Gynecologists focus on the non-pregnancy aspects of a woman’s reproductive health. Women often begin seeing a gynecologist when they become sexually active or at the onset of puberty if needed. Women visit their gynecologist through menopause and beyond.

Regular gynecological exams are important for a woman’s health. Gynecologists perform standard examinations, such as Pap tests and pelvic exams. They may also be seen for diagnosis and/or treatment of a variety of conditions, including:

• Cancer of the ovaries, uterus, cervix, vagina or fallopian tubes
• Prolapse: a condition in which the pelvic organs slip forward or downward within the body, often after menopause in women
• Yeast or bacterial infections
• Painful intercourse
• Irregular menstruation or pain during menstruation.
• Other menopause-related diseases
• Endometriosis: a painful condition in which uterine tissue grows outside the uterus
• Cervical and vaginal polyps
• Fibroids: compact tumors that develop in the uterus
• Ovarian cysts

In addition, a gynecologist can perform surgical procedures on reproductive organs. Some of the most common procedures include:

• Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus
• Oophorectomy: Removal of the ovaries
• Salpingectomy: Removal of the fallopian tubes
• Tubal ligation: Permanent birth control surgery
• Cone biopsy: Removal of precancerous cells from the cervix after a Pap test
• Labiaplasty: Surgical reshaping of external genitalia.