Shamin Patel looks at 5 top reasons for office visits

Painful and heavy menstruation

While periods are uncomfortable for all women at some point, many women can suffer from extremely painful periods or experience periods that are excessively heavy with major clotting. Solutions for these problems can often be found through a gynecologist. In addition to providing more intense pain relief options, a doctor will help locate the underlying contributing factors, such as hormonal issues or disorders that may require surgical intervention, such as endometriosis or fibroids.

Period irregularity

On the other end of the spectrum is the disappearance or irregularity of periods experienced by a portion of the population, Shamim Patel reports. Much like treating heavier or painful menstruation, physical exams and other tests can help determine the underlying reason for the irregular cycles and help chart a path forward.

Yeast Infections

While many over-the-counter medications exist for yeast infections, Dr. Shamim Patel advises many visits to the gynecologist’s office arise from this common fungal infection. Any woman experiencing her first yeast infection needs to consult with a gynecologist to verify the symptoms, and many who are experiencing an infection due to the use of antibiotics or who endure regular infections also need a consultation for prescription medications.

Other infections

Recurring yeast infections can be a symptom of another issue, and they can also really be another infection or condition with overlapping symptoms. Vaginitis and pelvic inflammatory disease as well as some sexually transmitted diseases feature many of the same symptoms, but treatment paths are far different. A gynecologist can conduct testing to receive lab confirmation of an infection type and prescribe proper medications, including creams or oral pills, for treatment.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome

The prevalence of PCOS is estimated at 12 to 20% of women in their reproductive years, and it is a leading cause of infertility. The hormonal disorder impacts period regularity, can lead to excess hair growth and contribute to obesity. The prevalence of PCOS may also be underreported in many cases as there is not a singular test for the disorder. Gynecologists assess multiple factors to confirm the diagnosis and rely on patient information, such as data regarding weight changes and more, to help inform the decision-making process.