Going to see a gynecologist is an important part of maintaining your health, however, the first time can be a bit intimidating to some people. You may be thinking, what does a gynecologist do? When should you start seeing a gynecologist? What to expect at the gynecologist? Well, in this blog, we will cover all the basics and highlight what to expect so that you are well prepared and ready for your appointment with us.
What Does a Gynecologist Do?
A gynecologist is a medically certified doctor who specializes in women’s health. In addition to being a fully licensed medical doctor, gynecologists are medical professionals with a specific focus on the female reproductive system. An Obstetrician is qualified with the expertise to care for women during pregnancy and can even deliver babies, while an OBGYN is professionally certified and trained to do all of the above.
A qualified and certified gynecologist should have at least 8 years of professional training as a medical professional and be certified by an external professional body such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). These 8 years begin with training as a medical doctor for 4 years before specializing in obstetrics and gynecology for another 4 years. At this point, further examinations are needed to be fully certified and registered, like New Age Women’s Health gynecologist in Miami.
Gynecologists are professionally trained in various areas relating to women’s health, such as breast care, family planning, minimally invasive surgery, adolescent and pediatric gynecology, and pelvic medicine, but if you are still wondering what does a gynecologist do? They can also do minor reconstructive surgeries.
Finding a doctor you trust is essential as they will partner with you and many of your most important health issues in life. This includes problems you may have regarding birth control, pregnancy, childbirth, sexual health, and menopause. Although an obstetrician is best qualified for specific care during pregnancy, New Age Women’s Health has gynecologists in Miami that also practice as obstetricians and are known as OBGYNs.
In terms of what to expect at the gynecologist, you can expect them to perform some necessary tests to help diagnose and treat various reproductive disorders such as endometriosis, infertility, ovarian cysts, pelvic pain, and ovarian, cervical, and other reproductive cancers. In addition to this, your gynecologist can test for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) as well as perform minimally invasive surgeries.
When Should You Start Seeing a Gynecologist?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, you should start seeing your gynecologist between the ages of 13 to 15. This allows for a relationship between you and your doctor, which enables you to become comfortable and confident to ask questions and seek advice on medical and other issues you may have related to your health and well-being.
If you are still thinking about when you should start seeing a gynecologist, if you are sexually active or plan to be in the near future, this may be the time to start visiting your gynecologist. Women may often feel embarrassed or worried about disclosing their sexual history with their doctor, but it is essential that you do. Revealing this information will help your gynecologist diagnose you more accurately and determine your risk levels for various other disorders. If you do have any specific disease, infection, or condition, the gynecologist is the best person to talk to to get the best information regarding your next steps.
Another time to visit the gynecologist in Miami is when you turn 21, regardless of whether or not you are sexually active. During this time, women should be visiting their gynecologist annually for Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap smears) and Abnormal Pap Smears. In addition to an annual exam, getting a breast exam done during the appointment is also possible, as well as receiving an HPV Vaccine, pelvic floor physical therapy, ultrasound, and genetic testing.
In general, your gynecologist is simply concerned with your sexual health and overall well-being. If at any time you suspect something may be wrong or you are uncomfortable and do not know what is going on, visiting your doctor is the best thing to do.
What to Expect at the Gynecologist
Once you have figured out when you should start seeing a gynecologist, the first appointment with your gynecologist will usually begin with a thorough discussion with your doctor. In order to best help you now and in the future, your gynecologist will ask you many questions in regards to your personal and family’s medical history, past surgeries or other medical procedures, your period and general menstrual cycle, your sexual activity, and its regularity, contraception, STI’s you may have had or suspect you have, and other habits such as drinking, smoking, etc. This conversation provides you with the ideal opportunity to get comfortable and know what to expect at the gynecologist next time.
If you were still wondering what does a gynecologist do, here it is: After talking to your gynecologist, you would normally move on to doing a general health check. Here your weight, height, and blood pressure will be checked. In some cases, you will be required to provide a urine or blood sample.
After this check-up, you will be led to a room to undress and given a gown to change into completely. It is important to note that being completely naked during a pelvic exam is not necessary as your gynecologist will only need to see the specific areas that need examining, and the rest of you will be covered with the gown for your privacy and comfort.
During the pelvic exam, the gynecologist will first examine the outer parts of your genitalia, checking for any abnormalities that you may have. After this, they will move on to the internal exam, whereby a speculum will be used to keep the vagina open to inspect it and the cervix. A sample of cells from your cervix will be taken. The cells will then be taken to a lab to be tested for HPV or cervical cancer.
If you are sexually active, your doctor may also do a test for any sexually transmitted infections or diseases. A breast exam can also be done at this appointment. Instead, it is essential to go to the gynecologist early if you suspect anything to be abnormal. Waiting to see when you should start seeing a gynecologist can be risky, and it’s always better to be on the safer side of things.
Common Procedures You Can Do at the Gynecologist
Gynecologists are skilled and trained in screening for infections or disorders, treating whatever issues you may have, and performing the minimal surgeries that you could need.
There are many different stages to a woman’s life, and there are other needs at each stage. General gynecological services that you can expect include: an annual exam, breast exam, contraception advice, and prescriptions, administering HPV Vaccines (Gardasil 9), screening and testing for Cervical Cancer (Pap smears) and Abnormal Pap Smears, pelvic floor physical therapy, in-office ultrasounds, and genetic testing.
Some of these are done during your regular check-up, others can be done on a specific date. In addition to this, some conditions can also be treated, such as Urinary Tract Infections, Vaginitis, Menopause, Uterine fibroids, menstrual disorders, and more.
For All Your Gynecological Needs, We Are Here for You
New Age Women’s Health is a mother/ daughter OBGYN practice with gynecologists servicing Miami and South Florida. We are focused and dedicated to personalized and comprehensive care for all our patients, young or old. With expertise in gynecology, obstetrics, clinical research, and sexual health, request an appointment with us in Miami today!
