Gynecology Specialist

What can I expect at a well-woman visit?

During the pre-exam consult, Dr. Weyhrich may ask questions about your personal health, family health history, menstruation, and sexual history. The pre-exam discussion is a good time to talk about any concerns you have about your health, such as your period, unexplained pelvic pain, and birth control options.

After the lengthy discussion, the doctor performs a physical examination of your outer genital area as well as an internal pelvic exam and breast exam. You may be asked to give a urine sample, then the rest of the exam is similar to that conducted by your primary care doctor and includes height, weight, heart rate, and blood pressure.

What is a Pap smear?

During the exam, the doctor swabs the inside of your cervix to gather cervical cells for what’s known as a Pap smear. The Pap is a screening test for cervical cancer which also detects pre-cancerous changes in cell structure that may develop into cervical cancer over time.

In women over 30, the Pap smear is also used to test for the human papillomavirus, which is a common sexually-transmitted disease that may cause cervical cancer.

Typically, women between the ages of 21 and 29 need a Pap test every three years. Although it’s OK for women ages 30-65 to continue to have a Pap test every three years, it’s preferred that women in this age group have a Pap and HPV test every five years. Dr. Weyhrich will help you determine what tests and how often are best for you and your specific health needs.

What can I do to keep myself healthy?

Good gynecological health requires healthy lifestyle choices. This includes making the right food choices, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising. If you’re sexually active, use birth control if you don’t want to get pregnant, and protect yourself from STDs by using latex condoms.

If you have any questions about preventive care, Dr. Weyhrich is happy to answer them when you come in for your annual well woman exam.

Do women who have gone through menopause need to see a gynecologist?

Yes. Your gynecologist plays a pivotal role in helping you manage menopause symptoms. Once you’ve gone through menopause, it’s still important to continue seeing your gynecologist for pelvic exams. Cancer risk increases as you age, and regular check-ups may help detect problems early.

What kinds of issues does a gynecologist diagnose and treat?

As a gynecologist, Dr. Weyhrich is specially trained to manage the health of your reproductive organs. He not only assists in helping you maintain good health but also diagnoses and treats any gynecological issues that develop, which might include:

• Fibroids
• Endometriosis and pelvic pain
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Incontinence and urinary tract infections
• Sexually-transmitted diseases
• Menopausal symptoms

Notes:  include well-woman visits, Pap tests, preventive measures and general types of gynecological issues that are treated, from managing menopause symptoms to fibroids. Refer to existing website for more info.