Gynecology Services

Gynecologists care for girls, women, and people with female reproductive organs. You should see a gynecologist every year, starting when you're a teenager through your golden years.

UPMC's doctors provide the full range of gynecological services, including tests, medicines, and surgeries. We listen to you, provide caring and non-judgmental support, and always take your concerns seriously. Our offices are staffed by medical professionals, ranging from physicians to advanced practice providers (APPs) and midwives.

What Is Gynecology?

A gynecologist is a doctor who cares for the female reproductive system.

They can diagnose and treat problems involving the following:

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

They also treat health problems related to reproductive hormones and can refer you for preventive screenings, such as mammograms and bone density tests.

Gynecologists frequently work with other specialists. For example, gynecologists work with urologists for problems that involve both the urinary and reproductive systems.

What are the reasons to see a gynecologist?

Reasons to see a gynecologist include annual well woman visits and treatment for conditions related to the female reproductive organs. They can also discuss your options for birth control and family planning.

Gynecologists help diagnose and treat the following conditions:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding.
• Acne.
• Cancers and precancerous growths in the cervix, uterus, ovaries, vagina, or vulva.
• Endometriosis. When uterus-like tissue grows outside the uterus, it causes excess bleeding and pain.
• Hirsutism. This excess facial and body hair is due to higher levels of male hormones.
• Infertility.
• Bothersome menopause and perimenopause symptoms, such as mood changes, vaginal dryness, and insomnia.
• Osteoporosis. This disease weakens the bones and is especially common in post-menopausal women.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease: An infection of the reproductive organs.
• Pelvic pain.
• Recurrent miscarriage.
• Uterine fibroids. These non-cancerous growths in the uterus can cause pain and press on other organs in the pelvic and abdominal area.
• Pelvic organ prolapse. This condition is when the vagina, bladder, or uterus move from their normal position due to weak pelvic floor muscles.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This hormone-related condition causes enlarged ovaries, irregular periods, and excess male hormones in women.
• Sexual problems, including painful sex and arousal or orgasm challenges.
• Surgical interventions for fibroids, hysteroscopy, and other major or minor surgeries.

When Should a Female Start Seeing a Gynecologist?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends females start seeing a gynecologist between ages 13 and 15. Pap smear tests to check for cervical cancer should begin at age 21.

In most cases, the first gynecology visit is one where you stay clothed and have a conversation about your sexual and reproductive health.

What Gynecology Services and Treatments Do You Offer?

UPMC's gynecologists offer a full range of tests and treatments to protect your sexual and reproductive health.

Annual wellness exams

During your annual wellness exam, your gynecologist will discuss any concerns you have about your sexual and reproductive health. They will discuss any physical exams or tests you may need.

Birth control and family planning

UPMC provides all types of birth control, including oral medications, patches, implants, injections, intrauterine devices, and barrier methods. We can help you choose the ideal birth control method for you.

HPV vaccinations

HPV vaccines protect you from the HPV virus, which can cause cancer and genital warts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends HPV vaccines for females aged 11 to 26. If you're older than 26 and haven't had the HPV vaccine, you might still benefit from it. Your gynecologist can help you decide if the HPV vaccine is right for you.

Infertility support

We offer fertility testing, counseling, and treatments for people who have not been able to conceive after trying for six months. Fertility treatments may include medication, artificial insemination, in-vitro fertilization, and other procedures.

Mammograms (breast cancer screenings)

The US Preventative Services Task Force recommends all women aged 40 to 74 get mammograms every two years. Your gynecologist can discuss your risk of breast cancer and the benefits of screening.

Medications

We prescribe a wide range of medications to treat gynecological and hormonal problems like endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids, menopause symptoms, and more.

Osteoporosis screenings

Depending on your age and risk, your gynecologist may recommend bone density tests to check for signs of osteoporosis.

Pap tests (cervical cancer screenings)

Women aged 21 and above should have Pap tests every three to five years. Routine HPV tests can replace routine Pap tests for women over 25. Your gynecologist can explain the pros and cons of each option.

During a Pap test, the gynecologist will take a sample of your cervical cells using a cotton swab. The test may cause discomfort but is not usually painful.

The doctor then sends the sample to a lab, which checks it for cancerous and abnormal cells that could become cancerous without treatment.

Pelvic exams

Your gynecologist may recommend a pelvic exam if you have symptoms like abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge or pelvic pain or pain during sex. You may also need routine pelvic exams if you're at a higher risk of developing gynecological cancers or other conditions.

During a pelvic exam, the gynecologist looks at the vulva, as well as the vagina and cervix, using a speculum that keeps the vagina open. After removing the speculum, the doctor inserts gloved fingers inside the vagina and presses on the abdomen to feel for any unusual lumps or bulges.

Sexually transmitted disease testing and treatment

We offer judgment-free testing and treatments for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We also answer your questions about STIs and help with ways to lower your risk of getting an STI in the future.

Surgery

We offer minimally invasive and advanced surgeries to treat fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and other problems. Our gynecologists take the time to explain the benefits and risks of surgery versus other possible treatment options. UPMC's gynecologists work closely with oncology teams for the surgical treatment of gynecological cancer.

Treatment for chronic pelvic pain

We take a comprehensive approach to treating chronic pelvic pain. Treatment may include a combination of physiotherapy, pain medications, and, if needed, surgical approaches.

What Should I Expect at My Gynecology Appointment?

At a gynecology appointment, the care team will check your weight and blood pressure and ask questions about your sexual and reproductive health. A gynecologist looks for signs that your reproductive organs are functioning normally.

They may ask about:

• Any symptoms that concern you.
• Your status with annual preventative care, or the results of your recent screenings.
• Whether you would like to start or switch your birth control method.
• If your period or sexual activity impacts your health or daily life.
• Any questions you have about your sexual or reproductive health now and over your lifetime.

Depending on your symptoms and age, your doctor may recommend a pelvic exam, cervical cancer screening, blood or urine test, ultrasound, or another test. Your gynecologist will explain what will happen in any physical exam and ensure you consent to the exam beforehand.

By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2024-09-05.