Be a Healthy Woman with Help from a Gynecologist

Today, more and more women are taking charge of their feminine health. You can research a variety of related topics on the Internet and most likely have plenty of friends and family who are happy to give their advice. While it is important to educate yourself, a key component of this education is seeing a gynecologist who specializes in women’s health and who can teach you about your own reproductive health. Here are some common services provided by women’s doctors:

Preventative Exams

Preventative exams usually include an overall health exam, BMI evaluation, breast exam, vitals check, and anything else pertaining to the age and family history of the patient. It is important for women to be open with their physicians to be sure they cover any exam that the patient might need for their lifestyle.

Pap Smear

A pap smear is a specific preventative exam with the purpose to check for pre-cancerous or cancerous cells in the cervix. The doctor will collect cells by scraping them off the cervical canal. Some women say it is painful while others don’t feel a thing. This is typically done once a year after a woman has become sexually active.

Birth Control

Obtaining a prescription for birth control is a common reason for women to see a gynecologist. The doctor will ask questions to find out the women’s preferences, needs, and what seems logistical for their lifestyle in order to be able to recommend specific kinds of birth control. Prescription birth control can come in many forms, such as the contraceptive pill, NuvaRing, patches, shots, and IUD.

Family Planning

A women’s specialist can also consult on family planning. This includes pre-conception counseling, talking about your health and the health of your partner, testing for anything that could get in the way of having children, discussing assisted reproduction techniques, and fertility/infertility management.

Menopause Management

Menopause management should include overall consulting about all things related to menopause. A gynecologist can educate his or her patients on typical expected symptoms of menopause, how to work with or alleviate the symptoms, and medications to help with menopause. A few tips for natural ways to help your menopause symptoms are eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and sleeping enough.