Beginning at 15 years of age, women should visit a gynaecologist for regular checkups to address issues within the female reproductive system, such as the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries as well as vagina and vulva.
Gynaecologists can be invaluable resources if you experience discomfort during periods, are concerned about low libido or are having difficulties after menopause with sexual function.
Menstrual Problems
Gynecologists can assist women who are experiencing any health problems that affect the menstrual cycle, including abnormal uterine bleeding, amenorrhea (the absence of periods) and oligomenorrhea (infrequent or undetectable periods).
Women should visit a gynecologist when experiencing symptoms like heavy bleeding, pain or mood changes; however, the intensity of such symptoms can differ considerably between individuals.
At your appointment, a gynecologist will review detailed information regarding your menstrual cycle and symptoms, perform a pelvic exam and Pap smear, diagnose your condition and make treatment recommendations.
Infertility
Reproductive endocrinologists who specialize in female fertility can assist couples experiencing fertility issues, whether the cause be biological factors affecting either partner, or inexplicable factors that have no explanation.
Infertility can be difficult to diagnose, especially for couples that have been trying for some time. Your doctor will conduct a fertility evaluation with blood tests and ultrasound scans in order to detect potential sources of infertility.
Some sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia or gonorrhea can directly lead to infertility in women, so seeing a gynecologist to screen for and treat these infections could greatly increase your chance of conception. Surgery may also address structural changes that impede fertility such as fibroids removal or septum repair.
Pregnancy
If you are considering becoming pregnant, consulting with a gynecologist is highly recommended. They offer screening tests to detect issues that could arise during gestation such as cysts, fibroids, ectopic pregnancy or endometriosis that could pose risks during gestation.
He or she will also offer advice on how to best prepare and manage complications during labor, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia or high-risk pregnancies.
Your gynaecologist will perform a pelvic exam (including your cervix) by inserting a sterile metal speculum into your vagina or vulva and applying lubricating gel as necessary for a comfortable exam experience.
Sexual Health
Sexual wellness is both personal and integral to overall wellness. Your gynecologist can assist with keeping you in good shape through routine screenings and providing care as necessary.
Your gynecologist can suggest screenings tailored specifically to your age and history, and help locate resources to cover the costs associated with testing or treatment, if applicable.
Winnifred Hunter, Ph.D. is an accomplished clinical psychologist who has worked at both integrated primary care clinics and hospital in-patient settings. She utilizes evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavior therapy, relational-cultural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and other approaches in order to facilitate healing and promote recovery.
Weight Management
Gynecologists possess expert knowledge of women’s bodies and may be able to give women advice on how to lose weight healthily, such as diet and exercise plans or discussing medications that might contribute to weight gain or hinder efforts such as birth control pills.
Gynaecologists are well versed in using metformin for managing Type 2 diabetes and to promote modest weight loss by targeting AMP-activated protein kinase, hepatic and muscle glucose uptake, glycogenesis and insulin secretion. Obesity has the potential to negatively impact fertility by increasing risk factors like ovarian cysts, pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence – factors metformin helps combat.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
STIs (also referred to as STDs) are sexually transmitted diseases caused by sexual contact between partners, typically bacteria, viruses or fungi. Most STIs can be avoided through abstinence from sexual activity as well as using protection when engaging in sexual activities and screening services.
STIs (sexually transmitted infections) can be harmful, leading to health issues like genital warts, cervical cancer and gonorrhea; and can increase your risk of HIV. Diagnosing an STI typically requires physical exam, blood test results or fluid samples taken from open genital sores. Two thirds of all STIs occur among people under 25.
Incontinence
While it can be embarrassing to discuss bladder and bowel control issues, it is vitally important for patients with these difficulties to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Incontinence can have severe negative repercussions and compromise one’s quality of life significantly.
Gynaecologists specialize in helping women deal with reproductive conditions that require medication or surgical treatments, including pelvic exams that include Pap smear tests to detect abnormalities on the cervix. Furthermore, they can recommend personalized treatments such as bladder training exercises or pelvic floor exercises as noninvasive solutions for their patients.