Gynecology is a branch of medicine dealing with the health care of a woman. Therefore, a gynecologist is a doctor who treats diseases and problems specifically related to the female reproductive system. You should always see a gynecologist when you have concerns about your health. They are your best resource in identifying problems with your reproductive health.
That is because gynecologists have had specific training to understand the anatomy and physiology of this vital system. Some conditions that look like they may be related to the reproductive system are medical issues that do not affect it. This makes it even more important to see a gynecologist when you have problems.
This article looks at some of the in-office procedures in Lake Mary you may get by visiting a gynecologist. Read on for more.
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Hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy is an examination of the interior lining of the uterus. They can do it through a hysteroscope, a long, slender tube with a tiny light and camera attached to it.
During this procedure, they can also take tissue samples to examine under a microscope. This is usually done for pre-cancerous changes to the lining of the uterus. This procedure takes about thirty minutes, and you will be under a mild sedative so that you are comfortable during the process.
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Endometrial Ablation
This is another procedure that looks at your uterine lining. It can be done through a thin wire with a small balloon at the end. Your gynecologist will insert this wire through your cervix and inside your uterus, then release the wire to expand the balloon. This procedure aims to destroy as much as possible of the uterine lining that needs treatment or that may cause cancerous changes in the future. The procedure takes only about half an hour, and you will be under a general anesthetic.
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Pap Smear
A Pap smear helps check for cervical cancer in women who are over thirty years of age. No matter how old you are, your gynecologist may be doing this test every few years to ensure that everything is well inside your reproductive system.
During the procedure, your gynecologist will insert a speculum into your vagina and carefully remove samples from your cervix for testing in the lab. The sample is analyzed under a microscope to look for cell changes that may indicate cancerous cells growing.
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Colposcopy
When your doctor does a Pap smear, they can see any suspicious areas in your cervix that need further testing. The process involves the use of a colposcope, which is an instrument similar to a microscope. Your gynecologist will look at the cervix through this instrument and then take samples to check in a lab that specializes in colposcopy.
The appointment will last for only about thirty minutes. You might notice some redness or swelling of your cervix, which should go away after a few days.
To summarize, a gynecologist is a doctor that specializes in women’s reproductive health. They conduct many different in-office procedures to help identify and deal with various conditions. Standard procedures include colposcopy, pap smear, endometrial ablation, and hysteroscopy.
