Did you know that nearly every woman is impacted by a gynecological condition at some point in her life? Yet, many women still put off their gynecological care because they don’t have symptoms or just don’t make the time. Gynecological care is important because many serious conditions can be successfully treated or managed with early detection.

What conditions does a gynecologist treat?

Gynecology is the branch of medicine that addresses diseases that are unique to women, especially those related to the reproductive system. Your gynecologist works to prevent, diagnose, and manage a wide variety of gynecological issues including:

• Routine annual well-woman exams, Pap smears
• Contraception, STD screening
• Pelvic pain and painful periods
• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Uterine fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Menopause and Hormone replacement therapy
• Minimally invasive surgical procedures including endometrial ablations and laparoscopies
• Major surgery such as hysterectomies and pelvic reconstructions

What can I expect during a routine gynecological exam?

Your annual gynecological exam is important because your reproductive needs change over time as you transition from your childbearing years into menopause. Every stage of life requires different types screening and care. Also, many conditions and diseases don’t have symptoms, but can be detected with routine gynecological tests.

During your annual gynecological exam, your gynecologist reviews your overall health, including any changes to your medical history, current medications, symptoms, and concerns. They ask questions about your reproductive goals.

Next, they perform a physical exam, which includes a breast and pelvic exam. They use a speculum to look inside your vagina and also check the health of your internal reproductive organs. If you are due for a routine Pap smear, the doctor obtains cells from the cervix, which are then sent to the lab to be evaluated for pre-cancerous changes. During your pelvic exam, you may feel slight pressure, but it shouldn’t hurt.

The entire exam is over within minutes. Remember, a Pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer, you need to be seen by your gynecologist every year for your annual well woman exam and pelvic exam.  At that time talk to your doctor about how often you need cervical cancer screening.

After your visit, your doctor will contact you with the results of your Pap smear and other labs.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV infections are the most common sexually transmitted infections in the world. In this country alone, over 14 million new cases are diagnosed every year.  We routinely screen, diagnose, and treat many different types of infections that are associated with HPV.  Left untreated, HPV can lead to serious precancerous cell changes. 

How should I choose a gynecologist?

Because gynecological care is so personal, it’s important to find a doctor who listens to your needs and concerns, takes the time to answer all of your questions, and offers safe and proven treatments and procedures.

Our practice is unique in that we focus exclusively on gynecology and gynecologic surgery, staffed with kind and compassionate staff members all specially trained in gynecology. We offer menopausal women more options to reduce symptoms and feel wonderful throughout their lives.  Many gynecologists send you to outside facilities for sonograms, mammograms, blood work, and prescription medication. Dr Whitfield’s office offers these services on-site – making life just a little bit easier for today’s busy woman.  We also routinely conduct clinical trials in women’s health giving you access to the most up to date treatments and procedures.