What Does a Gynecologist Do?

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Medically reviewed by Peter Weiss, MD

A gynecologist is a healthcare provider who primarily treats health concerns related to female sex organs and hormones. Gynecologists can diagnose and treat gynecological conditions like pelvic pain, pelvic prolapse, endometriosis, and urinary tract conditions. They may also offer guidance on sexual health, pregnancy planning, and infertility.

Gynecologists offer preventative care—such as pap smears, STI testing, and breast exams—all of which can identify issues related to reproductive health. Most gynecologists are trained as ob-gyns (obstetrician-gynecologists), meaning that they’ve been trained in both gynecological care and obstetric care. Obstetric care focuses on pregnancy and delivery. However, some ob-gyns practice as gynecologists only.

What Conditions Does a Gynecologist Diagnose and Treat?

A gynecologist can diagnose and treat many reproductive concerns, including infertility, STIs, vaginal infections, and abnormal bleeding between periods.

They also diagnose and treat conditions like:

• Pelvic masses or tumors: May be either benign or cancerous
• Pelvic organ prolapse: When pelvic floor muscles can’t adequately support pelvic organs, causing them to drop down, sometimes into the vagina
• Fibroids: Non-cancerous tumors in your uterus
• Polyps: Small, non-cancerous growths in your cervix or uterus
• Endometriosis: When tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus (known as the endometrium) grows outside the uterus, such as on your fallopian tubes, ovaries, or pelvis
• Urinary incontinence: Leaking urine
• Breast conditions: For example, breast lumps or masses

Procedures a Gynecologist Performs

Gynecologists perform several standard and minor in-office procedures, including:

• Pelvic exam: Examining the vulva and reproductive organs.
• Pap smear: A cancer screening procedure that involves collecting cells from a person’s cervix and sending them to a lab for testing.
• STI testing: Common tests include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), syphilis, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.
• Colposcopy: A procedure to closely examine your cervix and vagina.
• Endometrial biopsy: Removing a small amount of tissue from the uterus and testing it for abnormalities.
• Vulvar or vaginal biopsy: Removing a small amount of tissue from the vulva or vagina and testing it for infections or abnormal masses.

Some gynecologists may perform other in-office or outpatient gynecologic procedures, such as:

• Laser surgery: To treat conditions like endometriosis and urinary incontinence
• Laparoscopy: Making a small incision (cut) in the lower abdomen and inserting a laparoscope with a light and a small camera to see the inside of the pelvic region (to diagnose or treat conditions)
• Tubal ligation (“tube tying”): Cutting, tying, or blocking the fallopian tubes to prevent future pregnancies

Types of Gynecologists

Gynecologists may receive further training and become subspecialists within their field. Subspecialties usually require an additional certification exam. They’re official board specialties, meaning they’re recognized by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG). Examples include:

• Maternal-Fetal Medicine: Treatment of high-risk pregnancies
• Critical Care Medicine: Diagnosis and treatment of serious conditions and injuries
• Complex Family Planning (CFP): Includes contraception and pregnancy termination services
• Hospice and Palliative Medicine: Managing symptoms and improving quality of life for people with advanced or progressive conditions

Going to the Gynecologist

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that people assigned female at birth start visiting a gynecologist between age 13-15. ACOG recommends a yearly “well-woman” visit to discuss questions and concerns and to perform basic exams and screenings.

Pap smears are no longer performed yearly. You’ll receive them at different intervals based on your age:

• 21 -29: A pap smear every three years
• 30-65: A pap smear and HPV test every five years, or a pap smear alone every three years
• Over 65: No pap smears needed as long as you’ve never had an abnormal pap smear or cervical cancer

Preventative screenings and pap smears aren’t the only reasons to visit a gynecologist. For example, you might want STI testing or screening or be experiencing pelvic or uterine pain. Other possible reasons include:

• Unusual vaginal discharge or itching
• Menstrual cycle concerns
• Signs of an infection (e.g., a yeast infection)
• Abnormal bleeding
• Sexual concerns

What To Expect When Visiting a Gynecologist

Visiting a gynecologist can feel stressful, especially if this is your first time with the provider. You may not know what to expect, and you may be anxious or embarrassed about possible topics or exams.

Gynecologists have heard it all and seen it all when it comes to the reproductive system, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll feel at ease. That’s why it’s helpful to know what to expect during your visit so that you can prepare yourself mentally and emotionally.

Here are some things you will likely discuss with the provider:

• Medical history, including past symptoms and conditions
• Family medical history
• Lifestyle habits, including eating, exercise, and alcohol and drug use
• Past pregnancies and whether you have children
• Job and intimate relationships
• Reproductive health concerns, such as abnormal vaginal discharge, abnormal bleeding, pain, or menstrual cycle
• Topics such as birth control, pregnancy planning, menopause, and healthy lifestyle choices

The gynecologist might perform a physical exam which may include a pelvic exam, pap smear, or breast exam. They may also discuss vaccinations, and other necessary medical screenings for your overall health and well-being.

How To Prepare for a Visit to a Gynecologist

As you prepare for your visit to a gynecologist, it can be helpful to jot down any questions you might have beforehand. Write down your current medications, and bring insurance cards for billing purposes.

The Affordable Care Act of 2010 requires insurance companies to pay for preventative visits to gynecologists. This includes well-woman visits, STD testing, and pap smears. However, some services may not be covered. They may require copays or apply to your deductible. Contact your insurance company if you have questions about coverage before any upcoming visits.

A Quick Review

A gynecologist is a healthcare provider who helps diagnose, treat, and manage reproductive health conditions. Gynecologists perform basic preventive screening, such as pap smears and breast exams. They can also treat reproductive conditions like abnormal bleeding, endometriosis, vaginal infections, and fibroids.

Contact your primary care physician if you need a referral to a gynecologist, and don’t be afraid to look for another provider if it doesn’t feel like a good fit. It’s important to feel comfortable with your gynecologist.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a gynecologist different from a midwife?

Most gynecologists are ob-gyns, meaning that they have training in both gynecology and obstetrics (pregnancy and childbirth). As such, gynecologists receive some of the same training as certified midwives. However, unlike midwives, gynecologists are usually MDs and have more extensive training. Midwives focus on uncomplicated gynecologic and obstetric matters, whereas gynecologists can treat more high-risk patients.

How is a gynecologist different from an ob-gyn?

Most gynecologists are ob-gyns, meaning that they have been trained in both gynecology and obstetrics. However, gynecologists focus their practice on reproductive health, which doesn’t include pregnancy and childbirth.

What type of training does a gynecologist have?

Gynecologists must have basic college degrees and attend medical school. This is usually followed by a residency and fellowship. Finally, gynecologists have to take and pass a certifying exam given by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG).

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