Gynecology

Infirmary Health’s gynecology department is staffed by specialist physicians who seek to provide women with the best quality care and put their health needs first.

What Is Gynecology?

Gynecology is the study of, diagnosis of, and treatment of diseases and disorders having to do with the female reproductive system. Gynecology and obstetrics, the study of medical issues related to birth, are very similar, and many gynecologists are also obstetricians. However, while obstetricians also focus on pregnancy and childbirth, gynecologists focus on preserving the overall health of the female reproductive system.

The types of screenings gynecologists regularly conduct to preemptively search for disorders or diseases include:

• Pelvic exams
• Pap smear tests
• Cancer screenings
• Vaginal infection tests
• Ultrasounds

Diseases that can infect the female reproductive system include:

• Cancer
• Incontinence
• Pelvic inflammatory diseases
• Vaginal infections
• Prolapse of pelvic organs
• Infertility
• Menorrhagia (overly heavy menstruation)
• Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)

Learn more about gynecologic cancer.

Regular testing increases the chances of diagnosing one of these diseases early.

Once a gynecologist has examined and diagnosed a problem with your reproductive system, they will discuss the treatment options available to you. Gynecological treatment options range from hormonal related therapies to surgeries such as a hysterectomy or oophorectomy, which are designed to alter the reproductive system to solve existing health issues.

When You Visit a Gynecologist

Although each individual is different, when you visits a gynecologist, depending on your medical needs, you will provide the physician with medical history, and then the gynecologist will perform routine screenings such as a pap smear. Pap smears are especially common in gynecological visits and usually involve the physician retrieving a sample of cells from the cervix to test for cancer.

After screening for issues and answering any concerns the patient may have, the gynecologist will then review the screening results and advise the best ways that you can better your reproductive health. If a treatment such as medication or surgery is required, the gynecologist will walk you through the treatment process and explain each option so that you can make the most informed decision to promote your reproductive health.