Unlike a regular physician, your gynecologist is an expert in different facets of women’s health— and the appropriate care. At Carnegie Women’s Health, we understand that the right gynecological care and the expertise of our award-winning team go hand-in-hand. During an appointment, we can provide effective care and counseling on your unique symptoms and situations so you can optimize your health and wellbeing. We offer the following services:
Adolescent Gynecology
We know a girl’s first appointment with a gynecologist can be scary and embarrassing, which is why our team strives to make the experience as positive as possible through compassionate care and honest conversations. When it comes to gynecological health and wellness, there’s almost no more important time in a young woman’s life than her adolescence to discuss the female reproductive system and women’s health issues. Our adolescent gynecology services aim to empower girls and women through this awkward, confusing time of their lives by providing preventative treatments and tests as well as patient education.
Abnormal Bleeding
When you notice your period is off-cycle, or your experience this month is way different than your normal period, it’s common to feel some concern. Abnormal bleeding, including bleeding between cycles, cycles that last for more than 38 days, or bleeding after menopause are often no cause for concern. However, it’s still important to see your gynecologist about abnormal bleeding, as it could be a sign of other health concerns that may require medical care.
Abnormal Pap Result
Contrary to what you may think, an abnormal pap smear test result is not an automatic cancer diagnosis. The result could be caused by abnormal cells that have changed in response to HPV exposure, or even just a false alarm. Don’t fear getting regular pap smears, as their preventative benefits far outweigh the discomfort you experience during the test.
Colposcopy
A colposcopy is an important further testing procedure that follows an abnormal pap result. It is a more detailed procedure that allows gynecologists to get a better look at your cervix to verify the results of the pap test. This allows your doctor to move closer to a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, such as increasing the frequency of pap smears and other tests. While this procedure can cause discomfort for up to two weeks after, pain can usually be managed with over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen and Tylenol.
Cancer Screening
One of the most important services our board-certified providers of obstetrics and gynecology provide is cancer screening. During routine visits to our office, we can screen for breast cancer or colorectal cancer, and we may be able to refer patients to a cancer genetic counselor for those concerned about ovarian cancer.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus. It is thought to affect as many as 10% of women, causing symptoms like pain during sex, painful periods, and chronic conditions such as infertility. At Carnegie Women’s Health, we will be your partners in diagnosing and managing your endometriosis, which is a disease that requires a lifelong treatment plan to help manage. For people struggling with infertility as a result of endometriosis, we will prescribe a treatment that may include surgery and assisted reproductive technology. Endometriosis may be treatable without invasive surgery, with pain medication and birth control pills. Other options involve the surgical removal of endometriomas and adhesions.
Fibroids
If you’re experiencing abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain, it could be due to enlarged non-cancerous tumors in the uterus called fibroids. Some fibroids can be small and not cause any issues, whereas large ones often lead to pain during sex, urinary problems, and even lower back pain. Fibroids are diagnosed with an ultrasound and may be removed through surgery, although if they are small and not causing any symptoms, they can be managed with regular monitoring of ultrasounds.
GYN Ultrasound
A gynecologic ultrasound is a great tool for diagnosing and addressing a wide variety of medical conditions, including evaluating pain or infertility, locating an IUD, and checking for uterine fibroids. This tool allows obstetricians and gynecologists non-invasive visualization of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and other regions of the pelvis. Ultrasounds may be done transvaginally, which is minimally invasive, or transabdominally depending on the reason for having an ultrasound and the will of the patient.
Menopause
Just because you’re done having periods doesn’t mean you’re done with your gynecologist. Formerly known as “change of life,” menopause can be emotionally and physically difficult, which is why we’re here to help. We can help you with managing symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, emotional volatility, and lower energy. In some cases, we can even recommend hormonal therapies or antidepressants to help keep your lifestyle stable during this great change in your life.
Preconception Counseling
People who are thinking about or actively trying to have kids will benefit greatly from a gynecologist who can help them understand family planning while ensuring the health of the mother both before, during, and after pregnancy. Our gynecologists can help identify ways to ensure both the baby’s health and the health of the mother are stable and safe. During preconception counseling, our doctors will make an examination and take your medical history to ensure you’re not on medications or have a history of a condition that may affect the health of a baby. In addition, they will educate you on avoiding the risks associated with pregnancy and may order a genetic screening to better understand your baby’s predispositions before you get pregnant.
Preventive Care
The best way to avoid complications, disease, and general adverse events is often through proper preventive care. This includes treatments like pap smears, cancer screening, and ultrasound imaging. There are many gynecologic issues facing women of all ages and backgrounds, and having thorough preventive treatments in place can help people avoid health issues and practice wellness.
Prolapse
Prolapse, or pelvic organ prolapse, is a condition that occurs when the muscles and tissue that support pelvic organs, such as the uterus, bladder, and rectum are weakened, leading to a variety of symptoms. This is usually due to the changes to the pelvis that happen during pregnancy and childbirth, but can also be the result of hormone changes or simply due to aging. Your gynecologist can help address symptoms like incontinence, pain during sex, or difficulty urinating with a personalized treatment plan that fits into your lifestyle. Methods of treating prolapse include pelvic floor muscle therapy, optimizing your diet, or, if those don’t work, surgical intervention.
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)
Safe sex is important not only to help prevent unplanned pregnancies, but also to protect sexual partners from sexually transmitted infections and diseases. Common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, human papillomavirus, and HIV. During routine visits to your gynecologist, you can be tested for STIs with a pelvic exam and a blood test. Our gynecologists can also help you maintain or establish safe sex practices through different contraceptive methods.
Urogynecology (Pelvic Health)
Gynecologists are important members of your comprehensive medical care network for more than just sexual health and wellness, but also for issues surrounding the other organs in your pelvis, the bladder, muscles, and rectum. We understand many issues in urogynecology are sensitive or even embarrassing, which is why Carnegie Women’s Health intentionally creates a trusting relationship with patients so they feel free to be honest about their concerns and issues. Our urogynecologists can tailor a treatment plan to help with your unique pelvic health needs with methods like adjusting your diet, physical therapy, medications, or surgical treatment.
Vaginal Discharge
Knowing what the different colors and textures of vaginal discharge mean can help you identify when your period is approaching or when you’re ovulating, but not all discharge is ignorable, as some may be a sign of a health problem. If you have questions about an unusual discharge, our gynecologists are here to help. Many infections and conditions are easily treatable, and should be treated right away to avoid the risk of more serious complications arising.
Vulvodynia
Vulvodynia is a condition that causes chronic, burning pain in different areas of the vulva that regularly occurs for months or up to years without resolving itself. Treatments for this newly identified disorder include identifying any irritating soaps, fabrics, or menstrual products, avoiding putting pressure on the vulva, heat or cold pack treatments, or medications, depending on the severity and cause of your pain. Don’t wait to get relief from what can be a lifestyle-limiting condition—schedule an appointment with your gynecologist to get your life back on track.
Expert care from a compassionate, experienced gynecologist is one of the best ways to address your concerns and ensure you can enjoy a happy, healthy life. To meet with our team and discuss your options, contact our New York City office by calling or filling out our online form.
