It isn’t surprising that many women choose to make their gynecologist their primary health care provider. After all, gynecologists are specially trained to meet the specific medical needs of women, and those needs aren’t limited to problems that affect the reproductive system. The top-notch team of gynecologists at Plano Texas Gynecology & Obstetrics Associates use their specialized skills, broad base of knowledge, and caring bedside manner to provide the best possible health care for women in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan region.
Gynecology
What is a gynecologist?
A gynecologist (OB/GYN) is a physician who is trained to provide superior medical and surgical care throughout the many stages of a woman’s life — from the start of menstruation, through the childbearing years, and into and beyond menopause. After graduating from medical school, gynecologists must complete a four-year specialized residency training that focuses on all aspects of women’s reproductive care, in addition to covering women’s primary care, including health maintenance, preventive care, and disease management.
What basic services do gynecologists offer?
In practice, most gynecologists are generalists who treat a wide variety of medical conditions, perform surgery, and manage pregnancy, labor, and delivery. On any given day in the office, a gynecologist may provide preventive examinations and other primary care services, and identify gynecologic problems. Gynecologists routinely evaluate, diagnose, and treat:
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Abnormal pap tests
- Fertility problems
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Polycystic ovaries (PCOS)
- Pelvic masses
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Breast disorders
- Urinary incontinence
Minor office procedures that gynecologists regularly perform include colposcopies, endometrial biopsies, pap smears, and vulvar biopsies. Ultrasounds are performed for gynecologic as well as obstetrics conditions.
Do gynecologists perform advanced procedures?
Yes. Gynecologists are trained to perform a wide variety of outpatient surgical procedures, including laser surgery, tubal ligation, endometrial ablation, and hysteroscopy and laparoscopy (both as diagnostic tools and as treatments).
Gynecologists are also trained to perform inpatient surgical procedures, including hysterectomies, which can be done laparoscopically, abdominally, or vaginally.
What can I expect at an annual well-woman exam?
The annual well-woman exam is the cornerstone of preventive care in gynecological medicine. During a well-woman exam, your gynecologist at Plano Texas Gynecology & Obstetrics Associates covers virtually every aspect of your health, including:
General health: Annual exams often include screenings for high blood pressure, diabetes, bone density, and osteoporosis, among other things.
Vaccinations: When applicable, your gynecologist can give you a flu shot, or vaccinate you against HPV.
Cancer screening: Gynecologists routinely perform breast, colon, and cervical cancer screenings.
Sexual infection screening: Your gynecologist can screen for chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, and other infections that are spread through sexual contact.
Menstrual cycle issues: Discussing any menstrual cycle abnormalities, including heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or irregular periods is often the first step in discovering an underlying problem.
Weight control: Your gynecologist can help you understand how to better manage your weight through regular physical activity and optimal nutrition.
The annual well-woman exam is also an opportune time to learn more about birth control options, discuss any concerns you have about sex, receive preconception counseling, or get help with menopause symptoms.
Dr. Joseph offers Hormone Pellet Therapy. Call us to book your appointment today.