Women’s Health Doctor in Buffalo, NY
If you are a woman, simply going to your general health practitioner for annual checkups isn’t enough. You also need to see a gynecologist. Gynecologists have specialized training in gynecology and provide preventative care options, such as pelvic exams, breast exams, and Pap smears. Going to a specialist is essential if you want to maintain your health.
Make an appointment, so you can benefit from preventative screenings and additional care.
What Is A Pap Smear?
A Pap smear is one of the most important tests you can get. It is used to screen for cervical cancer, and as with other types of cancer, early detection is the key to a successful treatment. Also, regular Pap smears can catch irregular cervical cells before they become cancerous, meaning you can get the necessary treatment to prevent cancer from occurring.
Women should get their first Pap smear at the age of 21 unless earlier screening is recommended due to risk factors. It’s recommended that women get a Pap smear every three years through the age of 30. Once women reach the age of 30, they can get Pap smears every five years as long as they also receive HPV testing.
While most women can follow these guidelines, you will need more frequent testing if you have certain risk factors. Risk factors include precancerous cells, a previous cervical cancer diagnosis, HIV, or a weakened immune system. Smoking also increases the risk of cervical cancer, so your doctor might recommend more frequent Pap smears if you are a smoker or have a history of smoking.
What Is A Colposcopy?
If your results from your Pap smear are abnormal, you might need to undergo a colposcopy. The doctor will use a colposcope to examine your vulva, vagina, and cervix. This test usually takes between 10 and 20 minutes and can be performed in the doctor’s office. Your gynecologist will analyze the results to determine if additional testing or treatment is necessary.
What Is A Mammogram?
Mammography is also an important diagnostic tool. Women should begin getting yearly mammograms at the age of 40. Depending on your health, your doctor might recommend getting mammograms every two years after you reach the age of 50. You don’t need to get mammograms after the age of 74.
Mammograms are used to detect breast cancer before people have any symptoms. You will also get a mammogram if you find a lump in your breast. Your breasts will be X-rayed to determine if you have any potential cancerous tumors in your breast.
There is a myth that mammograms are painful, but they aren’t. The staff at Medical Care of Western New York at Buffalo is trained to be as gentle as possible during the screening process. You will realize that getting a mammogram is a breeze when you go to your women’s’ health doctor.
Other Breast Cancer Screening Options
While mammograms are the most well-known breast screening option, there are other detection methods available. Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one such option. This test is often run in addition to a mammogram for women who have risk factors for breast cancer.
Clinical breast exams are also available. During this process, a doctor or nurse will manually check for lumps.
Talk to your gynecologist about the best breast cancer screening option for you. Your gynecologist will go over your history and medical needs and create the best screening plan.
What Is Menopause?
If you are experiencing hot flashes, irregular periods, memory issues, mood changes, or sleeping problems, you might be going through menopause. A simple hormone test will determine if you are going through menopause. If you are, you can get help with your symptoms.
Women’s health doctors can treat menopause and try to alleviate emotional symptoms and improve sleep in menopausal patients. There are other treatments available as well, so you can regain control of your life while going through this normal life change.
What Is Infertility?
If you are 35 or younger and have been unable to conceive for 12 months, you might have a fertility issue. The same is true for women over 35 who have been unable to conceive after trying for six months.
Don’t try to deal with fertility issues on your own. A woman’s health doctor will analyze your medical history and risk factors that could be preventing you from conceiving. If the doctor believes you have a fertility issue, you can undergo some tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Don’t think that you can’t have a child just because you have a fertility issue. Your women’s health doctor will also talk to you about options, even if you have difficulty conceiving.
What Is Menorrhagia?
If your menstrual periods are abnormally heavy or last much longer than normal, you might have menorrhagia. This can be caused by a hormonal imbalance, ovary dysfunction, uterine fibroids, polyps, and other issues. We will run tests to find the cause of the issue and then determine a treatment plan.
You will be amazed by how much better you feel after you are treated for menorrhagia. Long, heavy periods impact your quality of life. They can be incredibly painful and can lead to anemia. Also, when menstrual periods soak through tampons, it’s difficult to go out in public. Fortunately, treatment is available. Schedule an appointment with a women’s health doctor for help.
Why Choose Medical Care of Western New York at Buffalo?
Medical Care of Western New York at Buffalo is a traditional medical office with multiple specialists on-site. You can go to the same office for your general health needs, gynecologist appointments, and more. Our office also has physical therapy, and other treatment options.
By having all of these specialists in one place, it is much easier to coordinate your care between practitioners. You don’t have to wait for your medical records to make it to a office on the other side of the city. Instead, everything you need is in one place.
Women are also impressed with the office itself. Far too many gynecologist offices are cold, clinical, and unwelcoming. That makes women dread each appointment they have to attend.
Our office is warm and inviting. The newly renovated office is modern and comfortable and will put you at ease as soon as you walk through the door. We don’t think that visiting a women’s health doctor should be stressful, and when you enter this office, we believe your stress will melt away.
Paying for Health Care
We also believe that it should be easy to pay for health care. We accept no-fault and workers’ compensation and take insurance from a variety of providers. We will file the necessary paperwork for you, so can focus on your health care.
Schedule an appointment today or stop by our office. We encourage appointments but also accept walk-ins, and we don’t turn anyone away. If you need a partner in health care, we are the right option for you.
FAQ About Women’s Health
Why Is Women’s Health So Important?
There are a lot of reasons why women’s health care is so important. Women are challenged with unique health care obstacles and have a higher chance of being diagnosed with certain illnesses than men. Some of these include cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Some of these are leading causes for death among women.
Can A Gynecologist Be Your Primary Care Physician?
A primary care physician and a gynecologist are doctors who have different specialties. A gynecologist is trained to focus primarily on women’s health. You go to see a primary care physician for immunizations and regular checkups. You also go and see your primary care physician when you are not feeling well. There are some primary care physicians who do provide routine care for gynecological needs such as pelvic and breast exams.
What Happens at A Gynecologist Appointment?
Your doctor will first ask you about your health history along with the health history of your family. There will also be a discussion about your sexual health and any concerns or questions you may have for the doctor can be addressed. If you are in need of any tests or exams your doctor will also explain in detail how the tests and exams will be done to make you less anxious.
When Should I See A Gynecologist?
If it is your first time seeing an gynecologist it is recommended for girls to see a gynecologist between the ages of 13 and 15. When it is your first time seeing a gynecologist a pelvic exam is not usually necessary. If you are experiencing any pain or anything that is out of the ordinary it is important that you see your gynecologist right away. Your gynecologist is also a great resource when looking for the right form of birth control that is best for you.
How Is Prevention Better Than Cure?
In any case prevention is better than cure. There are a multitude of injuries and diseases that are able to be prevented. They can also be managed much better if they are caught in the early stages. When you go for your regular check up with your primary care doctor, they will be able to asses your overall health and will be able to identify if you are at risk for any type of disease.
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