Gynecology

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For women, gynecologic care is critical part of holistic health focusing on the female reproductive system. A gynecologist also offers insight and support for issues relating to hormones, aging, and conditions that may affect women differently from men. Our gynecologists are experts in female health and overall wellness.

Your gynecologic needs change as your body does. SSM Health gynecologists offer caring, comprehensive support for women at every stage of life. Whether it’s a routine checkup or a specialized procedure, our team is here to help you stay healthy and feel your best.

It’s estimated that preventive care screenings can save thousands of lives per year.¹ Schedule your yearly well-woman exam with your gynecologist or OBGYN to discuss. Checkups focus on prevention – keeping you healthy now to avoid problems later.

What are common women's health areas that gynecologists specialize in?

Sexual health – Gynecologists help with the physical, emotional, and relational aspects of sexual well-being. You can trust in your provider’s knowledge and non-judgmental support of any sexual health-related issues you may have. Sexual health includes:
- Education and support for healthy relationships
- Prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Compassionate care for concerns related to reproductive health or intercourse
Menstrual and hormonal health – Women’s health specialists provide care for issues surrounding the menstrual cycle and the hormones that drive it. They also care for those facing menopause, PCOS, and other hormone-related conditions.
- Depending on the issue, treatments may include hormonal birth control to help manage symptoms and regulate cycles.
Pelvic pain and health – Pelvic health involves the function of the pelvic floor and the muscles, nerves, and organs in the lower abdomen, including the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs.
- Pain in this region may result from digestive, urinary tract, or gynecological issues.
- Hormonal contraceptives are often a first-line treatment for pain caused by gynecologic problems.
Preventive care – Regular women’s health screenings focus on preventing and detecting disease. Cervical cancer, breast cancer, osteoporosis, and other conditions can be caught in early stages, often leading to less invasive treatments and better outcomes.
Minimally invasive gynecological surgery procedures– Advanced tools and very small incisions can be used to treat many minor medical conditions.
- There are treatments for fibroids, endometriosis, vulvar pain, and more that can result in a faster recovery with less pain.
Fertility and reproductive health – This refers to a woman’s ability to conceive and maintain a pregnancy. Approximately 1 in 6 women worldwide experience fertility issues.²

When should you see a gynecologist (outside of your annual visit)?

Women can experience any number of urogenital-related symptoms that may require treatment. Contact your OBGYN to schedule an appointment if you experience:

Bleeding between menstrual periods
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Bleeding after menopause
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Irregular or missed periods
Frequent or urgent need to urinate
Burning sensation during urination
Pain or pressure in the pelvis that feels different from menstrual cramps

Lower abdominal or pelvic pain not related to periods
Itching, burning, swelling, redness, or soreness in the vaginal area
Sores or lumps in the genital region
Vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor, unusual color, or both
Pain during sex
Lumps, pain, or discharge from the breasts

Common questions about gynecology:

Can birth control help with heavy or painful periods?

Yes, hormonal birth control is the primary method of treating heavy or painful periods. It helps by reducing the amount of estrogen the ovaries produce, which leads to lighter, less painful periods.

Does birth control help with perimenopause or hormonal changes?

Hormonal birth control can help manage perimenopause symptoms by stabilizing hormone levels. Using birth control during this time can result in more regular periods and a reduction in hot flashes, heavy bleeding, and mood swings.

Does using birth control for symptom relief affect my ability to get pregnant later?

No, the use of hormonal birth control generally will not affect your future fertility. Once you stop taking the medication, ovulation and your ability to conceive will return to normal quickly. If you’ve taken a long-lasting shot like Depo-Provera, it may take 10-18 months after your last injection for your fertility to return to normal.

Does an abnormal Pap test mean it is cancer?

Fewer than 1% of abnormal Pap smears are due to cancer. Abnormal cells more likely to result from infection, inflammation, or a pre-cancerous situation that may resolve on its own. Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and HPV commonly cause abnormal findings. So can hormonal changes or even recent douching.

I may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection (STI). What should I do?

Stop all sexual activity.
Visit a local clinic or health care provider for testing. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Inform them if you know what you were exposed to.
Consider a preventive treatment for possible bacterial infections. Doxy-PEP is effective if taken within 72 hours of exposure.
Notify any partners.
Complete all treatments, even if symptoms improve.

What are possible side effects and risks of using birth control to manage my endometriosis or PCOS symptoms?

Most side effects from hormonal birth control are not serious and may resolve with time. You may experience:

Spotting between periods
Sore breasts
Headaches or nausea
Bloating
An increase in blood pressure

Serious risks are more likely with combination pills. These can include blood clots in the legs, heart attack or stroke (especially if you smoke), and liver disorders.

What is a Pap smear? How often should I get a Pap test?

A Pap smear is a simple procedure to retrieve cells from the cervix to check for abnormalities. Your provider will use a speculum to open your vagina wall and view your cervix. They will then swab the area to collect the necessary cells for testing.

Women should get a Pap every three years from age 21 until age 29. At age 30, it’s safe to be tested every five years, if your Pap is combined with an HPV test. Women may discontinue Pap smears at age 65, if results have been historically normal.

What is Natural Family Planning (NFP), and how does it work?

NFP relies on tracking signs of fertility to either avoid or achieve a pregnancy without the use of drugs or devices. Women monitor their basal body temperature, cervical mucous, and the calendar to identify fertile periods. Depending on their goals, the couple will either abstain or engage in intercourse during the fertile window.

What vaccines help protect sexual health (like HPV)?

Vaccines are the best way to protect against disease and long-term health issues that can be transmitted through sexual behavior.

The HPV vaccine is recommended for all young people at age 11 or 12 to protect against the Human Papillomavirus. This virus causes genital warts and leads to cervical, anal, and throat cancers.
The Hepatitis B vaccine is a three-dose series recommended for most infants. It protects against long-term liver disease. Hepatitis B is spread through blood, semen, and vaginal fluids.
The Hepatitis A vaccine protects against liver infection spread by contaminated food and water, or by contact with feces of an infected person. This can happen during sexual activity.
The Mpox vaccine is suggested for those with multiple sexual partners. It can prevent painful rash, fever, headaches, and other serious symptoms.

What are the tests for ovarian cancer?

Unfortunately, there is no routine screening for ovarian cancer. If cancer is suspected, a combination of pelvic exams, blood tests, and imaging will be used. A biopsy will be performed to confirm the existence of cancer.

What causes cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is typically caused by an untreated case of HPV (Human Papillomavirus). It is one of the most preventable, detectable, and treatable cancers. Receiving the vaccine reduces the risk of cervical cancer by up to 88% for women vaccinated at a young age. Unfortunately, vaccination does not guard against every type of HPV. So even vaccinated women should receive regular cervical cancer screening and HPV testing every five years.

When should a teen go to a gynecologist for the first time?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends scheduling an initial visit between the ages of 13 and 15. This appointment is designed to establish care, discuss puberty, and answer questions. This visit does not typically include a pelvic exam. A teen who has painful or irregular periods, is sexually active, or is experiencing an unusual discharge should see a doctor at any age. Pap smears need not begin before age 21 for any woman.

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