Women's Services: FAQs

Getting A Good Diagnosis

How do I know if I have GYN problems?

Some women have symptoms such as irregular bleeding or pelvic pain, and others have no symptoms. However, just having a simple PAP smear and physical exam every year and discussing your health with a qualified physician will give you the information you need to decide whether or not you need further treatment.

What are some of the conditions that can cause pelvic pain?

• Ovarian cysts — fluid-filled growths on the ovary.
• Endometriosis — condition in which the type of tissue that lines the uterus attaches to structures outside the uterus.
• Fibroids — benign growths in the muscle of the uterus. Can cause pain, though most are not painful.
• Infection — Many bacteria can cause infections in the reproductive organs.
• Irregular bleeding, or bleeding not associated with the normal menstrual cycle, can be caused by both endometriosis and fibroid growths.

Why see a physician?

As you see, similar symptoms can be caused by different conditions. Most conditions causing pelvic pain or irregular bleeding are not serious.

However, it is important to know for sure what is causing your symptoms and what kind of treatment, if any, is needed. Your doctor will be able to listen to your symptoms and order the proper diagnostic tests. You may be referred to a gynecologist — a doctor who specializes in treatment of the female reproductive organs.

What will the physician do?

A thorough medical history and physical exam, including pelvic and PAP smear, will give the doctor information needed to determine what is causing your symptoms. He may also order other diagnostic tests, such as blood work or a pelvic ultrasound.

What will the results of these tests tell my physician?

After your physical exam and any other tests have been reviewed, you and your doctor can determine the best treatment for your diagnosis. Your doctor may tell you that medications or other treatments are needed.

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