If you have a specific issue that you would like dealt with, you may wonder what exactly gynecologists do with their time. Does your particular problem fit within their scope, or do you need to see another health professional? There are several different responsibilities that gynecologists do in their practice, some of which are as follows.

Health Maintenance Exams

A health maintenance exam is when your physician meets with you while you are healthy to ensure that your body is functioning properly with no issues. They may draw blood to assure you that there are no underlying issues that could cause you problems in the future. Your physician will also likely perform a yearly physical that includes a pap smear and breast exam to ensure that cancer is not an issue. 

Treating Illnesses

Gynecologists meet many patients each day who need to be treated for female reproductive illnesses. For example, the vagina has a very particular pH that if altered in any way, could cause you to develop a yeast infection. Recognizing the cause of a yeast infection is crucial in order to treat it properly. In addition to vaginal and reproductive issues, many women see their gynecologist for urinary issues. If you are having incontinence or situational incontinence, your gynecologist may be able to help. 

Biopsies and In-Office Procedures

In connection with the cancer screenings that were previously mentioned, your gynecologist may want to take a biopsy of certain tissues in order to make sure that there are no cancerous cells. From gathering a small puncture biopsy to performing a LEEP procedure to gather a larger sample, your gynecologist has the skills to make sure that you are sufficiently protected against dangerous cancer cells. Some physicians also perform more invasive procedures in the office, depending on the patient's pain thresholds and preferences. For example, some patients may choose to forgo general anesthesia and have an ablation performed in the office. While uncommon, this can save the patient a substantial amount of money. 

In conclusion, if you are dealing with some disorder pertaining to female reproduction, your gynecologist is the person to see. Talk to your doctor about getting an appointment as soon as possible, and then stay up to date with your health by scheduling a health maintenance exam. Seeing a gynecologist regularly can help prevent some problems and can also catch other issues earlier. The earlier cancer and other problems are diagnosed, the easier they will be to treat.  

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