Gynecology

Gynecologists specialize in the female reproductive system, which includes parts of your body like your vagina, vulva, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus. They're often called OB/GYNs, but some choose to focus only on gynecology, which means they take care of women's health issues that don't involve being pregnant or having a baby. At Ochsner, our teams of obstetricians (who focus on pregnancy) and gynecologists work closely together if you're pregnant or trying to conceive. However, it's important to know that gynecological care covers a lot more than just pregnancy.

Starting from the teen years, it's important for girls and women to visit a gynecologist every year. At Ochsner, having regular check-ups helps girls and women stay healthy at every stage of life. These visits may include:

• Breast exams

• Cervical cancer screenings

• Conversations about your sexual health and contraceptive options (birth control)

• Pelvic exams

• Testing for sexually transmitted infections

• Vaccinations to prevent hepatitis, HPV and other diseases

Our specialists address the following gynecological conditions with precision and care:

• Abnormal uterine bleeding: This includes unexpected bleeding or spotting between periods, which may indicate underlying health concerns.
• Endometriosis: A condition where uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus, leading to painful cramping and potential fertility challenges.
• Fertility issues: Our experts offer comprehensive evaluations and solutions for individuals or couples navigating challenges with conception.
• Family planning: We provide proactive, personalized care to assess and optimize your health before conception, ensuring the best possible start for your pregnancy.
• Heavy periods: Expert diagnosis and treatments to help manage excessive menstrual bleeding that impacts your daily life.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV): Detection and management of HPV, which can increase the risk of cervical cancer.
• Irregular menstrual cycles: Evaluation and treatment for unpredictable periods that may signal hormonal imbalances or other concerns.
• Menopause: Guidance and care during this natural stage of life, which begins a year after your final period.
• Ovarian cysts: Identification and treatment of fluid-filled or solid sacs that develop within or on the ovaries.
• Pain during sex: Effective solutions for discomfort during intercourse, focusing on improving both comfort and confidence.
• Pelvic floor disorders: Managing conditions such as incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, which occur when pelvic muscles weaken, causing organs to shift.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease: Treatment of infections affecting one or more female reproductive organs, helping prevent complications.
• Pelvic pain: Comprehensive care to address ongoing or acute pain originating in the pelvic region.
• Perimenopause: Support for managing symptoms like hot flashes and emotional changes that occur during this transitional time before menopause.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Diagnosis and treatment for a hormonal disorder that can cause ovarian cysts, irregular periods, and fertility issues.
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): Care for individuals experiencing severe premenstrual symptoms that disrupt mood and daily life.
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): Tailored strategies to help manage mood swings, bloating, and other symptoms caused by hormonal changes before your period.
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Accurate testing and treatment for STIs such as chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
• Unusual vaginal discharge: Diagnosis and care for abnormal discharge that may indicate an infection or other concern.
• Urinary incontinence: Solutions for loss of bladder control to improve your quality of life.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Prompt evaluation and treatment for infections in any part of the urinary system.
• Uterine fibroids: Expert care for benign uterine tumors that can affect menstrual cycles and overall health.
• Vaginal dryness: Relief and treatment options to help manage this often-overlooked condition.
• Vaginitis: Diagnosis and treatment for inflammation of the vagina that causes discomfort and irritation.
• Vulvar disorders: Specialized care for burning, itching, or pain affecting the vulvar area.
• Yeast infections: Effective treatments for fungal infections that cause itching, redness, and discomfort.

At Ochsner, we don’t just treat conditions, we partner with you in your health care journey. Our gynecologists combine advanced medical knowledge with a compassionate approach, ensuring your concerns are heard and addressed. Whatever your needs, you can trust us to provide the highest quality care.

At Ochsner, we are committed to providing personalized care that prioritizes your health goals and overall well-being. Our expert team collaborates with women to create customized treatment plans that consider their future aspirations, such as starting a family, as well as their sexual health needs. Whether your care involves lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery, we offer a wide range of options to effectively address your concerns with precision and compassion.

Our services include advanced diagnostic procedures and state-of-the-art treatments, such as:

• Biopsy: A critical tool for diagnosing various conditions by removing and analyzing tissue samples.
• Cryotherapy: A procedure used to freeze and remove abnormal cervical cells, offering a minimally invasive solution.
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Treatments like vaginal estrogen creams and suppositories to help manage symptoms of hormone imbalance or menopause.
• Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus for treating conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, or uterine cancer.
• Hysteroscopy: A technique using a small camera to examine the cervix and uterus for diagnostic or surgical purposes.
• LEEP (Loop electrosurgical excision procedure): Removes abnormal cervical tissue with precision to prevent potential complications.
• Myomectomy: A surgical procedure that removes uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus, ideal for women planning to have children.
• Ovarian cyst removal: Expert surgical care to treat cysts that may be causing discomfort or affecting fertility.
• Pelvic floor therapy: A non-surgical approach to strengthen pelvic muscles and address incontinence or prolapse.
• Pelvic prolapse surgery: Restores support to pelvic organs, correcting issues caused by weakened pelvic muscles.
• Removal of painful scar tissue: Relieves discomfort and restores function affected by previous surgeries or injuries.
• Sterilization: A permanent birth control option, tailored to meet your reproductive goals.
• Uterine fibroid embolization: A minimally invasive procedure to shrink fibroids and alleviate symptoms.
• Uterine polyp removal: Removes uterine polyps to address abnormal bleeding and improve reproductive health.

When surgical care is necessary, Ochsner leverages cutting-edge technology to provide advanced, minimally invasive options. Many of our procedures utilize robotic surgery, offering unparalleled precision for complex cases. This approach provides significant benefits, including smaller incisions, faster recovery times and better outcomes.

For patients facing gynecologic cancers, Ochsner delivers a comprehensive array of treatments, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation therapy. We also provide access to clinical trials, giving patients opportunities to explore the latest advances in cancer care and innovative therapies.

Choosing the right birth control is an important decision that evolves over time. According to research published in JAMA, 87% of women use contraception at some point in their lives. At Ochsner, our gynecologists are here to guide you through your contraceptive options, helping you find a solution tailored to your lifestyle and health needs.

We offer expert advice and prescriptions for a variety of birth control methods, including:

• Cervical cap or diaphragm: A small, reusable device you can insert into the vagina to cover your cervix and prevent sperm from entering the uterus.
• Contraceptive patch – A discreet patch placed on the skin weekly to deliver hormones that prevent pregnancy.
• Implant – A small rod inserted under the skin by your provider, offering long-term, low-maintenance birth control.
• Intrauterine device (IUD) – A small device inserted into the uterus that provides long-acting, reversible contraception.
• Oral contraceptives – Birth control pills taken daily that can regulate your cycle and protect against pregnancy.
• Sterilization (tubal ligation) – A permanent solution for women who no longer wish to conceive.

Our gynecologists will also help you weigh the pros and cons of over-the-counter methods, such as condoms for your partner, and how these can complement other contraceptive choices. For those planning a family, we can provide guidance on when and how to stop contraception when you're ready to conceive, ensuring a smooth transition.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, girls should first see a gynecologist between the ages of 13 and 15. A gynecologist can help teens with period problems and answer questions about sex that a child may feel are too awkward to ask a parent. A gynecologist is also a great resource for questions about gender and sexuality. If your older teen is sexually active, a gynecologist can ensure they find the right birth control.

Recommendations for Pap tests (Pap smears) have changed in recent years, and you may not need one as frequently as you did in the past. A Pap test is performed during a pelvic exam and screens for abnormal cells on the cervix, which can be a sign of cervical cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends women start cervical cancer screenings at age 21 and get a Pap test every three years until age 29. Beginning at 30, women should get a Pap test every three years, a high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) test every five years, or a combined high-risk HPV and Pap test every five years. Most women over 65 do not need screening for cervical cancer.

Annual exams are recommended to monitor your health and address any concerns early. However, specific frequency may depend on your medical history and needs.

An annual exam typically includes a breast exam, pelvic exam, cervical cancer screening (Pap smear, if needed), and discussions about your sexual and reproductive health.

A gynecologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the health and care of the female reproductive system. This includes diagnosing, treating and preventing conditions that affect organs such as the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and vagina. Gynecologists also provide guidance on reproductive health, contraception and overall wellness for women of all ages.

Gynecologists perform a wide range of services that support women’s health. This includes routine exams like Pap smears and pelvic exams, diagnosing and treating conditions such as endometriosis or ovarian cysts, managing hormonal issues, and offering care related to fertility, pregnancy, and menopause. They also educate patients on family planning and preventive care to help them maintain long-term health.

OB/GYN stands for obstetrician-gynecologist. This specialized field of medicine combines two areas of expertise. Obstetrics involves the care of women during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum, while gynecology focuses on the broader health of the female reproductive system. OB/GYN physicians are trained to provide comprehensive care throughout all stages of a woman’s life.

Gynecology is the branch of medicine dedicated to the health of the female reproductive system. This field encompasses preventive care, diagnosis and treatment for conditions affecting the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and vagina. It also often includes a focus on hormonal health and other issues that impact overall wellness for women. Gynecology plays a critical role in empowering women to take control of their health and achieve better outcomes at every life stage.

For trusted, expert care in gynecology services, the Ochsner team is here to support you with compassion, innovation and decades of expertise.