An obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN) is a medical professional that specializes in female health issues. Obstetricians primarily offer medical services to women during pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and postpartum. Gynecologists focus on reproductive health in women. Your gynecologist can also screen and treat breast-associated problems. Some OBGYNs provide general health services similar to those of primary care providers. Your Manassas OBGYN can specialize in obstetric services, gynecological care, or practice both. OBGYNs treat many conditions in women. You can consider visiting your OBGYN if you have the following conditions.
Abnormal or painful periods
An abnormal period may involve bleeding longer or heavier than usual. Stress, new medications, and weight changes can lead to abnormal periods. An abnormal period once in a while may not be a big concern, but if it happens several times, consult your OBGYN. Conditions like endometriosis and uterine fibroids may cause painful and heavier periods. Such conditions need medical care because, if left untreated, they can lead to infertility.
Pelvic pain
If you are experiencing pain during exercise, daily activities, or sexual intercourse, you may need to visit your gynecologist. Symptoms like bloating, abdominal heaviness, fever, or vomiting can accompany pelvic pain. Pelvic pain can indicate endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or an ovarian cyst. Your gynecologist can recommend an ultrasound, CT scan, and other tests to determine the cause of your pelvic pain for effective treatment.
Menopause symptoms
Menopause is a natural phase in women where you no longer have menstrual periods. It officially starts when you go for twelve consecutive months without monthly periods. During menopause, you may experience mood swings, insomnia, hot flashes, low sex drive, vaginal dryness, and night sweats. Your OBGYN can help you manage these symptoms to improve your quality of life. Depending on your symptoms, your specialist may recommend lifestyle changes, hormone therapy, or vaginal rejuvenation.
During well-woman exams
A well-woman exam is where you visit your gynecologist for an annual checkup. During this visit, your provider performs a general checkup of your reproductive system. The well-woman exam may include a Pap smear, breast cancer screening, sexually transmitted diseases tests, pelvic exam, bone density testing, and colorectal cancer screening. The test your gynecologist recommends may depend on your age and individual risks. Well-woman exams help gynecologists prevent diseases and detect conditions early for effective treatment.
Bleeding during pregnancy
Bleeding during pregnancy is common. It often happens in the first trimester and is usually not a cause for alarm. Sometimes it can be a sign of a serious issue, so visiting your OBGYN for a checkup is important. Bleeding during pregnancy can indicate a miscarriage. It can be accompanied by painful cramps in your lower abdomen and tissue passing through your vagina. Ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo implants outside your uterus, usually in the fallopian tube, can lead to bleeding during pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening problem that requires immediate medical care.
OBGYNs offer many medical services involving female reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth. You can visit your OBGYN if you have abnormal periods, pelvic pain, or menopausal symptoms, or you bleed during pregnancy, or for a well-woman exam. Schedule an appointment at Capital Women’s Care for OBGYN services to improve your reproductive health.
