Gynecology

St. Luke’s Health offers a full continuum of services to support care delivered by board-certified gynecologists, physicians who specialize in women’s health. We provide the most technologically advanced diagnostic and interventional capabilities supported by expertly trained medical personnel.

In addition to well-woman exams, our physicians treat urinary conditions, cancer, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and hormonal imbalances, among others. We also offer minimally invasive and surgical procedures as interventional options.

For more information about comprehensive gynecology services in your area, select from these locations.

OB-GYNs provide care for women of all ages. These physicians practice both gynecology and obstetrics — the medicine and science of childbirth and its aftercare.

Yes, you can still see your OB-GYN while on your period. Menstrual bleeding will not interfere with a pelvic exam.

After your first positive pregnancy test, most OB-GYNs will see you within 8 weeks after your last menstrual cycle.

OB-GYNs practice obstetric medicine — the medicine of childbirth and the necessary aftercare — so these physicians can both deliver babies and make sure that the necessary postpartum care is achieved.

Your first visit to an OB-GYN can include a discussion with your doctor about your vaginal health and sexual history as well as a few exams, such as a general physical and/or an external exam of your genitals. It is unlikely that you will need to have a pelvic exam or a Pap test at your first gynecology appointment.

When looking for an OB-GYN, your primary care provider and your friends and family can be great resources to find a doctor who suits your care needs. Childbirth educators can also be a great resource for references. You can outline your important considerations and find an OB-GYN who fits those criteria. Here are some examples of things to ask about a potential OB-GYN:

Are they in-network? If not — or if you do not have insurance — what are their rates and can I afford to see them?
Is their practice conveniently located?
What is their perspective on care issues important to me?
If you have a chronic condition or a family history of problems during childbirth — does this physician have experience with patients’ with the same concerns?

By answering these questions, you can be on the way to finding the right OB-GYN for you.

Many insurance plans consider OB-GYNs “specialists” instead of primary care providers, however, some insurance companies will consider them primary care providers for women. It’s always in your best interest when finding out what your insurance plan covers to call your insurance provider and make sure whether or not you will need to budget for a primary care copay or a specialist copay when seeing your OB-GYN.

Seeing your doctor frequently will aid in having a healthy pregnancy. You can discuss with your OB-GYN what schedule is right for you – for example, if you’re having twins, more visits will be necessary to assure that both twins are developing healthily. Your schedule of doctor visits might look something like this:

4 weeks to 28 weeks: monthly visits
28 weeks to 36 weeks: one visit every two weeks
36 weeks to 40 weeks: weekly visits

Between the ages of 13-15 is the ideal time for someone’s first gynecology appointment.

Make sure to first understand why you’re going to see your OB-GYN. Is it for your yearly wellness visit or to discuss a specific concern such as birth control, testing for sexually transmitted infections, or other concerns with your vaginal health. This is also the perfect time to ask your OB-GYN any questions you may have. Prepare a list of things you’ve been wanting to know so you can discuss them with your doctor.