Who are gynecologists?
Gynecologists are physicians who focus on the female reproductive system and women's health. They have training in addressing various issues, such as infertility, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pregnancy, childbirth, menstruation, hormone disorders, etc. Many women in the United States prefer visiting a gynecologist rather than a family doctor for all general health issues. If necessary, the gynecologist may refer the patient to a specialist.
To become a qualified gynecologist, one must possess at least eight years of training and then get certified by the American Board of Gynecologists (ABOG). Subsequently, they register with a professional organization like the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG).
Specializations in gynecology
The specializations under gynecology include:
- Maternal-fetal medicine: This field deeply understands high-risk pregnancies and how to handle them successfully. Some conditions that make pregnancies high-risk include gestational diabetes, gestational high blood pressure, premature labor, and clotting disorders.
- Reproductive endocrinology: This focuses on the causes of infertility in women and ways to treat them. Reproductive endocrinologists help women conceive by performing assisted reproduction procedures such as embryo transfer, in vitro fertilization, intrafallopian gamete transfer, and zygote intrafallopian transfer.
- Gynecologic oncology: This field deals with malignant tumors found in the female reproductive system, which include cervical, ovarian, uterine, and vulvar cancer.
- Female pelvic medicine and reproductive surgery: This field focuses on the pelvic floor, the connective tissue and muscle located below a woman's pelvis. The pelvic floor weakens because of pregnancy, old age, and certain medical conditions — urinary tract disorders, vaginal infections, urinary or fecal incontinence, bladder pain, overactive bladder, and pelvic organ prolapse.
What ailments can a gynecologist treat?
Gynecologists can treat women of all ages. It is advisable to begin visiting a gynecologist near you for frequent checkups between ages 13 and 15. It helps foster a relationship with the doctor and get guidance about bodily changes that take place in the long term.
That said, typically, a gynecologist can address and help in the following conditions:
- Family planning, including sterilization, pregnancy termination, and contraception
- Issues relating to fertility, pregnancy, menstruation, menopause, etc.
- Problems with supportive tissues of the pelvic organs, such as muscles and ligaments
- Urinary and fecal incontinence
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Benign conditions in the reproductive tract, such as fibroids, ovarian cysts, breast disorders, vaginal and vulvar ulcers, etc.
- Pregnancy-related tumors or cancers of the reproductive tract and breasts
- Pelvic inflammatory diseases such as abscesses
- Sexual dysfunction
- Sexuality, including educating about potential health issues relating to bisexual or same-sex relationships.
What is a vaginal pH imbalance, and how can it be treated?
The normal pH range of the vagina is between 3.8 and 5. When the pH is in this range, it helps to keep fungal and bacterial vaginal infections at bay. However, the definition of 'normal' varies from age to age. Women who are yet to begin menstruating may have an average pH above 4.5. The vaginal pH would be between 4.0 to 4.5 for women of reproductive age.
The pH of the vagina is slightly on the acidic end due to the presence of lactobacilli, which secrete lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Many conditions or infections can cause an imbalance in the pH level. Some common causes may be:
- Bacterial vaginosis: A medical condition caused by too many bacteria in the vagina generally leads to higher pH levels. People experiencing bacterial vaginosis may experience burning, pain, or itching in the vagina. In some cases, it may also result in a burning sensation when urinating, along with a gray or white discharge.
- Menopause: Often, menopausal status is indicated by the pH levels of the vagina. Women in the postmenopausal phase experience a slightly elevated pH level than those of reproductive age. Vaginal pH can also be affected by reduced levels of estrogen during menopause.
- Other infections: Apart from bacterial vaginosis, conditions such as group B streptococcus (GBS) or trichomonas vaginalis (type of STD) may lead to increased pH levels in the vagina.
- Presence of menstrual blood: Compared to the vaginal environment, blood has a much higher pH. During menstruation, menstrual blood can increase pH levels in the vagina.
- Taking antibiotics: Typically, antibiotics kill harmful bacteria. However, they can also kill good bacteria, including those in the vagina, leading to a pH imbalance.
Apart from the abovementioned, the presence of semen, douching (cleaning or washing the vagina using solutions that contain baking soda or vinegar), urinary tract infections, premature birth, infertility, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), etc., can affect the vagina's pH balance.
pH balance measurement occurs using home-testing kits available online and in pharmacies. Gynecologists can also test the acidic level in the vaginal environment. High pH levels can result in infections due to the vagina becoming a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. If the pH is routinely high and accompanied by no other symptoms of a disease, one may take the following steps to reduce the levels:
- Changing tampons regularly
- Avoiding harsh soaps when douching
- Avoiding scented feminine hygiene products
- Using barriers during sexual intercourse
- Use gynecologist-prescribed creams, like an estrogen cream
What are some common procedures that gynecologists undertake?
ABOG-certified gynecologists can carry out the following diagnostic procedures and surgeries.
Diagnostic tasks include the following:
- Ultrasound scanning
- Pap smear tests
- Colposcopy, which is the microscopic examination of the cervix
- Hysteroscopy, which involves using an endoscope to see inside the uterus
- Endometrial biopsy or taking a sample from the uterus lining
Surgical tasks include the following:
- Preparing patients for surgery
- Laparoscopy, which is a keyhole abdominal procedure used for diagnostic or surgical reasons
- Minor surgery, such as sterilization
- Major surgery, such as uterine fibroids removal
- Postoperative care, including treatment of complications
- Gynecologists can also be involved in other surgical disorders, such as small bowel blockages.
Who is a urogynecologist?
Urogynecology is a subspeciality of gynecology. A gynecologist who specializes in pelvic floor dysfunction is known as a urogynecologist. The muscles, connective tissues, and ligaments that make up your pelvic floor support the organs in your pelvis. These include the bladder, vagina, uterus, and rectum. Childbirth, menopause, and muscle strain may weaken your pelvic floor, resulting in diseases such as urine incontinence, pelvic floor prolapse, chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs), and more.
How are urologists and urogynecologists different?
The primary distinction between a urologist and a urogynecologist is that the latter only serves women or those assigned female at birth (AFAB). They specialize in pelvic floor disorders involving the pelvic organs and muscles. A urologist is a doctor who specializes in urinary tract problems in both women or persons assigned male at birth (AFAB) and men or people assigned female at birth (AMAB). They examine organs such as the kidneys, bladder, testicles, and urethra.
Things to keep in mind while looking for a gynecologist
Here’s what to consider when choosing a gynecologist:
- Strong recommendations - A gynecologist’s reputation among trusted sources, like your primary care doctor, friends, or family, is a great indicator of their quality. When seeking recommendations, inquire about their expertise, experience, and approach to patient care.
- Positive reviews - After compiling a list of gynecologists near you, check their reviews on platforms like Zocdoc. Patient comments and star ratings can also help. A couple of negative reviews, among many positives, may not be concerning, but numerous poor ratings could signal a problem.
- Relevant experience - Research the gynecologist’s background online. Many details are available through review sites or the practice’s website, including:
- Medical school and residency training
- Board certification by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Years of experience
- Hospital affiliations
- Areas of specialization
- Any history of complaints, disciplinary actions, or malpractice claims
Additionally, consider whether their expertise aligns with your specific needs, such as experience treating conditions like endometriosis or focusing on gynecology rather than obstetrics.
- Insurance compatibility - Check with your insurance provider to confirm whether the gynecologists you’re considering are within your network. Out-of-network care can be expensive, so it’s worth verifying this early in your search.
- Shared values - Your gynecologist will provide guidance on personal topics like family planning and pregnancy. It’s important to ensure their perspective aligns with your own to avoid discomfort or conflicts down the line.
- Excellent communication style - A gynecologist with a dismissive or unapproachable demeanor can undermine your confidence in their care. Look for someone who listens attentively and values open dialogue rather than adopting a one-sided or authoritarian approach.
- Comfort and trust - Given the intimate nature of gynecologic care, feeling at ease with your doctor is crucial. Consider whether you’re comfortable discussing personal health topics and undergoing exams with them. Gender preference can also play a role; some women prefer female gynecologists due to cultural, religious, or personal reasons.
- Hospital affiliation - The hospital your gynecologist is connected with will handle procedures like tests, treatments, or childbirth. Ensure their affiliated hospital is known for high-quality care and aligns with your standards.
By considering these factors, you can find a gynecologist near you who fits your healthcare needs.
Gynecology appointment tips
Here are some tips to help ease you prepare for your appointment with the gynecologist:
- Be the early bird: Some extra time before the appointment will allow you to settle in the new environment and relax before you go in.
- Learn to identify the many parts of your body: Use words like "vulva," "clitoris," "vagina," and "labia" instead of pointing at your body parts or using slang.
- Make notes: Writing down any questions you have in advance helps you remember better and stay focused on the issue(s). Also, this way, you have a complete conversation record to view later.
- Be open: Discuss your symptoms and worries as honestly as possible. Remember that your gynecologist will be more responsive if you speak up and give as much information as possible.
- Be sincere: Gynecologists are trained to listen to you without passing judgment. For fear of being criticized, do not downplay symptoms or omit details.
- Take charge: Don't grit your teeth and endure pain during a pelvic exam or any other procedure that makes you uncomfortable. Inform your doctor about it and ask them to stop if needed. Request them to use a speculum of a different size or let you have a few seconds to compose yourself.
Finding a suitable gynecologist near you in Glendale
As a gynecologist is an integral part of your healthcare team, right from teenage years to age, you should choose a skilled and trustworthy specialist. They may assist you with annual checkups, tests, and care whenever you face any issue with your reproductive health. So, when finding the ideal specialist, you can rely on referrals or take the lead and look for specialists on Zocdoc.
Using its easy-to-navigate user interface, you can enter your location, symptoms, condition, insurance plan, or doctor's specialty, and a list of practitioners in the vicinity will appear. To further streamline your search, you can also look based on language, gender, hospital affiliations, etc. Uploading a photo of your medical insurance card on Zocdoc is optional but can assist in accurately identifying your plan. If you prefer not to upload an image, you can manually select your insurance plan from a provided list when adding your information to your account. This flexibility ensures that you can easily manage your insurance details in a way that works best for you. If you have any questions about the process of finding a gynecologist near you who accepts your insurance, you can refer to the Zocdoc service team.
Once Zocdoc displays the curated list, you can go through the doctor profiles to learn about the practitioners' educational backgrounds, licensure, areas of expertise, experience, awards, etc. You can also read verified patient reviews and ratings. This will help you get a clear view of the specialist and decide accordingly.
After finding the best gynecologist near you, book an in-person or online consultation securely and securely via Zocdoc at no extra cost.
Gynecology statistics in Glendale, Arizona
Reports from the Kaiser Family Foundation indicate that in August 2022, about 1,013 obstetricians and gynecologists were practicing in the state. Reports and findings from the National Center for Health Statistics published by the March of Dimes demonstrate that in 2020, the fertility rate in Arizona was 54.0 per 1,000 women aged between 15 and 44. During this time, about 1,425,903 women of childbearing age were in the state.
The 2019 Kaiser Family Foundation data found that around 13,097 abortions occurred in Arizona. The 2020 Arizona Department of Health Services abortion report shows approximately 13,273 abortions happened in the state, compared to about 13,097 in 2019. In 2020, women between the ages of 15 and 44 contributed to nearly 13,116 abortions in the state. Over 99% of all abortions occurred on resident women of Arizona.
The Guttmacher Institute conducted and published a state-wide reproductive health impact study in March 2022. It found that in Arizona, about 11.4 abortions occur for every 1,000 women between the ages of 15 and 44. It also revealed that around 63% of all women in the state who could get pregnant were using contraceptives.
Sources
Medical News Today[1]
Kaiser Family Foundation[1]
Kaiser Family Foundation[2]
Arizona Department of Health Services
Guttmacher Institute
March of Dimes
Medical News Today[2]
Cleveland Clinic
Healthline[1]
Healthline[2]
Verywellhealth
