5 Conditions Treated by Obstetrician-Gynecologists
Obstetrician-gynecologists (OBGYNS) specialize in female reproductive health. Obstetricians focus on pregnant women, childbirth, and postnatal care. Gynecologists treat and diagnose female reproductive system issues like pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, and sexually transmitted infections. Your Las Vegas OB/GYN can address any problems and questions regarding pregnancy, infertility, contraception methods, and reproductive health. Sometimes OBGYNs act as primary care doctors. You can consult your OB/GYN if you suspect you are pregnant, have reproductive issues, or have complications during pregnancy or after birth. OBGYNs can treat many health conditions, including:
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where the uterus lining develops in other body parts. It mostly happens in the pelvic and abdominal region but can occur in any part of your body. Endometriosis is characterized by lower abdominal pain, painful menstrual periods, pain during sex, and infertility. Some women do not experience symptoms. There is no cure for endometriosis, but various treatments help manage symptoms and preserve or restore fertility. Depending on your symptoms, your gynecologist can treat endometriosis through hormonal drugs or surgery.
Pregnancy complications
Your OB/GYN takes care of your health throughout pregnancy to ensure you deliver your baby safely. The specialist can diagnose and treat many health issues that may affect you or your kid. Conditions that may arise during pregnancy include bleeding, miscarriage, iron deficiency, diabetes, and chronic vomiting. Your obstetrician schedules regular appointments during your pregnancy to monitor your health. You will also have various tests to prevent complications and diagnose issues early for effective treatment.
Abnormal menstrual bleeding
Abnormal menstrual bleeding is when you have periods different from your normal menstrual cycle. It may involve bleeding between your normal menstrual cycle, heavy bleeding, or longer periods than usual. Uterine fibroids, endometriosis, birth control methods, uterine polyps, or polycystic ovary syndrome can lead to abnormal menstrual bleeding. Your OB/GYN diagnoses the cause of your unusual bleeding and develops the best treatment plan.
Fibroids
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in your uterus. They do not cause symptoms in most women. If they cause symptoms, you may experience heavy periods, painful periods, pain during sex, miscarriage, bleeding between periods, or infertility. There are various treatments for uterine fibroids based on your symptoms and your fibroid’s number, size, and location. You may not need treatment if your uterine fibroids do not cause symptoms. After treatment, it is essential to get regular tests to check for the redevelopment of new fibroids.
Menopausal symptoms
Menopause is a phase where a woman stops experiencing monthly periods. It is a normal stage of life, but you may experience unpleasant symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, insomnia, night sweats, and increased abdominal fat. Your gynecologist can offer treatment to help relieve your symptoms. Treatments for menopausal symptoms include medications, hormone therapy, and pelvic physical therapy. Your gynecologist also educates you on healthy lifestyle habits to improve your quality of life.
Obstetrician-gynecologists (OBGYNS) specialize in female reproductive health. These medical professionals can treat many conditions, including endometriosis, uterine fibroids, abnormal bleeding, pregnancy complications, and menopausal symptoms. Schedule an appointment with Darin Swainston, MD, FACOG, for OBGYN services to improve your reproductive health.