Every woman should see a gynecologist regularly, even if she is not sexually active. These visits are important for maintaining women’s health and catching any problems early. The specialist will likely ask about your medical history and current health and perform a physical exam.  When it comes to Garden City gynecology, there are a few topics that are important to discuss with your specialist.

Always remember that you should feel comfortable discussing your concerns with your gynecologist. So, who is a gynecologist?

Who is a gynecologist?

A gynecologist is a specialist who deals with the female reproductive system. Gynecologists often also provide care for pregnant women.

There are numerous benefits of regular scheduling visits with your gynecologist, such as:

  • Early detection and treatment of diseases
  • Prevention of diseases
  • Counseling on reproductive and sexual health
  • Screening for cancer
  • Management of menopause symptoms

Some of the topics that you should discuss with your gynecologist include:

Birth Control

If you are sexually active and not ready to get pregnant, birth control is important to discuss with your gynecologist. The doctor can help you determine which method is best for you based on your health, lifestyle, and other factors. Many options are available, so it’s important to find one that works best for you.

Some of the available options include:

  • Hormonal methods: These work by preventing ovulation or thinning the lining of the uterus so that it’s less likely for a fertilized egg to implant. Examples include birth control pills, patches, and the ring.
  • Barrier methods: These methods work by physically blocking sperm from reaching the egg. Examples include condoms, diaphragms, and sponges.
  • Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are small, T-shaped devices inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider. There are two types of IUDs: hormonal and copper.

STDs

Did you know that if you are sexually active, you are at risk for STDs? It’s important to discuss this topic with your gynecologist so that you can be tested and treated if necessary. There are many types of STDs; some can have serious health consequences if left untreated. For example, chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to infertility in women.

Your gynecologist can test for STDs with a blood test, urine test, or swab. Treatment depends on the type of STD, but antibiotics are typically used.

Breast Health

Breast health is an important topic to discuss with your gynecologist. The doctor can perform a clinical breast exam to check for lumps or other changes. You should also be sure to perform self-breast exams regularly. Mammograms are X-rays that help detect the presence of cancer cells in the breast. 

Menopause

When you visit your gynecologist to enquire about menopause, the doctor will ask you a series of questions. The questions will help the doctor rule out other possible causes for the symptoms you’re experiencing. Your gynecologist will ask whether you have any family members who have gone through menopause. The doctor will also want to know if you’ve been under much stress recently or had any major changes in your life.

Schedule an appointment with your gynecologist at Women’s Healthcare of Garden City to learn more.