Women have unique health care needs with regards to their reproductive system and reproductive health throughout their life. A doctor with a specialization in gynecology is uniquely trained to address women’s reproductive health care needs throughout the life of the woman.
In addition to gynecology, there is also the practice of obstetrics. Obstetrics is the treatment and health management of women during pregnancy and typically immediately after as well. Most doctors are both gynecologists and obstetricians, but a doctor may choose to specialize in different areas of treatment in either specialization.
General Reproductive Care
There may be many different reasons a woman is referred to a gynecologist or chooses to see a doctor with this specialization. Women often see this specialist if they irregular menstrual cycles, have a high risk of reproductive cancers or atypical results in past tests, or if they are planning to become pregnant or have specific concerns about their reproductive health.
In some cases, women with a family history of reproductive cancers, or those with a history of miscarriages, infertility, or challenges in becoming pregnant, or those women wanting family planning or birth control assistance may see a specialist in gynecology.
Today, it is also very common for a gynecologist to provide fertility treatments for female patients. As these procedures can involve significant testing and the need for very specific timelines based on the stage of the reproductive cycle, the woman and the doctor need to work closely together, meaning they should be in the same geographic location for ease of treatment and monitoring.
It is also common for women dealing with female incontinence, perimenopause or those choosing implanted contraceptives to see a gynecologist. Most women will also see a gynecologist if they are experiencing pain in the abdominal or pelvic area or when sex is painful.
Surgical Procedures
Doctors of gynecology complete surgical procedures as well. This can include hysterectomies, including the use of robots and laparoscopy. Laparoscopy includes the use of small fiber optic cameras and instruments that allow for small incisions that are much less likely to have complications and reduce scarring and recovery time.
With most gynecology procedures, but not all, there are different options to consider. A gynecologist will work with the patient to ensure she understands the choices in the procedure as well as the benefits and any possible risks associated with each option.
