Conditions Treated by Obstetrician-Gynecologists

Obstetrician-gynecologists (OBGYNs) specialize in female health issues. Obstetricians focus on pregnant women, emphasizing prenatal and postnatal care, labor, and childbirth. Gynecologists treat and diagnose female health conditions like sexually transmitted diseases and pelvic pain. Your OBGYN Fairfax can educate you on pregnancy care, birth control, infertility, reproductive health, and sex issues. OBGYNs can also offer primary healthcare services. OBGYNs can specialize in obstetrics only or provide gynecological care. You can visit your OBGYN if you suspect you are pregnant or experiencing any reproductive system issues. OBGYNs can treat many conditions, including:

Fibroids

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in your uterus lining. They do not cause symptoms in most women, especially when they are small. When fibroids multiply or become large, they may cause heavy or prolonged periods, difficulty getting pregnant, pain during intercourse, pelvic pain, and bleeding between periods. Fibroids are treatable depending on the size of your growths, age, and symptoms. There are various fibroid treatments, including medications, hormone therapy, radiofrequency ablation, uterine artery embolization, or surgery.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is when the uterus lining develops in other parts of your body. It mostly affects your lower abdomen or pelvis but can occur in any body part. Endometriosis symptoms include lower abdominal pain, painful menstrual periods, pain during sex, and difficulty getting pregnant. Some women may not experience symptoms. There is no cure for endometriosis, but various treatments can help manage symptoms and preserve or restore fertility. Depending on your symptoms, your gynecologist can treat endometriosis through medications or surgery.

Pregnancy complications

Your obstetrician-gynecologist takes care of you throughout the pregnancy to ensure you and your baby are healthy. The provider diagnoses and treats any condition that arises during pregnancy. Common problems that can develop during pregnancy include bleeding, chronic vomiting, miscarriage, iron deficiency, and diabetes. Your obstetrician schedules regular checkups during your pregnancy to help detect potential problems for early and effective treatment. Obstetricians can also address fetal issues.

Abnormal menstrual bleeding

Abnormal menstrual bleeding is when you have periods that differ from your normal menstrual cycle. It may involve bleeding between periods,  periods shorter or longer than normal or unusual heavy flow during periods. Abnormal bleeding may result from birth control methods, polycystic ovary syndrome, miscarriage, fibroids, endometriosis or cervical disorders. The treatment option your gynecologist uses is based on your symptoms and the cause of your abnormal menstrual bleeding.

Menopause

Menopause is a phase where a woman permanently stops having monthly periods. It is a natural stage in life, but you may experience symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sweating at night, mood swings, sleeplessness, and increased abdominal fat. Treatments for menopause focus on relieving symptoms. The treatments may include hormone therapy, medications, or pelvic physical therapy. Exercise and changing certain lifestyle habits can also help improve your mood.

Obstetrician-gynecologists provide female health services. Obstetricians specialize on pregnant women and postpartum care, while gynecologists focus on female reproductive health issues. The professionals treat many conditions, including endometriosis, fibroids, pregnancy complications, abnormal menstrual bleeding, and menopause. Schedule an appointment at Capital Women’s Care to improve your reproductive health. 

Julio Jones