What Does a Gynaecologist Do? When Should You See One?
Many women only think about seeing a gynaecologist when they are experiencing a specific problem. However, regular gynaecological care is an important part of maintaining your reproductive and overall health at different stages of life.
A gynaecologist can help with everything from routine women’s health checks and menstrual concerns to fertility, hormonal conditions, fibroids, endometriosis and other reproductive health issues.
If you are looking for a gynaecologist in Lagos, understanding what a gynaecologist does and when you should schedule an appointment can help you make informed decisions about your health.
What Is a Gynaecologist?
A gynaecologist is a doctor who specialises in the health of the female reproductive system. This includes the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, vagina and related hormonal and reproductive health concerns.
Gynaecologists provide care for women at different stages of life, from adolescence and the reproductive years through menopause and beyond.
At Arctic Gynae Centre, our Gynaecology services cover the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of a range of women’s reproductive and hormonal health conditions.
What Does a Gynaecologist Treat?
A gynaecologist can assess and manage many different conditions affecting women’s reproductive health.
Some common concerns include:
- Irregular or painful periods
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Uterine fibroids
- Ovarian cysts
- Endometriosis
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Hormonal and endocrine disorders
- Pelvic pain
- Reproductive tract conditions
- Fertility and infertility concerns
- Menopausal symptoms
- Other reproductive health conditions
The appropriate treatment depends on your symptoms, medical history, examination and any investigations your doctor considers necessary.
When Should You See a Gynaecologist?
You do not necessarily need to wait until you have a serious health problem before seeing a gynaecologist.
Consider scheduling an appointment if you experience any of the following.
1. Your Periods Are Irregular or Unusually Painful
Changes in your menstrual cycle can sometimes be associated with hormonal changes or underlying conditions.
Very painful periods, unusually heavy bleeding, periods that become irregular or bleeding between periods are reasons to speak with a healthcare professional.
Your gynaecologist can assess your symptoms and determine whether further investigation is appropriate.
2. You Experience Persistent Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain can have several possible causes. It may be related to menstrual problems, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, fibroids, infections or other conditions.
Persistent or unexplained pelvic pain should be assessed rather than ignored.
3. You Are Having Difficulty Getting Pregnant
If you have been trying to conceive without success, a gynaecologist can help assess possible causes and advise you about appropriate next steps.
At Arctic Gynae Centre, fertility assessment can include a comprehensive fertility workup to help investigate possible causes of difficulty conceiving. Depending on the findings, treatment options may include medication, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or other fertility treatments.
You can learn more about fertility care and treatment at Arctic Gynae Centre or explore our Advanced Reproductive Treatment services.
4. You Have Symptoms That May Be Related to Fibroids or Endometriosis
Conditions such as fibroids and endometriosis can affect a woman’s quality of life and, in some cases, fertility.
Possible symptoms can include pelvic pain, heavy periods, painful periods and other menstrual or reproductive health concerns.
A gynaecologist can assess your symptoms and recommend appropriate investigations and treatment.
5. You Have Symptoms Associated With PCOS or Hormonal Changes
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other hormonal conditions can affect menstrual cycles, fertility and overall reproductive health.
If you have concerns about irregular periods, hormonal symptoms or difficulties with conception, a medical assessment can help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms.
6. You Are Experiencing Menopausal Symptoms
Gynaecological care does not stop when a woman reaches menopause.
Changes such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, vaginal symptoms and other menopausal concerns can be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Arctic’s Women’s Health Clinic provides women’s health services that include routine medical checks, menopausal health care, cervical screening and reproductive tract infection screening.
What Happens During a Gynaecological Appointment?
Your appointment will depend on your symptoms and the reason for your visit.
Generally, your doctor may begin by discussing:
- Your medical history
- Your menstrual cycle
- Current symptoms
- Previous pregnancies or treatments
- Medications you take
- Your reproductive health concerns
- Any relevant family or personal medical history
Depending on your situation, your doctor may recommend an examination or further investigations.
The purpose is to understand your concerns properly before recommending an appropriate course of care.
Do You Need a Routine Gynaecological Check-Up?
Routine women’s healthcare can help identify certain health concerns early and provides an opportunity to discuss changes in your reproductive or general health.
The appropriate frequency of check-ups depends on factors such as your age, medical history, symptoms, risk factors and the recommendations of your healthcare provider.
If you have a specific concern, you should speak with a qualified healthcare professional rather than relying solely on a routine schedule.
How Do You Choose a Gynaecologist in Lagos?
If you are searching for a gynaecologist in Lagos, consider factors such as:
Experience and qualifications
Choose a healthcare professional with appropriate medical training and experience relevant to your needs.
Range of services
A clinic that provides a broad range of women’s healthcare services can make it easier to receive appropriate assessment and follow-up care.
Diagnostic support
Access to relevant laboratory and diagnostic services can be useful when investigations are required.
Patient-centred care
Your healthcare provider should take time to listen to your concerns, explain your options and answer your questions clearly.
Location and accessibility
For ongoing care, particularly during pregnancy or fertility treatment, choosing a clinic that is accessible to you can be important.
Arctic Gynae Centre is located at Atlantic Vista Estate, Olokonla, along the Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lagos, serving women and families in Lagos and surrounding areas. Find Arctic Gynae Centre
When Should You Book an Appointment?
You should consider speaking with a gynaecologist if you have persistent, unusual or concerning symptoms affecting your reproductive health.
You can also seek professional advice if you have questions about fertility, contraception, menstrual health, menopause or other women’s health concerns.
Rather than trying to determine the cause of symptoms yourself, a consultation can help you understand what may be happening and what steps may be appropriate.
Get Gynaecological Care in Lagos
Arctic Gynae Centre provides specialist gynaecology and women’s healthcare services for women at different stages of life.
Our services include gynaecological care, fertility assessment and treatment, reproductive health care and women’s health services.
If you are looking for a gynaecologist in Lagos and would like to discuss your health concerns with a medical professional, you can book a consultation with Arctic Gynae Centre.
You can also explore our Gynaecology services to learn more about the conditions and treatments we provide.
Arctic Gynae Centre
R5, Atlantic Vista Estate, Olokonla, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos
Phone: +234 913 215 9156
Email: info@arcticobgyn.com
