Gynecology

What is gynecology care?

Gynecology care focuses on the health and well-being of your reproductive and pelvic organs. It includes yearly well-woman exams as well as diagnosis and treatment of issues including:

• Yeast infection
• STDs, such as chlamydia and herpes
• Endometriosis
• Bladder and pelvic floor dysfunction
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Bartholin's cysts that develop in the glands located at the vaginal opening

Birth control counseling, menopause care, and pelvic cancer screening are also part of the gynecology care offered at Raveco Medical.

What does routine gynecology care entail?

An annual well-woman exam is an important part of your overall gynecological health. This exam includes a pelvic exam, clinical breast exam, and any necessary screenings such as Pap smears or mammograms.

Routine gynecological care should begin in a woman’s early teens so she can learn about the changes that happen during puberty. The first visits offer a time for a girl to establish a relationship with a gynecologist and address any concerns about menstrual irregularities, sexuality, or unusual pelvic symptoms. A pelvic exam isn’t usually done until a girl reaches age 21.

Young girls benefit from vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease that can cause genital warts and, in some cases, cervical cancer. The vaccine works best before a girl becomes sexually active and is given in two doses over the course of six months.

What screening tests does regular gynecology care involve?

Some gynecology screening tests, like Pap smears, are routine. A Pap smear is performed during a pelvic exam. Your doctor uses a swab to take a sample of cells from your cervix. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis. An abnormal result is not a diagnosis of cancer but means you might need additional in-office investigation of the cells, such as through a colposcopy.

A Pap smear is recommended at least every three years from ages 21-65. If you have a history of cervical cancer or abnormal test results, you may need them more frequently.

You may also benefit from in-office ultrasounds that can identify a cause of pelvic pain or irregular bleeding. Ultrasound can also help in the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Routine or diagnostic urine and blood testing, as well as referrals for mammograms, are also offered as appropriate. If you have concerns that you’ve contracted a sexually transmitted disease or show symptoms, like an unusual vaginal discharge, request STD testing.

What surgeries are part of gynecology care?

In-office surgeries are available at all of the three locations of Raveco Medical. Examples of in-office surgeries include:

Endometrial ablation

If you have excessive menstrual bleeding or periods that last longer than seven days, endometrial ablation may be an answer. It removes the thin layer of tissue that lines the uterus (endometrium) to alleviate your symptoms.

Dilation and curettage (D&C)

A D&C removes tissue from inside of your uterus that may contribute to heavy menstrual bleeding or infection. It’s often performed after a miscarriage.

Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP)

LEEP is a treatment to remove abnormal cervical cells on the cervix discovered via a Pap smear. A special device is used to cut away the affected cells and a very small portion of the surrounding tissue.

The OB/GYN team can also provide more advanced gynecological surgery, such as hysterectomy or fibroid removal, at an affiliated hospital.

Call Raveco Medical for all of your gynecology needs. Alternatively, book an appointment online.