What is Gynecology?
Gynecology is a medical specialty dedicated to maintaining and treating the female reproductive system and other aspects of women’s health. At gynecology visits, your provider can help you address issues related to the following organs:
- Vulva
- Vagina
- Cervix
- Uterus
- Fallopian tubes
- Ovaries
The gynecology team at North Atlanta Ob/Gyn also helps patients navigate various life stages, including puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. They specialize in treating sexually transmitted infections (STIs), provide contraception and family planning, address hormone imbalances, treat abnormal bleeding, address pelvic pain, and more.
When should I visit a gynecologist?
One of the most important reasons to visit your gynecologist is for your well-woman annual exam. The exam happens once a year, and you should start attending them as an adolescent.
Visiting a gynecologist once a year allows you to learn more about your body and its systems and patterns. Your gynecologist can also identify diseases and complications early on before you notice any symptoms.
You should also visit North Atlanta Ob/Gyn if you experience unusual symptoms or changes in your reproductive functioning. A few reasons to book an appointment are:
- Abnormal bleeding
- Pelvic pain
- Irregular menstruation
- Sexual dysfunction
- Urinary incontinence
- STI testing and treatment
Your gynecologist can help you with issues unrelated to your sexual and reproductive system, too. For example, they can provide guidance or treatment for conditions like depression and anxiety, diabetes, osteoporosis, breast health, and other chronic conditions.
Which gynecology services are available?
North Atlanta Ob/Gyn makes it easy for you to access all of your gynecological care in one place. With numerous in-office tests, treatments, and preventive care options, you can leave your appointments with better confidence in your health. Available gynecological services include:
Well-woman annual exams
Well-woman annual exams are preventive health care visits. During these visits, your provider gives you a pelvic examination to check for unusual features and abnormalities with your organs. They can also answer your questions about your sexual health and general health.
Pap smears
A Pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer. During a pelvic exam, your provider collects a sample of cells from your cervix and sends them to a lab for testing. You should get a Pap smear starting at age 21 during your well-woman annual exam. How often you should have a Pap smear and which tests you should have depend on your age and health history.
Mammography
Mammograms are screening tests for breast cancer that involve X-ray imaging of your breast tissues. Women with average risk should start getting annual mammograms around age 40-45. Your North Atlanta Ob/Gyn provider assesses your risk for breast cancer, helps you determine mammography frequency, and shows you how to feel for breast tissue abnormalities at home.
If it’s time for your next preventive gynecology visit or if you have concerns about your health, call North Atlanta Ob/Gyn, or book your visit online today.
