Gynecology

What is gynecology?

Gynecology is the medical specialty focusing on the female reproductive system, which consists of the:

• Uterus (womb)
  
• Cervix
  
• Fallopian tubes
  
• Vagina
  
• Ovaries
  

Dr. Patel and her team at Inland Women Care provide comprehensive gynecology care throughout every stage of your life, from the childbearing years to postmenopause. They use cutting-edge technology to carry out diagnostic procedures and treatments, and aim to provide timely care that causes minimal downtime and discomfort.

What conditions does gynecology cover?

Some of the conditions Dr. Patel sees most often at Inland Women Care include:

• Premenstrual syndrome
  
• Endometriosis
  
• Urinary incontinence
  
• Prolapsed organs
  
• Yeast and bacterial infections
  
• Painful intercourse
  
• Menopause
  
• Fibroids
  
• Ovarian cysts
  
• Infertility
  

Dr. Patel also carries out routine well-woman exams for adults and adolescents, annual Pap smears to check for signs of cervical cancer, and mammograms to check for signs of breast cancer. She provides bioidentical hormone replacement and can help you to find the best form of birth control for your situation.

What are the two steps in treating gynecological problems?

The first step in treating gynecological problems is to make an accurate diagnosis of what’s causing your symptoms. Dr. Patel has access to advanced ultrasound at Inland Women Care and is an expert in using other diagnostic methods, including:

• Diagnostic laparoscopy
  
• Hysteroscopy
  
• Urodynamic testing
  

Once Dr. Patel knows the cause of your symptoms, she can create a treatment plan for you that’s appropriate to your condition. Where possible, Dr. Patel prescribes the most conservative treatment options, as most patients respond well to medical therapies like hormone replacement and medication.

In some cases, gynecological conditions don’t respond to noninvasive treatments, in which case surgery may be necessary. Some of the advanced treatment options available at Inland Women Care include:

• Thermachoice® endometrial ablation
  
• Cone biopsy
  
• Hysterectomy (removal of uterus)
  
• Oophorectomy (removal of ovaries)
  
• Salpingectomy (removal of fallopian tubes)

Dr. Patel also provides Cutera® Juliet™ laser treatment to help restore vaginal health and lubrication.

Is gynecology the same as obstetrics?

Gynecology and obstetrics are similar because they’re both concerned with the female reproductive organs. However, obstetrics is all about pregnancy and childbirth. Doctors who are gynecologists train as OB/GYNs, meaning they study both obstetrics and gynecology.

After medical school, some OB/GYNs choose to specialize in either gynecology or obstetrics, while others, like Dr. Patel, provide continuous care for women at every stage of their lives.

If you haven’t been for a gynecology checkup for a while, or you have any concerns about your reproductive health, call Inland Women Care today or book an appointment online.