What’s the Difference Between a Gynecologist and an Obstetrician?
A gynecologist in Downtown Brooklyn is a physician who specializes in women’s reproductive health, starting in the teens and continuing into your senior years. An obstetrician is a physician who primarily focuses on pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care. Some doctors combine both specialties into one. These doctors are called obstetrician/gynecologists or OB/GYNs.
Downtown Brooklyn is a heavily populated area with a lively environment for those who enjoy urban life. Many exceptional, qualified physicians practice in Downtown Brooklyn, and residents who need to book an appointment with a gynecology specialist have many experienced gynecologists to choose from for routine care or for diagnosis and treatment of a gynecologic disorder. Make your appointment today.
What Does a Downtown Brooklyn Gynecologist Do?
Physicians who practice gynecology in Downtown Brooklyn treat women of all ages.
Throughout your lifetime, you may experience a variety of concerns with your reproductive system related to issues such as:
- Fertility
- Menstrual irregularities
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Pelvic discomfort
- Urinary incontinence
- Family planning
The female reproductive system includes your uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and vagina. The role of a gynecologist in Downtown Brooklyn includes:
- Evaluating your reproductive health
- Screening for cancer and other illnesses affecting your reproductive system
- Diagnosing and treating gynecological conditions
- Providing guidance on contraception options
Some women consider their gynecologist their primary care doctor, while others see a primary care doctor for other health concerns and a gynecologist only for reproductive system issues. Your Downtown Brooklyn primary care doctor handles routine issues like urinary tract infections (UTIs), but if you experience complex problems with your reproductive system like repeated bouts of UTIs, book an appointment with a gynecologist in Downtown Brooklyn as soon as you can.
When Do I Need to See a Gynecologist?
An annual gynecology checkup is recommended for all women of childbearing years and beyond.
The phases in life that require routine gynecological visits include:
- Teenagers between 13 and 15 should have an initial gynecological visit, which may be a simple consultation that doesn’t include a Pap smear.
- By the age of 21, young women who have never gone to a gynecologist should book an appointment even if not sexually active.
- Adult women in childbearing years tend to experience a myriad of conditions and often rely on a Downtown Brooklyn gynecologist for guidance through perimenopause.
- Seniors who have gone through menopause and stopped having periods should see a gynecologist annually for routine checkups and to deal with menopausal symptoms.
Regardless of your age, having an annual pelvic exam and screening tests is the best way for your gynecologist to check the health of your pelvic organs. Your Downtown Brooklyn gynecologist also identifies any potential problems early so you can receive treatment on cancerous or non-cancerous conditions.
What Conditions Does a Downtown Brooklyn Gynecologist Treat?
A wide variety of gynecological conditions are diagnosed and treated by a Downtown Brooklyn gynecologist.
The most common conditions include:
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Cervical dysplasia
Some conditions respond to lifestyle changes or hormone therapy, while others may require prescription medication or surgery. When you book an appointment with a Downtown Brooklyn gynecology practice, your doctor evaluates your symptoms and determines the best treatment plan for you.
What Types of Surgery Can a Downtown Brooklyn Gynecologist Perform?
Gynecologists undergo extensive training, which includes learning both major and minor surgical procedures that they may need to do on your reproductive organs. The best gynecologists in Downtown Brooklyn perform many diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, depending on your condition.
Examples of gynecological surgery include:
- Tubal ligation. Also known as having your tubes tied, this procedure is done by cutting or blocking the fallopian tubes to permanently prevent pregnancy.
- Hysterectomy. This procedure is done to remove all or part of your uterus because of conditions such as cancer, endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
- Oophorectomy. Removal of one or both ovaries to treat ovarian cancer or ovarian cysts is called an oophorectomy.
- Colposcopy. This is a diagnostic test that allows your gynecologist to get a closer look at your reproductive organs after an abnormal Pap smear.
- Hysteroscopy. This is a diagnostic procedure that allows your gynecology expert to diagnose uterine problems.
- Dilatation and curettage. This procedure may be done to control excessive bleeding or remove tissue from your uterus after a miscarriage.
- Biopsy. Your Downtown Brooklyn gynecologist can perform several different types of biopsies, including a cervical biopsy and an endometrial biopsy.
- Pelvic organ prolapse repair. Non-surgical treatment options are usually your first treatment, but if those are unsuccessful, your skilled gynecologist repairs pelvic organ prolapse through surgery, such as obliterative surgery or reconstructive surgery.
Modern advancements have made it possible to do many procedures using minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic surgery or robotic surgery. Minimally invasive approaches reduce recovery time and scarring.
What Are Problems I Should Discuss with My Downtown Brooklyn Gynecologist?
Gynecology-related problems can appear at any time and at any age.
Signs that you may need to book an appointment with your Brooklyn gynecologist include:
- Irregular periods
- Painful periods
- Bleeding after menopause
- Frequent urinary tract infections
- Pelvic pain or lower abdominal pain
- Pain during sex
- Low libido
- Urinary incontinence
- Sores or growths on a breast or on your genitalia
- Vaginal irritation or itching
- Known exposure to a sexually transmitted infection or disease
If you’re having difficulty getting pregnant, get an initial evaluation by your Brooklyn gynecologist who then offers you options to improve your conception chances. Schedule an appointment with an experienced NYC gynecologist whenever you have problems with your reproductive system that concern you. Obtain an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment to deal with any gynecological issues.