Gynecologists are medical doctors who specialise in the treatment of female reproductive organs. They can help support women from their teen years and beyond, with menstruation, fertility and menopause. 

 

A gynaecologist is an integral part of women’s health, helping women to get a fuller picture of their long term health. 

 

To help you understand more about how your gynaecologist can support you, we have compiled this helpful guide. 

 

What can a gynaecologist assist you with?

How often you need to see your gynaecologist will largely depend on your personal circumstances, but women should make their first appointment when they become sexually active, or after they turn 21. 

 

Many professionals believe you should make a regular yearly visit to your gynaecologist, and to book an appointment if an issue arises in between those visits. 

 

There are many reasons why you should visit your gynaecologist and here are some of them. 

 

Early Detection

Your gynaecologist is able to assist you with early detection and intervention for certain medical conditions relating to your reproductive organs. This can be through cervical screenings or pap smears.

 

If you are aged 25-74, you should be getting your cervical screening done every 5 years. 

 

Early detection can be one of the most important factors in treating certain conditions, and so it is vital that you are attending your appointments. 

 

Menstrual Issues

If you are having irregular or painful periods then you should contact your gynaecologist so that they can assess your situation and give you the appropriate medical advice.

 

While some periods may just be painful and uncomfortable, in some cases there can be a more serious underlying condition that is causing extreme pain and discomfort. 

 

Your gynaecologist will be able to examine you and if necessary, provide you with the relevant treatment for your condition whether it’s polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis or another condition. 

 

Pregnancy Care

Your gynaecologist can help assist you through your pregnancy journey, giving you the best opportunity for a healthy and safe birth. 

 

Fertility Assessment 

Your gynaecologist can help you with your family planning by assessing your reproductive health. 

 

If you are struggling to conceive and want to assess your fertility, then your gynaecologist can help you identify the cause, and offer you certain treatment options or alternatives. 

 

Sometimes infertility can be due to issues with your reproductive system, so a gynecologist can offer you specialist advice to deal with the situation. 

 

Contraception

If you are looking for contraception, then your gynaecologist can assist you with your desired birth control/contraception. 

 

They may also be able to provide certain surgeries that can remove your ability to conceive. 

 

Menopause

Your gynaecologist will be able to give you health information and treatment to support you through menopause.

 

This can be a big change in many women’s lives, and it’s important that you get the right health care to make you feel comfortable through the process. 

 

Your gynaecologist can also assist you with early menopause and other relating health issues. 

 

Sexual Health

Your doctor can test you for sexually transmitted infections, as well as give you the appropriate treatments. 

 

Your gynaecologist can also assist you if you are experiencing sexual dysfunction or a lowered libido. 

 

Pelvic Pain

If you are experiencing pelvic pain you should book an appointment with your doctor. Your gynaecologist can help with problems with tissues that support pelvic organs, as well as with ovarian cysts and pelvic masses. 

 

Your doctor can also help you if you have experienced a prolapse, whether mild or more severe. 

 

Urinary and Bladder Problems

Urinary and bladder problems such as incontinence can be assessed by your gynaecologist. 

 

If you are unable to urinate, or don’t have control over your bladder, your doctor can help with treatment.

 

Surgery

Depending on your gynaecologist, they may be able to assist you with a range of surgeries relating to your reproductive systems, whether it’s laparoscopic, pelvic or vaginal gynaecological surgery. 

 

If you are unsure whether your gynaecologist can help you with a certain issue, it is always best to just ask. 

 

If an emergency ever arises make sure to contact your local emergency services. 

 

If you are looking for an experienced obstetrician-gynaecologist on the Sunshine Coast, then you should book an appointment with Dr. Kelvin Larwood. 

 

His private clinics offer affordable services, delivered by friendly and qualified medical professionals.