Women Health Ob-gyn

OB-GYN Consultation Q & A

What is an ob-gyn consultation?

A consultation appointment with an ob-gyn doctor is designed to help patients learn about conditions or health issues they may face and their possible causes, as well as treatment options they may want to consider. Consultation visits provide plenty of opportunities to discuss issues in a relaxed environment where you don’t feel rushed.

When should I have a consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist?

Ob-gyn consultation visits are an ideal option whenever you have an issue affecting your periods or your urogenital system including symptoms of infection or abnormal periods, or to discuss pregnancy concerns, family planning issues, menopause or other issues affecting your fertility or health. Ob-gyns are trained in all sorts of women’s health issues, and having a consultation visit can be an important step in maintaining optimal health and in gaining the peace of mind that comes from being educated about your care.

How often should I have a routine gynecological exam?

Routine exams should be conducted regularly, which is usually about every one to three years. Depending on your personal or family history, you may need to be seen more often. Routine exams include a clinical breast exam and usually a pelvic exam with a Pap test and a test for HPV (human papillomavirus). They’re also important for helping women navigate hormonal changes that occur with age or as the result of underlying medical conditions. Having regular visits enables the doctor to provide a continuum of care that helps you stay healthy in every stage of life.

Why is a pre-pregnancy consultation a good idea?

My Pap test is abnormal. Does that mean I have cervical cancer?

No; in fact, most abnormal Pap test results do not indicate cancer. Abnormal results can occur for many reasons, including hormonal changes and even yeast infections. The most common cause of abnormal Pap test results is human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is an extremely common family of viruses comprising dozens of “varieties.” Sometimes the virus is cleared by the body and sometimes it is not. A follow-up exam can help determine the cause of your abnormal results.

What happens if I have an abnormal Pap test result?

In most cases, you’ll have a simple, in-office exam called a colposcopy. A colposcopy uses a special magnifying instrument called a colposcope to evaluate the walls of your vaginal canal and the cervix.

What are abnormal periods?

The normal menstrual cycle takes place about every 28 days, with each period lasting about five to seven days. Abnormal periods can be considered any period that occurs outside this “norm” by several days or more. Periods that are extremely heavy or very light and spotting or light bleeding between periods are also considered abnormal.

What are some of the causes of abnormal periods?

Abnormal periods can be caused by many issues, including natural hormonal changes during menopause, pregnancy, and puberty. Other causes include:

·        Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

·        Diseases or conditions affecting the ovaries and ovulation

·        Tumors

·        Fibroids and polyps

·        Endometriosis

·        Ectopic pregnancy

·        Menorrhagia (very heavy bleeding due to a thickened uterine lining)

·        Certain medications

Knowing the cause of your abnormal periods is essential for ensuring you get the most appropriate treatment. If your periods are abnormal in any way, schedule an evaluation right away.

How are the causes of abnormal periods diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with an office visit to discuss your symptoms and to review your personal and family medical history to look for possible clues. Lab work including blood testing may be ordered as well as diagnostic imaging like ultrasound. Often, an in-office exam called hysteroscopy will need to be performed to see inside the uterus to look for possible issues. Hysteroscopy uses a special instrument called a hysteroscope that’s inserted into the vagina, similar to when you have a pelvic exam. The scope can be passed through the opening in the cervix to evaluate issues affecting the uterus. Intravenous sedation may be used to reduce discomfort you might experience.

What types of birth control and contraception are available?

Today, there are more options than ever to help you take control of family planning. Choices include birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), contraceptive rings, and implanted devices that are placed under the skin of your arm. Different women prefer different options based on convenience and many other factors. Having an office evaluation and consultation is the best way to learn about the option that would be most suitable for your needs, your lifestyle, and your preferences.

What are the Different Types of IUD?

There are two forms of IUDs available in the US: copper which is made as ParaGard and hormonal which are available under the names Mirena, Liletta, or Skyla. The ParaGard IUD is wrapped in copper, which is a natural spermicide. Copper IUDs  are effective for up to 10 years. The hormonal IUDs steadily release a small amount of progesterone directly into the uterine cavity. They could last anywhere from three to five years.

Both the copper and hormonal IUDs work by affecting the movement of sperm so they cannot fertilize an egg. If the sperms do not join with an egg, pregnancy doesn’t occur. For some women, hormonal IUDs can stop an egg from exiting the ovary. Progestin also stops pregnancy from occurring by making cervical mucus very thick and difficult for sperm to pass through.

What is the IUD insertion process like?

IUD insertion is a quick in-office procedure that is performed in a way similar to a regular pelvic exam. You’ll lie on your back on the exam table and a speculum will be gently inserted into your vagina to widen the vaginal canal so the cervix – the opening of your uterus – can be reached. The IUD itself is a very small T-shaped device. It’s inserted through the cervix into the uterus where it will be positioned near the opening. A local anesthetic may be used, but most women find they have very little discomfort. The procedure takes just a few minutes to perform. Afterward, you may have some minor cramping which will quickly resolve.

What is menopause?

Menopause means your period has completely stopped as a result of age-related hormonal changes. The time leading up to menopause is called perimenopause, although it is sometimes erroneously referred to as menopause. In most women, menopause occurs in their 50s, but it can occur earlier or later. Perimenopause can be very brief or symptoms may occur for several years before the menstrual cycle comes to a complete halt.

What are the symptoms of perimenopause?

Symptoms can vary from one person to another, and can include hot flashes, night sweats, irregular or heavy periods, headaches, fatigue, mood swings or irritability, problems sleeping, and muscle aches and pain. Some women have very few symptoms while for others, the symptoms can be so significant, they can have an effect on a person’s quality of life.

How can I tell if I’ve reached menopause?

Menopause is considered to have occurred when you have 12 consecutive months without a period. However, menopause is not the only cause of abnormal periods; if you’ve begun experiencing the symptoms of perimenopause including irregular or heavy periods, you should have an evaluation to rule out other potential causes, including tumors and hormone-related diseases and conditions.

How can menopause be treated?

Menopause is a natural, age-related change and cannot be “treated.” However, there are treatments that can help with specific symptoms, such as fatigue, moodiness or hot flashes. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one of the most popular forms of treatment for women approaching menopause and during menopause. Hormones play an important role in all sorts of processes that help women stay healthy. HRT works by replacing the hormones that have declined during perimenopause so women can resolve many of the symptoms of perimenopause and help restore the body’s normal function