Gynecology Services in Virginia Beach & Norfolk

Anybody with female reproductive organs needs regular gynecological care as a matter of general wellness. It’s an essential aspect of lifelong health, but many people who need this care do not seek it out. This is understandable, as a gynecologist’s office is often viewed as a scary and unknown place by new patients. Other people simply do not understand how important regular obstetricians & gynecologists (OB/GYN) evaluations are for their health.

At Tidewater Physicians for Women in Virginia, our doctors are committed to not only providing quality comprehensive gynecological care to all of our patients but also educating them about the importance of this care. Learn about our various gynecological services, how to prepare for your appointment, and what makes these patient services so important.

What is the Difference Between Obstetrics and Gynecology?

While the fields of obstetrics and gynecology are intertwined into an inclusive service, obstetrics focuses on pregnancy, while gynecology deals with the health of women’s reproductive organs throughout their lifetime.

What Does Gynecological Care Include?

The team at Tidewater Physicians for Women provides the full range of gynecological care, including:

• Birth control
• Annual preventative care
• Adolescent gynecology
• Diagnosis and treatment of gynecological disorders
• Gynecological surgery
• Menopause treatment

When Should I Start Seeing a Gynecologist?

All adults with female reproductive organs should see a gynecologist regularly, but your first care visit should actually occur before adulthood. All people who are assigned female at birth should become a patient by seeing a gynecologist sometime between 13 and 15 years of age. While hormones are relevant, remember that endocrinology is distinct from gynecology.

How Often Should I See a Gynecologist?

In general, you should see a Virginia gynecologist at least once a year. This is if you don’t have any relevant health issues of which you are aware. If you do have a relevant health or infertility issue, or you are trying to get pregnant, you may need to see a gynecologist more often. Other reasons for visiting, in addition to a general checkup, include obtaining birth control and checking for diseases. While not all services are appropriate for a virtual visit or telehealth appointment, there are some instances where our physicians will offer a virtual visit. Contact us to see what type of patient visit may be right for the services you are seeking.

While you shouldn’t hesitate to contact Tidewater Physicians for Women any time you’re concerned about your health, these are some of the most common symptoms women experience that require medical attention.

Heavy Periods or Abnormal Bleeding

Come in for an exam if your periods last longer than seven days or your flow is heavy. Most abnormal menstrual bleeding is easily treated, but it can be a sign of a serious problem.

Pelvic Pain

Whether you have daily pelvic pain or it comes and goes, it’s important to find the cause of the pain for relief and prevention of future complications. Two common causes of pelvic pain are uterine fibroids and endometriosis, which can cause scarring and difficulty getting pregnant.

Pain or Discomfort During Sex

Any pain or discomfort that occurs during sex could indicate a problem and warrant a visit to the gynecologist. Quite a few different factors can affect your level of discomfort, and a gynecologist can help narrow down the cause and provide adequate treatment via internal medicine. STDs can be a cause of this pain or discomfort.

Bumps or Sores in or Around the Vagina

If you see bumps or sores in or around the vagina, you should visit the gynecologist to diagnose the issue. The issue could be something as benign as an ingrown hair, or it could be something more serious like a genital wart caused by an STD. If you have small and painful blisters that vanish but then return after a couple of weeks, that could be a sign of genital herpes.

Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

When yeast that normally lives in your vagina gets out of balance, you’ll experience an abnormal vaginal discharge, along with itching and burning. The same symptoms can also be signs of a bacterial infection or a sexually transmitted disease, so it’s important to get evaluated by your doctor at Tidewater Physicians for Women.

We Care About Women’s Healthcare

Providing comprehensive women’s health services to all AFAB (assigned female at birth) patients who need it in the Virginia area is our primary focus and passion, as several doctors here are Fellows of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FACOG). We make getting this healthcare easier, too, through counseling services for both established and new patients across Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Kempsville, Portsmouth, and even North Carolina. Everyone here, from our nurse practitioners to the doctors and the staff who set up same-day appointments, is dedicated to your health above all else.

We understand that visiting a gynecologist can be an intimidating experience, especially if you have never been before, which is why we strive to make the entire experience as comfortable as possible. We additionally work with providers like Aetna, Anthem, and Optima. We also operate in close relation with Sentara Leigh Hospital. We are here to help and are willing to put our years of experience to work for you and your well-being.