Visiting a gynecologist regularly is an effective way to monitor your reproductive health and general well-being. During your appointment, this professional reviews your medical history and asks about your symptoms for proper treatment of any conditions. Here are some things included in routine gynecology care:
Physical Examination
During your visit, a healthcare provider often performs a breast examination to identify issues, such as redness or nipple discharge. A qualified gynecologist also checks for lumps, thickened tissue, or unusual masses that may indicate underlying health concerns. They also conduct a pelvic exam to evaluate the health of internal and external reproductive organs. During this procedure, a gynecologist inspects the vulva for signs of irritation, infection, sores, or abnormal discharge. This medical professional also examines the vaginal walls and cervix for issues like lesions, inflammation, or unusual discharge.
Pap Smear
Also known as a Pap test, a Pap smear allows a doctor to detect changes in cervical cells that could develop into cancer. This procedure may identify inflammation or infections unrelated to cancer, such as yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis. A Pap smear may also screen for human papillomavirus or HPV, which is a sexually transmitted infection and a significant risk factor for cervical cancer. If any issues are found, a doctor might recommend treatment to prevent such health conditions from getting worse. When the results are negative after the first test, a doctor may suggest regular screenings in the future.
Contraception Counseling
Routine gynecology care also includes contraception counseling to discuss birth control options. Depending on your health and lifestyle, your gynecologist may suggest hormonal methods, such as birth control pills, patches, and implants. Such methods use hormones to prevent ovulation and alter the cervical mucus to block sperm, reducing the chances of pregnancy. If you have a history of blood clots or breast cancer, a gynecologist may suggest other methods besides hormonal ones. You can also choose non-hormonal options like copper IUD, which don’t depend on hormones to prevent pregnancy. For women who want a long-term solution to prevent pregnancy, tubal ligation is an appropriate option since it’s a permanent method. This procedure blocks or seals the fallopian tubes, preventing eggs from reaching the uterus.
Vaccinations
HPV vaccines help protect against certain strains of HPV, which cause most cases of cervical cancer and genital warts. Some healthcare providers may administer the flu vaccine to protect pregnant women against severe illnesses. This type of vaccination protects both the mother and the baby as their immune system develops for several months after birth. If you weren’t vaccinated during childhood, a doctor may suggest a hepatitis B vaccine to control this viral infection. For pregnant women, the Tdap vaccine helps shield the newborn from whooping cough before they can receive their vaccinations.
Get Comprehensive Gynecology Care
With proper gynecology care, medical professionals may detect different reproductive health diseases and suggest remedies. During your visit, a gynecologist should examine you physically and conduct various tests to determine if there are underlying issues with your health concerns. To discuss your reproductive health condition, call a reputed clinic today to book an appointment.
