A gynaecologist is a doctor who looks after your reproductive and sexual health. This includes your uterus, ovaries, cervix, vagina, and vulva. You may see a gynaecologist for period problems, or menopause symptoms. You can also see one for cervical cancer screening. Regular care can help you talk about changes in your health and get the right tests when needed and this matters because cervical cancer still affects many women. The CDC reported 12,960 new cervical cancer cases in the U.S. in 2022 and 4,162 deaths in 2023.

What Does a Gynaecologist Do?

A gynaecologist checks, and helps prevent problems that affect your reproductive system. Your visit may be simple. You may only need to talk about your symptoms or health history. You may need an exam or a test. Your doctor will decide this based on your needs.

A gynaecologist may help you with:

• Heavy or painful periods
• Irregular or missed periods
• Pelvic or lower stomach pain
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Changes in vaginal discharge
• Vulvar or vaginal symptoms
• Pain during sex
• Birth control
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Fertility concerns
• Menopause symptoms
• Cervical cancer screening
• Fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Ovarian cysts
• Other problems that affect your reproductive organs

You do not need to have a serious problem to see a gynaecologist. You can also have a visit for routine care and health advice.

Why Might You Need to See a Gynaecologist?

You may want to book an appointment when a change in your health lasts, or affects your daily life.

1. Period problems

Your period can change for many reasons. You may have very heavy bleeding. You may have strong cramps. Your periods may come at different times each month. They may also stop for a reason that needs checking.

Your periods may change or stop. Your gynaecologist will ask about your cycle, and pain. You may need blood tests or an ultrasound. This depends on your symptoms. Heavy bleeding can also cause anemia. Your doctor may check for this with a blood test.

2. Pelvic pain

Pelvic pain can have many causes. You may feel pain in your lower stomach or pelvis. It may happen during your period. It may also occur during sex or at other times. Causes can include ovarian cysts, and some period problems.

Your doctor will ask when the pain started. They may ask where it hurts and how often it happens. You may need an exam or an ultrasound. The right test depends on your symptoms.

3. Unusual bleeding or discharge

Changes in bleeding or vaginal discharge can have many causes. You may have bleeding between periods. You may bleed after sex. Your discharge may also change in color, amount, smell, or texture.

Some changes can happen because of an infection. Other causes may need further tests. Tell your doctor about any change that is unusual for you. You should also mention pain, itching, fever, or a strong smell. Your doctor may suggest an exam, a swab, urine testing, blood tests, or imaging. The choice depends on your symptoms.

4. Birth control and sexual health

A gynaecologist can help you choose a form of birth control. There are many options. These include pills, and other methods. Your doctor can explain how each option works. They can also discuss possible side effects. Your health history matters. So do your medicines and plans for pregnancy.

You can also talk about sexual health. This may include pain during sex, or concerns about sexually transmitted infections. These are normal health concerns you can discuss openly with your doctor.

5. Fertility and family planning

You can see a gynaecologist when you have questions about having a baby. Your doctor may review your periods, and past pregnancies. They may also ask about how long you have been trying to become pregnant.

Some tests may be needed. These can include blood tests or an ultrasound. A visit before pregnancy can also help you prepare for pregnancy. Your doctor may review medicines, and other factors that may affect pregnancy. Some gynaecologists also train as obstetricians. An obstetrician provides care during pregnancy, and after delivery.

What Happens During a Gynaecology Appointment?

Your first visit may start with a conversation. Your doctor may ask about:

• Your periods
• Your current symptoms
• Past pregnancies
• Your medicines
• Previous surgeries
• Your family health history
• Your sexual health
• Your birth control
• Your plans for pregnancy

Your doctor may then suggest an exam or test. You do not always need a pelvic exam. ACOG says a pelvic exam should be based on your symptoms, medical history, or the need for a specific procedure. When a pelvic exam is needed, your doctor may check the outside genital area. They may also use a speculum to look at the vagina and cervix.

A gloved exam may also be used to check the pelvic organs. You can ask your doctor to explain each step before the exam. You can also tell them to stop at any point.

What Tests Can a Gynaecologist Do?

There is no standard list of tests for every woman. Your doctor chooses tests based on your age, and risk factors.

Test

• Pelvic exam
• Pap test or HPV test
• Ultrasound
• Blood tests
• Urine or vaginal tests
• Endometrial biopsy

What it may check

• The vulva, and pelvic organs
• Cervical cancer screening
• The uterus, or fibroids
• Anemia, or other problems
• Some infections and urinary problems
• The lining of the uterus

You may need one test or several tests. You may also need no tests at all. The goal is to choose tests that match your symptoms and health needs.

What Is Preventive Gynaecological Care?

Gynaecological care is also about prevention. A routine visit gives you time to talk about your health. You can ask about periods, and cancer screening.

You can also discuss vaccines and other preventive care. Cervical cancer screening is one part of this care. Screening can find changes in the cervix before cancer develops.

Your screening schedule depends on your age, and local guidelines. You should follow the schedule recommended for you.

The National Cancer Institute reported that 75.8% of U.S. women aged 21 to 65 were up to date with cervical cancer screening in 2023. This figure shows that many women still need regular screening.

What Does Dr. Max Mongelli Do?

Dr. Max Mongelli is an obstetrician and gynaecologist in Sydney, Australia. His professional profile lists medical qualifications that include MB BS, Diploma of Obstetrics, DM, FRANZCOG, and FRCOG. His background also includes clinical and academic work in obstetrics and gynaecology.

His professional work includes research in the field. This can help explain the type of training and work involved in specialist gynaecology. Still, your care should be based on your own health. Your symptoms, and test results all matter.

When Should You See a Gynaecologist?

You can make an appointment when you have a concern about your reproductive health.

You may want to speak with a gynaecologist about:

• A change in your normal periods
• Very heavy bleeding
• Severe period pain
• Ongoing pelvic pain
• Bleeding between periods
• Bleeding after sex
• New vaginal discharge
• Vaginal or vulvar symptoms
• Pain during sex
• Birth control
• Fertility
• Menopause
• Cervical cancer screening
• A family history that may affect your health

You should seek urgent medical care for severe or sudden pelvic pain, or symptoms that may point to a serious infection or pregnancy problem. Do not ignore symptoms that are new or severe.

Conclusion

A gynaecologist can help you manage reproductive health at different stages of life. They can assess symptoms, and offer preventive care.

You do not have to wait for a major problem before seeing a doctor. Your appointment can start with a simple conversation. Tell your doctor what has changed and what concerns you. This gives them a better basis for deciding what care you need.

Dr. Max Mongelli’s professional background shows the type of specialist training found in obstetrics and gynaecology. However, your medical care should always be based on your own health needs and current medical guidance.

FAQs

1. What does a gynaecologist treat?

A gynaecologist treats problems that affect the female reproductive system. These can include period problems, and some sexual health concerns. They also provide contraception and preventive care.

2. Do you need a pelvic exam at every visit?

No. A pelvic exam is not needed at every visit. Your doctor may recommend one when you have certain symptoms or when a specific procedure requires it.

3. What is the difference between a gynaecologist and an obstetrician?

A gynaecologist mainly cares for your reproductive health. An obstetrician cares for you during and after pregnancy. Some doctors train in both areas.

4. When should you first see a gynaecologist?

There is no single age that applies to everyone. You can see a gynaecologist when you have symptoms or questions about periods, or other reproductive health concerns. Your first visit may only involve a discussion. An internal exam is not always needed.