Gynecology

What is gynecology?

Gynecology is a field of medicine that focuses on the health and function of female reproductive organs, including the vagina, uterus, ovaries, cervix, and breasts.

Ringhoffer OB-GYN features advanced technologies to diagnose a range of acute and chronic conditions that affect the reproductive health of adult women and adolescent girls.

Dr. Ringhoffer also designs treatment plans to address gynecologic conditions like:

• Infertility
• Heavy bleeding
• Abnormal periods
• Overactive bladder
• Urinary incontinence 
• Painful intercourse
• Decreased sex drive (libido)
• Abnormal Papsmears

Women can also find compassionate care to address perimenopause and menopause symptoms, including vaginal dryness and irritation, hot flashes, and night sweats. 

How often should I schedule a gynecology appointment?

Typically, women should schedule a gynecology appointment for a well-woman exam once a year, so Dr. Ringhoffer can evaluate your overall wellness. Annual exams also allow her to track changes in your health from year to year. She also helps patients keep up with health maintenance such as mammograms, colon cancer screening, bone density and flu vaccines 

If you have existing reproductive health issues, you might need to book more frequent visits for medical monitoring, routine lab work, and other diagnostic tests.

You may also need to schedule routine visits if you’re using hormone therapy or taking medications to treat a reproductive health condition.

What can I expect during my initial gynecology consultation?

During your first visit to Ringhoffer OB-GYN, you can expect to discuss your current health, unusual symptoms you experience, and any questions you have about your health. Dr. Ringhoffer also reviews your personal and family medical histories.

As part of your well-woman exam, Dr. Ringhoffer completes a physical and performs breas exam and a vaginal exam to check your reproductive organs for abnormalities. She can also collect a sample of cells from your cervix during a Pap smear and check your breasts for early warning signs of cancer.

If you’re 40 or over or have risk factors for breast cancer, Dr. Ringhoffer requests a mammogram. She can also perform additional diagnostic testing if you have abnormal Pap smear results.

Your consultation is also a great time to review your options for birth control. Dr. Ringhoffer helps you choose the most suitable method of birth control for you to prevent unintended pregnancy.

Call Ringhoffer OB-GYN today to schedule a gynecology appointment or book a consultation online.