Gynecology
Gynecologic Care for the Coachella Valley & Morongo Basin
Desert Care Network provides quality, personalized gynecologic care and women's health services for women throughout the Coachella Valley and Morongo Basin. From an annual well-woman exam, breast and bone health to gynecological treatments and surgery, patients have access to comprehensive care. Minimally invasive procedures include hysterectomy, myomectomy, endometriosis surgery, sacrocolpopexy and uterine fibroid embolization for eligible patients.
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Gynecologic Surgery
We offer minimally invasive gynecologic surgery for women facing gynecologic conditions. Call 800-490-4991 for information. -
Gynecologic Oncology
Get personalized care for gynecologic cancers in one place.
What Is Gynecology?
Gynecology is a medical specialty focused on the health of the female reproductive system. Gynecologists provide medical and surgical care for conditions affecting the reproductive organs and related systems, while supporting women's overall health and women's health preventive care needs.
Gynecologic care can address a wide range of concerns, including menstruation, fertility, menopause, family planning, sexual health, infections, hormonal disorders and female reproductive system disorders. Gynecologists are also trained to perform diagnostic procedures and surgical treatments when needed.
What Conditions Does a Gynecologist Treat?
Gynecologists diagnose and treat a broad range of conditions affecting the female reproductive system. Gynecological treatments may address symptoms, infections, hormonal concerns, reproductive health issues and conditions that require medical or surgical care.
Conditions commonly treated by gynecologists include:
- Menstrual and reproductive health concerns, including menstruation, fertility and menopause
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Endometriosis
- Ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Female pelvic floor disorders
- Urinary or fecal incontinence
- Vulvar and vaginal conditions
- Premalignant conditions, such as endometrial hyperplasia and cervical dysplasia
- Breast cancer
- Congenital abnormalities
- Sexual health concerns
Gynecologists may also provide care for pregnancy-related conditions, family planning, birth control options for women and other women's health concerns. Some gynecologists pursue additional training in areas such as maternal-fetal medicine, reproductive endocrinology and infertility, female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.
One of the most specialized areas of gynecology is gynecologic oncology, which focuses on cancers of the female reproductive system. Women diagnosed with these conditions benefit from the expertise of specially trained physicians who provide advanced treatment options and coordinated cancer care.
Desert Care Network’s Comprehensive Cancer Center at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs provides advanced gynecologic cancer care. Experienced gynecologic oncologists work together to deliver personalized treatment plans using some of the latest technologies, innovative therapies and comprehensive cancer services.
To learn more about our gynecologic oncology services and providers, click here to explore our Gynecologic Oncology program.
What Is Included in an Annual Gynecological Exam?
An annual well woman exam is an opportunity to discuss your health with a gynecologist, ask questions and receive appropriate preventive care. Specific exams and tests can vary based on your age, health history and symptoms. An annual gynecological visit may include:
- Health and Medical History: Your OB/GYN may ask about your health and family history, menstrual periods, sexual activity and other concerns related to your body and reproductive health.
- General Physical Exam: A general physical exam may include checking your height, weight and blood pressure. Your doctor may also check for other health problems.
- External Genital Exam: During an external genital exam, your doctor looks at the vulva, the external female genital area.
- Pelvic Exam (when needed): A pelvic exam is not necessarily part of every gynecological visit. When performed, it includes examination of the vulva, vagina and cervix, followed by an examination of the internal pelvic organs.
- Cervical Cancer Screening: Cervical cancer screening may include a Pap test, an HPV test or both, depending on your age and screening needs.
- STI Testing: If you are sexually active, your gynecologist may recommend testing for certain STIs. Some STI tests can be performed using a urine sample.
- Vaccinations: A gynecological visit may also provide an opportunity to receive recommended vaccinations, including HPV, influenza and Tdap, based on individual health needs.
An annual gynecological visit is also a time to discuss menstrual problems, sex and sexuality, birth control options for women and STIs. The care provided is based on your individual needs, symptoms and health history.
How Often Should Female Patients Have a Gynecological Exam?
Women are advised to visit a gynecologist at least once a year for an annual checkup. Regular visits provide an opportunity for screening, evaluation, health advice and women's health preventive care. The specific exams and screenings may vary based on age and individual risk factors.
An annual visit may include:
- Health screening and evaluation
- Physical examination
- Pelvic and breast examinations
- Vaccinations
- Blood or urine tests
Regular well-woman visits can also provide an opportunity to discuss nutrition, lifestyle and preventive care.
When Should You See a Gynecologist?
An annual checkup is an important part of gynecologic care but you do not have to wait for your yearly visit if you have symptoms or concerns involving your reproductive health. See a gynecologist if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Pelvic pain
- Vulvar pain
- Vaginal pain
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
A gynecologist can also evaluate and treat concerns involving:
- Menstruation, fertility and menopause
- Pregnancy-related concerns
- Family planning, including contraception and sterilization
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Urinary or fecal incontinence
- Ovarian cysts and fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Sexual dysfunction
- Female pelvic floor disorders
- Benign and premalignant conditions affecting the reproductive tract
- Congenital abnormalities of the female reproductive tract
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Frequently Asked Questions About Gynecologic Care
Desert Care Network provides gynecological services for women throughout the desert communities, offering individualized care at every stage of life. Services include routine gynecologic exams, prenatal care, breast and bone health, gynecologic surgery and treatment for conditions such as fibroids, incontinence, and menopause.
Women ages 21-29 should receive Pap testing every three years. For women ages 30-65, clinician-collected primary high-risk HPV (hrHPV) testing every five years is recommended.
Yes. During a gynecologic visit, you can talk with your gynecologist about STIs. Your doctor may recommend testing based on your health needs. Some STI tests can be performed using a urine sample, while others may require samples collected from the vagina, cervix or other areas.
Yes. Menopause and related symptoms can be discussed during a gynecologic visit. Your gynecologist can answer questions about changes you may experience and provide information about your health. Menopausal care may be part of ongoing gynecologic care as women move through different stages of life.
ACOG recommends that girls have their first gynecologic visit between the ages of 13 and 15. The first visit is an opportunity to establish a relationship with a gynecologist, ask questions and discuss health concerns. A pelvic exam is generally not needed at the first visit unless there are symptoms such as abnormal bleeding or pain.
Yes. Desert Care Network offers minimally invasive gynecologic surgery for women facing gynecologic conditions. Procedures include hysterectomy using the da Vinci Robotic System when appropriate, myomectomy for uterine fibroids, endometriosis and endometrial, sacrocolpopexy for vaginal or uterine prolapse, and uterine fibroid embolization.
Desert Care Network diagnoses and treats a range of women's health conditions, including osteoporosis, fibroids, incontinence and menopause. The network also provides gynecologic cancer care and treatment for conditions including endometriosis, uterine fibroids and vaginal or uterine prolapse.
Yes. Desert Care Network provides care for women at all stages of life, including diagnosis and treatment for menopause and incontinence. Its women's health services also include annual exams, bone and breast health, prenatal care, childbirth and gynecologic surgery, supported by experienced doctors, surgeons and nurses.
Get Help for Gynecologic Conditions in Palm Springs
If gynecologic conditions are affecting your health or quality of life, Desert Care Network’s experienced doctors, surgeons and nurses are dedicated to women's health and compassionate care. Patients throughout the Coachella Valley and Morongo Basin have access to comprehensive gynecological services, including routine exams, menopausal care, incontinence care, and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery to support women's health at every stage of life.
Sources:
American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists
American College of Surgeons
Medical News Today