Comprehensive Details About
Gynecology
Gynaecology or gynecology is the area of medicine that involves the treatment of women’s diseases, especially those of the reproductive organs. It is often paired with the field of obstetrics, forming the combined area of obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN).
A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in female reproductive health. They diagnose and treat issues related to the female reproductive tract. This includes the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries and breasts.
Anyone with female organs may see a gynecologist. 80% of those who see one are between 15 to 45 years old.
Gynecologists give reproductive and sexual health services that include pelvic exams, Pap tests, cancer screenings, and testing and treatment for vaginal infections. They diagnose and treat reproductive system disorders such as endometriosis, infertility, ovarian cysts, and pelvic pain. They may also care for people with ovarian, cervical, and other reproductive cancers.
Some gynecologists also practice as obstetricians, who give care during pregnancy and birth. If a gynecologist has expertise in obstetrics, they’re called an OB-GYN.
Gynecologists are physicians who have completed specialized training in the female reproductive system. Like any medical doctor, a gynecologist must complete medical school followed by a residency. In the United States, residency programs and the certification process cover obstetrics and gynecology in combination.
Building a relationship with a dedicated gynecologist is important for preventive care and early detection of chronic diseases. Your dedicated gynecologist is also your go-to practitioner for:
- Preserving your fertility
- Performing surgery on your pelvic organs
- Helping you get through menopause
- Starting birth control and family planning
Ideally, you should schedule an annual preventive care exam, known as a well-woman exam. If you have chronic conditions, like polyps or endometriosis, your gynecologist may want to see you more regularly.
When Should I See a Gynecologist?
A visit to the gynecologist is recommended for annual screening and any time a woman has concerns about symptoms such as pelvic, vulvar, and vaginal pain or abnormal bleeding from the uterus.
Conditions commonly treated by gynecologists include:
- issues relating to pregnancy, fertility, menstruation, and menopause
- family planning, including contraception, sterilization, and pregnancy termination
- problems with tissues that support the pelvic organs, including ligaments and muscles
- STIs
- polycystic ovary syndrome
- urinary and fecal incontinence
- benign conditions of the reproductive tract, for example, ovarian cysts, fibroids, breast disorders, vulvar and vaginal ulcers, and other non-cancerous changes
- premalignant conditions, such as endometrial hyperplasia, and cervical dysplasia
- cancers of the reproductive tract and the breasts, and pregnancy-related tumors
- congenital abnormalities of the female reproductive tract
- emergency care relating to gynecology
- endometriosis, a chronic condition that affects the reproductive system
- pelvic inflammatory diseases, including abscesses
- sexuality, including health issues relating to same-sex and bisexual relationships
- sexual dysfunction
Gynecologists in the U.S. frequently offer both gynecological and general health care, including preventive medicine for women and diagnosis and treatment of issues such as headache, low back pain, mood changes, and acne.
How Do I Prepare for a Gynecology Exam?
There are a few things you can do to prepare for your gynecology exam at VERITAS OBGYN, just to ensure you get the most out of your visit and to help your doctor better understand your health. It’s helpful to:
- Transfer over your records from your previous gynecologist
- Make a list of all medications and supplements
- Know the first date of your last period
If you’re due for a Pap smear, try to schedule your appointment on a day when you’re not on your period because menstrual flow could affect your results. Or if you need a blood draw, you might need to fast for several hours beforehand, but you can ask the caring team at VERITAS OBGYN ahead of time if this applies to you.
What the Gynecological Exam Includes?
The physical exam includes a urine sample, an external and internal pelvic exam, pap smear, and a breast exam.
Pelvic Exam
The pelvic exam in your gynecological exam is comprised of four main steps: the external genital exam, the speculum exam, the Pap Smear test and the bimanual exam.
For the exam, you will lie on the examining table in a dressing gown with your legs in stirrups or knee rests and a sheet is draped over your legs for your personal privacy. Once you are comfortable, your gynecologist will ask you to spread your knees apart. At this point, try to relax as much as possible. Breathe deeply and do not tense your muscles. This is will make the exam less painful and more efficient. Rest assured that if you have requested the company of a friend or family member or chaperone, that they will be asked to stand at a location that preserves your personal privacy.
During the external genital exam your clinician will visually examine the vulva and labia. They are checking for abnormalities, such as irritation, swelling, redness, cysts, or any visual indication of sexually transmitted diseases (STD).
After the external examination is concluded, a sterile medical device called a speculum will be inserted into the vagina. This is not painful but may feel a little cool. Once in place, the speculum is opened slightly to separate the walls of the vagina so that the cervix can be examined. You may feel pressure or brief discomfort at this point, but remember, if you stay relaxed, this part will be easier, and always communicate with your health care provider concerning your level of comfort.
When the speculum is opened, your cervix will be examined. The clinician is looking for signs of irritation, atypical discharge, or indications of sexually transmitted disease. With the speculum still in place, your health care provider will continue with the Pap Smear test.
Pap Smear
A Pap Smear checks for precancerous or cancerous cells. This is a quick procedure that involves taking a sample of your cervical cells and testing them to verify that they are healthy. It will feel like a strong pinch. This annual test is very important and it is necessary even if you are not experiencing any symptoms and do not have any personal concerns. However, you will not know the results of the Pap Smear test at your appointment. The cell sample has to be sent to a laboratory where it is carefully examined. Your results will take a few weeks to get back to you.
After the Pap Smear test, your health care provider will remove the speculum and perform a bimanual exam to check the health of your ovaries and uterus. This portion of the exam involves inserting a gloved and lubricated finger in to the vagina with one hand. With the other hand, they will press down on your stomach. You will feel pressure and some light discomfort is possible, but again, always tell your gynecologist how you are feeling throughout the examination.
Breast Exam
The breast exam is brief and painless. Your health care provider will manually palpate your breast, feeling for lumps, thickening, or discharge. They will also teach you how to give yourself a personal breast exam.
Urine Sample
You will be asked to provide a urine sample. Urine is used to check for kidney health, various infections, and pregnancy.
Our Specialists
Virginia Elizabeth Mclean, MD, FACOG
Dr. Virginia McLean, MD is an Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialist in New York, NY. Her office accepts telehealth appointments.
Dr. Mclean graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine in 2014. She works in Port Jefferson Station, NY and 8 other locations and specializes in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
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