Gynecology

See our obstetrics services 

We support women’s health needs through every stage of life from adolescence to childbearing years and into menopause. Our dedicated team takes time to listen closely, making sure each woman feels understood and encouraged to take charge of her well-being.

We also provide guidance on health conditions unique to women, helping them stay informed and cared for at every step. Our focus is on promoting overall wellness and preventive care. Book a visit with our gynecologists to learn how we can partner with you in maintaining good health throughout life.

What’s a Gynecologist

A gynecologist is a doctor and women’s health specialist focusing on gynecology. Gynecology is a branch of medicine that focuses on women’s health as well as treating a wide range of conditions affecting the female reproductive system, including sexually transmitted diseases and chronic pain. Gynecology also deals with diagnosing and treating conditions that affect women’s breasts. 

Some gynecologists are also trained in obstetrics, which is the care of women during pregnancy, childbirth and after delivery. Doctors with both specialties are called OB/GYNs. This means they can provide reproductive health care as well as support women through all stages of pregnancy. While all obstetricians are gynecologists, not all gynecologists are obstetricians.

A gynecologist deals with all aspects of women’s sexual health like physical exams, cancer screenings and preventive care. They can provide: 

Diagnosis

• Colposcopy – a cervical cancer test wherein the gynecologist gets a close-up look at the cervix.
• Vulvar, vaginal and cervical biopsy – involves taking small tissue samples from the vulva, vagina or cervix to check for cancer or another skin disease.
• Hysteroscopy – a procedure for diagnosing or treating conditions affecting the uterus, such as abnormal uterine bleeding.

Prevention

• Annual pelvic exam – physically examining the pelvic organs, which include the female external genitals as well as internal organs (uterus, vagina and cervix)
• Pap smear – a test in which cells are taken from the vagina or cervix to be checked in the laboratory for signs of cancer
• Sexually transmitted disease (STD) screenings – to determine if a person has been infected with an STD. Some STDs do not exhibit symptoms, so it is possible to catch or spread an STD even if the patient seems healthy.
• Osteoporosis screenings – osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become weak, brittle and thin. A bone mineral density (BMD) is recommended for women age 65+ years old. BMD is used to measure bone density at the spine, heel, wrist, hip or hand. Women younger than 65 who are past menopause should only have a BMD test if they have had a fracture or other osteoporosis risk factors.
• Breast cancer screenings – checking breasts for signs of cancer before any symptoms or signs appear.
• Contraceptive counseling/family planning

When Should You Go See a Gynecologist

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that teens start seeing a gynecologist between the ages of 13 and 15, regardless of whether they have started menstruating or are sexually active. Although most women won’t need a Pap smear until age 21, here are some things they can learn when seeing a gynecologist before then:

• Healthy lifestyle habits to take care of the body, especially the female reproductive parts
• Whether their period timing, quality and symptoms are normal
• How the reproductive system works
• Pregnancy prevention and birth control options
• Pregnancy testing
• Getting tested for and lowering their risk of sexually transmitted infections

A gynecologist visit is recommended if a girl:

• Does not show any secondary development in sexual characteristics such as pubic hair and breast growth by 13 years of age
• Has no menstruation by age 15 despite having breast and pubic hair development
• Has periods that are too heavy, painful or irregular
• Feels menstrual symptoms interfere with daily activities