4 Gynecological Areas Of Treatment

Well-woman exams, also known as annual gynecological exams, are a critical aspect of women’s healthcare. These exams provide an opportunity for women to receive preventive care, early detection of health problems, and health education. These exams also help to detect if any gynecological treatment is necessary.

Gynecological Areas Of Treatment

Different gynecological areas of treatment are essential for maintaining a woman’s overall health and well-being. Here at Kernodle OB/GYN, we screen for various health issues, offer preventive care services, identify reproductive health issues, address overall health concerns, and provide guidance specific to a woman’s life stage. Continue reading to learn more about a few gynecological areas of treatment.

1. Premenstrual Syndrome Treatment

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is something most women are all too familiar with. Some women experience mild PMS symptoms, while others experience near-debilitating symptoms such as cramps, nausea, and feelings of depression and anxiety. Although there is no cure for PMS, there are treatments that can help. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are widely recognized as an effective treatment for the symptoms that accompany a woman’s menstruation. Some of these medications include fluoxetine (Prozac and Sarafem), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa), and paroxetine (Paxil). Non-medication treatments may include self-care activities, physical exercise, or therapies. 

2. Menopausal Care

The good news is that as a woman, you don’t have to deal with PMS forever. Menopause is a natural process in which a woman has gone 12 months without her menstrual period. This is due to a decline in reproductive hormones and usually begins when a woman reaches her 40s or 50s. The most common symptoms include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, chills, mood changes, weight gain, night sweats, thinning hair, and dry skin. Menopausal care is a common gynecological area of treatment and can include hormone therapy, dietary supplements, and other alternative medications.

3. Gynecologic Oncology

Gynecologic oncology focuses on cancers of the female reproductive system. These gynecological cancers can include ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, vaginal cancer, cervical cancer, and vulvar cancer. Luckily, there are a number of different treatments performed to treat these cancers, including dilation and curettage (D&C), total hysterectomy, radical hysterectomy, omentectomy, and lymph node removal. It is important to pay attention to lifestyle habits that can decrease your risk for these cancers before they develop. Women should be cognizant of managing chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, smoking cessation, and losing weight if necessary.

4. Urinary Incontinence Treatment

The National Institute of Health defines urinary continence as a loss of bladder control resulting in a person leaking urine by accident. There are four types of urinary incontinence:

• Stress urinary incontinence (SUI): When weak pelvic muscles let urine escape
• Overactive bladder (OAB): When your brain tells your bladder to empty, even if it isn’t full
• Mixed incontinence (SUI and OAB): A combination of leaking urine and the urgent need to urinate
• Overflow incontinence: When the body makes more urine than the bladder can hold 

These gynecological conditions can be caused by a number of different things, including weak bladder or pelvic floor muscles, overactive bladder muscles, or diseases such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, or Parkinson’s disease. Many different treatments and management techniques are available. Some of these include bladder control training, medical treatments, or behavioral and lifestyle changes. 

It is important for women to make an effort to prioritize their health by scheduling annual well-woman exams with their healthcare provider. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes and prevent more serious health problems from developing. Here at Kernodle OB/GYN, we provide full-scope individualized women’s health care, including gynecological care, midwifery services, and low- and high-risk maternity care for women and their families. Check out our website or give us a call for more information.