3 Reasons to Regularly See a Gynecologist

Gynecologists who are involved in your reproductive health may also treat specific conditions related to the bladder and rectum. This specialist can offer preventive care for sexually transmitted diseases and offer cancer screening and diagnosis. Here are three reasons to see a gynecologist: 

Endometriosis

When a tissue that appears like a uterus lining forms in places where it shouldn’t, the condition is known as endometriosis. The condition may cause patients to have difficulty getting pregnant due to fallopian tube blockage. Signs of endometriosis include pelvic pains, which can be extensive or mild. Other signs include painful menstrual cramps and abdominal pains during periods. Some patients experience heavy bleeding during periods and pain during sexual intercourse. A gynecologist may examine your health history and ask for any family history of endometriosis before performing a pelvic assessment.

Your doctor could also order tests such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to evaluate the condition. Testing for endometriosis is usually done through laparoscopy. Laparoscopy involves the insertion of the laparoscope into the pelvic region to locate the tissue and get a sample for testing. Gynecologists may provide treatment options such as hormonal medications that mitigate the production of menstrual hormones. Patients can also take birth control pills that encourage lighter periods. 

Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are different types of growth that develop on or in the ovaries and are often not harmful. You might see a gynecologist when cysts cause discomfort, or they could be found during a regular pelvic evaluation. Functional cysts occur during ovulation and indicate that your ovaries are functioning normally. Other types of cysts include endometriomas and cystadenomas. These ovarian cysts occur due to abnormal cell development, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease. Common signs include painful periods, pain during sex, and general pelvic pains. The gynecologist performs tests such as pelvic examination, ultrasound, and laparoscopy to start making a diagnosis. Medical specialists might recommend hormonal medications that inhibit ovulation and prevent more cysts from forming. Severe symptoms of cysts could require a laparotomy surgery depending on the cyst size and appearance after ultrasound. 

Irregular Bleeding

Vaginal bleeding that occurs between periods or outside of a menstrual cycle is termed abnormal. The condition could be caused by many factors, such as medications, menopause, pregnancy, and hormones. Irregular vaginal bleeding may also appear as a result of certain medical conditions such as bleeding disorders, hypothyroidism, and uterine fibroids.

Your gynecologist should order tests such as pap examination, urinalysis, ultrasound, complete blood count, and hysteroscopy to rule out any medical issue. Irregular bleeding treatment options include birth control pills, antibiotics, non-steroid drugs, and intrauterine devices. A gynecologist might also recommend surgical treatment options such as endometrial ablation and removal of non-cancerous growth. Your specialist can recommend the removal of fibroids while leaving the uterus intact. Some cases require dilation and curettage, which involves scraping the tissue from your uterus. 

Consult a Recognized Gynecologist 

Gynecologists should discuss the risk factors involved in any medical condition they diagnose and determine the follow-up process. Early testing and detection of gynecology conditions help to prevent further advancement. If you suspect that you have a medical condition that requires the attention of a gynecologist, contact a women’s health clinic today.