic abnormalities of the reproductive tracts 
  • Emergency issues concerning gynecology
  • Endometriosis 
  • PID (pelvic inflammatory disease)
  • Sexual health, including sexual dysfunction
  • Treatment of problems such as acne, mood changes, lower back pain, hormonal misbalance, etc. 

Other conditions which might be treated with the help of a gynecologist are:

  • Depression 
  • Personality disorders 
  • Asthma 
  • Diabetes 
  • Thyroid issues 
  • Hormonal problems 
  • Osteoporosis 
  • Cardiovascular conditions 
  • Sexual assault consequences 

Gynecology visits can also be preventive because doctors can offer you lifestyle advice about weight loss, healthy choices, consequences of consuming alcohol and cigarettes, etc. 

How Old Do I Have to Be?

Doctors of gynecology can treat girls and women at any age, but the recommended age when to see a gynecologist is when you turn 15. Having a trusted medical professional by your side when you are going through puberty or menopause, pregnancy, or some health-related issues gives a person more liberty and confidence to discuss different issues such as the menstrual cycle, sexuality, sexual activity, and similar. 

Being regular also helps your chosen doctor because they can monitor your reproductive health over a longer period and guide you through all the changes your body might undergo in different life phases. 

What Happens During a Gynecologist Visit? 

The answer to the question above greatly depends on the reason you scheduled an appointment with your chosen doctor. If it is your first visit, then you will most probably have a short conversation with the doctor, so you can get to know them, and they can gather some general health data from you. 

Here are some general recommendations which might be helpful when you go to the gynecologist’s office: 

  • Be honest about your general health and potential issues you might have been facing. This will give the doctor a much clearer perspective and give them more space and options to help you.
  • A Pap smear is an annual exam every woman needs to perform, but it might be uncomfortable and, for some women, quite painful. The good thing is that it lasts only a minute, so it is bearable for most patients. 
  • You are not obligated to shave before an appointment if that is not something you do regularly.
  • If you start noticing unusual body odor, most often originating from the vaginal area, that is nothing to be ashamed of. However, please share that with your gynecologist so they can examine you and give further guidance.
  • Getting your monthly period when you previously scheduled a gynecologist visit is not a problem. Still, postponing the visit is often recommended unless you need urgent medical care.
  • A few days before the exam, it is best to avoid douching, using tampons, or having sexual relations.
  • If you feel uncomfortable alone, you can bring someone to the examination. 

Reasons to See a Gynecologist

Female Gynecologist Working With Patient in Clinic

As previously stated, one of the main reasons to see a gynecologist is the annual screening process which is recommended for women starting in their teen years. This yearly checkup includes a general evaluation, screening, necessary immunizations, and a physical examination which consists of a calculation of the body mass index, abdominal examination, measurements of vital body signs, and a pelvic examination which is followed by a breast exam. 

Sometimes patients give urine or blood samples for further analysis and can undergo assessments such as a mammography, colonoscopy, monitoring of blood pressure, etc. 

Certified gynecologists are often trained to carry out different diagnostic procedures, as well as surgeries, and these can include: 

  • Ultrasounds
  • Pap smears 
  • Examination of the cervix with a microscope called colposcopy 
  • Extraction of samples of the uterus lining tissue called an endometrial biopsy
  • Using an endoscope to examine the uterus called hysteroscopy 
  • Laparoscopy in the abdominal region to diagnose and treat reproductive health issues
  • Minor surgical procedures such as sterilizations
  • Major surgical procedures, such as the removal of fibroids from the uterus
  • Preparation of patients for surgery
  • Postoperative care
  • Treatment of post-surgery complications 

Talk to Our Specialists!

Our gynecological staff is trained and equipped to help all our patients who struggle with reproductive health issues. It is crucial to ensure that your chosen doctor is aware of your general health and to come to annual checkups to prevent major complications and problems that might develop when you do not monitor your reproductive health regularly.

Our expert team is at your disposal, so feel free to contact our clinic and schedule a consultation. Your reproductive health has to be your priority, so pick up the phone and call us today. We are here for you!