Who are gynecologists? What do they do?
A gynecologist is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats conditions and disorders related to the female reproductive system. These conditions may be related to the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and breasts. Anyone with female reproductive organs, whether identifying oneself as a female or not, may consult a gynecologist. Eighty percent of those who visit gynecologists are between the ages of 15 and 45.
Gynecologists are trained experts in reproductive and sexual health. To diagnose or check for anomalies, they conduct pelvic exams, pap tests, cancer screenings, and testing for vaginal infections. Common reasons to visit a gynecologist include endometriosis, infertility, ovarian cysts, and pelvic pain. Additionally, gynecologists treat patients with ovarian, cervical, and other reproductive cancers. Some also provide care during pregnancy and childbirth, similar to obstetricians. A gynecologist trained in obstetrics is called an OB-GYN.
Education and training of a gynecologist
Gynecologists must complete medical school and a residency program to practice. Residency programs and the certification process in the United States cover gynecology and obstetrics together.
The academic career of a gynecologist entails four years of medical training, a four-year residency program, and the completion of a written qualifying examination. Gynecologists must also submit documented experience in patient care to be eligible to practice. After this, they must pass the licensure examination, a clinical oral test, and state-specific exams to practice. Board certification by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) is optional.
A gynecologist may also pursue subspecialty training. Some specialties are:
- Breast care
- Family planning
- Minimally invasive surgery
- Adolescent and pediatric gynecology
- Pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery
When do you need to see a gynecologist?
1. If a checkup is due
Regular visits to your gynecologist help maintain your reproductive health. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends these visits begin between 13 and 15 years of age. Depending on your medical history and age, your gynecologist may use this appointment to screen for conditions such as cervical or breast cancer.
During the visit, you can also ask the gynecologist about reproductive health concerns, such as birth control. They can guide you through options like long-acting birth control methods, such as implants or intrauterine devices (IUDs).
2. For discomfort in the pelvic region
Pain in the lower abdomen, also known as the pelvic region, could indicate an issue in the reproductive organs. Endometriosis, menstrual cramps, ovarian cysts, and ectopic pregnancy are the most common causes of pelvic pain.
3. For concerns regarding menstruation, menopause or pregnancy
You can schedule a visit with a gynecologist if you experience changes in your monthly period, such as extreme cramping or excessive bleeding. If you have crossed your 40s, your gynecologist can help you determine whether or not you are experiencing menopause. They can help identify and treat perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, irregular periods, or dryness of the vagina. Gynecologists can also answer questions regarding pregnancy, such as how to avoid pregnancy and what to do if you believe you may be pregnant.
4. For concerns about vaginal discharge
If you are experiencing an unusual discharge or odor, a gynecologist can diagnose and treat your condition.
5. For screening for abnormalities
Gynecologists can screen for precancerous changes in the cervix to help prevent cervical cancer using a pap smear.
6. If you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI)
Symptoms of a UTI include urinating frequently or feeling an intense urge to urinate, a burning sensation while urinating, or cloudy or bloody urine.
It is essential to visit a gynecologist near you if you have health conditions such as lupus or high blood pressure, which may cause complications in reproductive health. Another common reason to visit a gynecologist is if you are experiencing pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse.
What are some reproductive conditions treated by gynecologists?
Gynecologists treat various common reproductive conditions, including the following:
Cervical cancer: This type of cancer arises when abnormal cells form in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. Symptoms include
- painful intercourse,
- pelvic pain,
- watery (or bloody) discharge from the vagina with a foul odor
- heavier menstrual bleeding, and
- bleeding after intercourse.
Endometriosis: This condition happens when tissue akin to the lining of the uterus grows outside, typically impacting the pelvic lining, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Symptoms include painful periods, painful intercourse, painful bowel movements or urination, and excessive bleeding. Other symptoms during or before periods may include nausea, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and fatigue.
Infertility: Couples who cannot conceive after six months may consult a family doctor or gynecologist. Women may experience infertility due to multiple conditions, including:
- Urinary conditions
- Ovulation disorders
- Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes
- Endometriosis
- Primary ovarian insufficiency
- Pelvic adhesions.
Cancer treatments targeting the reproductive organs can also cause infertility.
Menopause: This natural stage marks the end of menstrual cycles and can bring symptoms such as loss of breast fullness, weight gain, slowed metabolism, sleep problems, mood disorders, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness. These symptoms can interfere with daily activities, sleep, energy levels, and emotional health.
Ovarian cysts: These fluid-filled sacs develop on or in the ovaries. While most cysts resolve independently, some can grow large and cause significant issues. Symptoms include bloating, pelvic pain, and a feeling of fullness, pressure, or heaviness in the abdomen.
What you can expect when seeing a gynecologist
As with any physician, a gynecologist will inquire about your medical and sexual history — when you first had sex, whether you are sexually active, and your family planning goals. If you feel uncomfortable discussing sexual and reproductive concerns with a male doctor, consider visiting a female gynecologist near you.
During a typical visit, your gynecologists may perform comprehensive evaluations, including breast, abdominal, and pelvic examinations. The doctor may test you for vaginal, urinary tract, or sexually transmitted infections if you have symptoms. Any problem with the skin on and around the vulva may call for a small skin biopsy or lesion sample.
You may feel nervous, anxious, or embarrassed during these sensitive visits, and it is best to write any concerns beforehand.
Some common concerns you can discuss with your gynecologist are:
- exposure to STIs
- leaking urine or difficulty controlling urine output
- low sex drive or desire
- discomfort or pain during sex
- any vaginal odor, discomfort, or abnormal discharge
- rashes or bumps in the pelvic region
- pregnancy concerns
During these visits, you must be comfortable to ensure an effective diagnosis and treatment. It is normal to experience anxiety. You may feel vulnerable or even uneasy during the exams and as you discuss sensitive topics.
Here are some suggestions for maximizing your comfort during these appointments:
- Inform your gynecologist if you experience anxiety or nervousness during visits.
- Ask all of your questions before the physical exam begins.
- Inform the physician if this is your first pelvic examination.
- If you have faced sexual assault or trauma, inform your provider that it may be challenging to undergo these exams.
- Practice mindful breathing or other relaxation techniques.
The gynecologist may also tell you about the procedure to make you comfortable and better prepared. They will:
- explain why each portion of the exam is necessary
- inform you of any tests or labs that they will perform
- tell you if some part of the exam may feel uncomfortable or when to anticipate a sensation of pressure.
You have the right to refuse any examination, and your provider must respect your wishes. You may also request a chaperone during the exam if you feel more comfortable with one present. Finally, trust your gut. If your interaction with a particular provider was unpleasant, you could seek a different provider.
Common gynecological procedures
Some of the common gynecological surgeries and procedures include:
- A dilation and curettage (D&C) is a frequently performed gynecologic surgery involving two key steps: dilating the cervix to gain clear access to the uterine area and utilizing a slender, sharp instrument to remove a part of the uterine lining. This procedure is commonly recommended in several situations, including after a miscarriage, in cases of abnormal uterine bleeding during or outside of the menstrual cycle, or following an abortion. The surgeon typically performs a D&C as a diagnostic tool or a therapeutic intervention for various gynecological issues.
- A hysteroscopy is conducted by OB-GYN surgeons to assess the uterine lining and fallopian tubes using an advanced scope. It serves diagnostic purposes and helps determine if additional surgery is required. Hysteroscopy can help remove fibroid tumors or polyps on the uterus or cervix, conduct biopsies, and address bleeding issues using heat or electric methods.
- Cervical cryosurgery involves using freezing cold chemicals like liquid nitrogen to eliminate potentially harmful cervical tissue or cells. It helps treat issues such as irregular bleeding and eliminate cells at risk of developing into cancer.
- Endometrial ablation is a less invasive method to manage heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding by removing the uterine lining with tools like radiofrequency, freezing agents, or heat. Doctors recommended this for women with prolonged, heavy periods causing anemia or frequent pad/tampon changes. You can have a successful pregnancy after an endometrial ablation, but monitoring is crucial to detect ectopic pregnancies. You can also discuss sterilization with your OB-GYN during the procedure.
- Hysterectomies involve uterus removal, which is considered a permanent, irreversible procedure. Therefore, they are not advisable or undertaken lightly. There are two primary types of hysterectomies: partial, which removes the uterus while preserving the cervix, and total, which removes both the uterus and cervix.
- Laparoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that closely examines reproductive organs and the abdomen. It aims to accurately diagnose issues and guide further treatment, sometimes involving tissue collection. Through a small incision, microscopic tools observe organs like the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, spleen, and stomach. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure, making it convenient when non-invasive tests like MRIs or ultrasounds fall short of diagnosing the problem.
Questions to ask the gynecologist near you
Your questions during a gynecologist visit will vary depending on your life stage and goals. Whether you're not pregnant and avoiding pregnancy, trying to conceive, or currently pregnant, it's essential to ask the right questions to address your specific concerns.
Questions if not pregnant and not trying to conceive
If you're not pregnant and not trying to become pregnant, you may have concerns about menstrual health, sexual wellness, or contraception. Common questions include:
- What can be done for painful or irregular periods?
- What are my birth control options?
- Why do I have low libido, and what can help?
- Why do I feel discomfort during sex?
- What should I do if I notice a bump or swelling?
These questions help address ongoing issues related to menstruation, sexual health, and preventive care. The gynecologist near you can offer solutions through medication, lifestyle adjustments, or further tests.
Questions if trying to become pregnant
If you're actively trying to conceive, your focus will shift toward fertility and preparing your body for pregnancy. Key questions include:
- When should I stop birth control, and how can I track ovulation?
- How long does it usually take to get pregnant?
- Will my current medications affect my ability to conceive?
- Should I adjust my exercise or diet to boost fertility?
- Is genetic testing necessary?
Your gynecologist near you can guide you through the steps to increase your chances of conception and ensure your health is optimized for pregnancy.
Questions if you're pregnant
During pregnancy, your concerns shift to maintaining both your health and your baby's health. Important questions to ask your OB-GYN during this stage include:
- Do I need to modify my diet while pregnant?
- Is it safe to travel by airplane, and can I exercise? If so, how often and at what intensity?
- How much weight is considered healthy to gain during pregnancy?
- What foods, drinks, or activities should I avoid?
- How can I maintain my mental health throughout pregnancy?
By asking these questions, you'll better understand how to navigate pregnancy safely and healthily, and you'll be able to make informed decisions about your prenatal care.
In each life stage, your gynecologist near you is critical in guiding your health, addressing concerns, and helping you plan for the future. Whether managing menstrual discomfort, preparing for conception, or maintaining a healthy pregnancy, your doctor's expertise can offer the solutions and peace of mind you need.
How to find a gynecologist near you in Brooklyn, New York
Women visit gynecologists for highly personal and sensitive matters and may feel shy, uncomfortable, and hesitant talking about them. Hence, finding a gynecologist you can trust and who meets your requirements is essential, albeit difficult. Your relatives or friends can refer you to a gynecologist they know, or you can ask your general physician to refer you to one.
Otherwise, there is a simple, easy way to find the best-suited gynecologist. You can use Zocdoc, an online platform, to find a gynecologist from the comfort of your home.
Register on the Zocdoc website or download its mobile app. In the search box, type "Brooklyn," your symptoms or reason for seeking an appointment, or simply type "gynecologist." Hit 'find' for a list of gynecologists dealing with your concern. You can filter the list by preferred location, appointment date, and time. You can also check if a gynecologist accepts your health insurance plan.
On Zocdoc, you can add medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your account. However, you can only use one insurance plan at a time when searching for and scheduling appointments. If you have multiple insurance plans, you can specify your secondary carrier and plan in the notes for the provider during the final step of the booking process. For more insurance-related information, visit Zocdoc’s patient help center page.
You can even filter out the search results based on gender if you specifically want to consult a female gynecologist near you.
Additionally, you can view each gynecologist's detailed profile, including their qualifications, hospital affiliations, clinical experience, patient reviews, and spoken languages. If you cannot visit the gynecologist in person and want a virtual or video consultation, Zocdoc can help you with that, too. Doctors available for video consultation will have a purple video icon on their profiles.
Statistics related to gynecology in New York
As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of obstetrician-gynecologists working in New York was approximately 2,240 in May 2021. New York has the highest number of active gynecologists compared to other states. The New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA metropolitan area also ranks highest compared to other similar regions. In 2019, there were roughly 55 births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 44. What could be of concern is that the teen birth rate (women aged 15-19 years) was almost 10 per 1,000.
In 2018, nearly 117 women died of pregnancy-associated causes in the state. According to data from the same period, roughly 3.7% of women aged 15-49 were treated for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Sources
WebMD
Harvard Health Publishing
New York State Department of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[2]
verywell health
South Miami OB-GYN Associates
Mayo Clinic[1]
Mayo Clinic[2]
Mayo Clinic[3]
Mayo Clinic[4]
Mayo Clinic[5]
The Mother Baby Center
