Gynecology

What is gynecology?

Gynecology is a medical field that focuses on the female reproductive system. This includes the:

• Uterus
• Fallopian tubes
• Ovaries
• Cervix
• Vagina
• Vulva

Any health problem connected to these organs or the hormones produced by the ovaries (estrogen and progesterone) is a gynecological condition.

Some of the problems you might experience that come under the umbrella of gynecology include:

• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids
• Painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea)
• Ovarian cysts
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Bacterial vaginosis
• Yeast infection

Problems related to menopause are also a common reason for women to seek help from a gynecologist. Sexual health and reproduction can be gynecological issues, and screening for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and certain forms of cancer are regular requirements.

One of the key ways of maintaining the health of your reproductive system is to have an annual well-woman exam at SWFL Integrative Medicine.

What is a well-woman exam? 

An annual well-woman exam is an integral part of your health care. Visiting SWFL Integrative Medicine every year, even if you feel well, enables you to check in with your provider to make sure everything is healthy. It’s also a vital form of preventive medicine, ensuring you remain healthy by detecting early signs of problems like cervical cancer.

Your annual well-woman exam at SWFL Integrative Medicine includes a full physical exam, as well as:

• A Pap smear (if you're due)
• Medication review
• Lab testing orders
• Mammogram orders
• Bone density orders

Of course, you don’t have to wait for your annual well-woman exam to visit SWFL Integrative Medicine. If you experience any symptoms or have any problems relating to your reproductive system, you should make an appointment as soon as possible.

Some of the conditions and symptoms that commonly require a visit to your gynecologist include:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Vaginal infections
• Recurrent infections
• Pelvic pain

You can also visit if you’re having problems because of a possible hormone imbalance.

What kinds of hormone problems come under gynecology?

The hormones estrogen and progesterone are made in your ovaries and are the cause of gynecological hormone imbalances. The most common types of hormone-related problems are premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and problems during perimenopause and menopause.

Menopausal symptoms can include:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
• Weight gain
• Irregular periods
• Mood swings
• Dry skin
• Thinning hair

Your provider at SWFL Integrative Medicine is likely to recommend lab tests to determine your best treatment option. Depending on your current health and medical history, genetic makeup, and personal goals, you might benefit from nonhormonal herbal treatments or bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).

If you have any gynecological symptoms or want to book a well-woman exam, call SWFL Integrative Medicine today or schedule an appointment online.