At TriHealth, we know women face different health concerns during every phase of life. With dozens of providers throughout Cincinnati, Southwest Ohio and the tri-state area, we offer convenient access to women’s preventive care and screenings that protect your well-being.
Preventive gynecology is also known as well-woman care. These yearly visits focus on reproductive and sexual health. They include primary care screenings and exams that can detect problems early and protect your long-term health.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends you start preventive care by age 21 or earlier if you’re sexually active. Schedule a preventive gynecology appointment every year.
If you’re experiencing any symptoms, don’t wait for your yearly appointment. See your gynecologist as soon as possible if you have pelvic pain, unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding between periods. You should also see your doctor immediately if you suspect you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Your annual gynecologic exam is a routine check-up for your reproductive system. Rely on your TriHealth care provider to help you feel at ease. Your comfort and safety are always our top priority.
Every patient’s health care needs are unique. Your provider may suggest specific screenings or tests based on your age, personal and family health history, and any other concerns you may have. Our expert women’s health specialists deliver the care you need from adolescence to early adulthood and middle age and beyond.
During your appointment, our gynecologists will:
In addition to your physical exam, our providers may talk with you about:
The amount of time your appointment lasts depends on the reason for your visit and other factors.
For example, your first gynecology appointment at TriHealth may take longer than future appointments. Your doctor will get to know you and your goals. Plan to discuss your personal and family medical history.
For established patients, your annual check-up may last about 30 minutes.
If you’re experiencing symptoms or have other concerns, your appointment may last an hour.
Early detection is the key to protecting your health or getting you the treatment you need as soon as possible. At TriHealth, we offer a full range of routine tests and screenings. You can count on us to provide timely, accurate test results.
A clinical breast exam (CBE) can detect a lump in your breast or other changes to your breast tissue. This test is a critical part of how we screen you for breast cancer or other non-cancerous conditions.
For a breast exam, you will remove all clothing that covers your breasts. Our providers visually examine your breasts and skin. Then, with their fingertips, they gently press your breasts, nipples and underarms to detect any hard spots or lumps. During the exam, we discuss breast self-exams and breast imaging tests.
A pelvic exam is an internal exam where we check your cervix, ovaries, pelvis, rectum, uterus, vagina and vulva for any changes. This exam can help check if you have any problems like ovarian cysts, infections or signs of cancer. The exam can also help us figure out what’s wrong if you have abnormal bleeding, pain during sex or urinary problems.
Many STIs don’t cause symptoms. Screening is vital to catch infections early, getting you the treatment you need and reducing your chances of complications. It also limits the risk of passing the infection on to someone else.
You should complete STI screening if you’re sexually active, especially if you have more than one partner. If you are pregnant, we will test you for several STIs to protect the health of your unborn baby. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recommends HIV testing for everyone between ages 13 and 64 at least once.
This bone density test determines if you have osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition in which your bones are weak and more likely to break.
This X-ray test measures the amount of calcium and other bone minerals in segments of your bone. We typically recommend this test for all women over age 65. If you’re younger than 65, we may suggest screening if we think you’re at high risk for a bone fracture related to osteoporosis.
The time it takes to analyze your screening or test varies. Your doctor will let you know when and how you’ll receive your test results. You can log into your MyChart account for convenient, easy access to your results as soon as they’re available.
Based on your test results or symptoms, you may need additional tests or treatment. We’re here for you if you do. Our providers have the expertise to deliver the comprehensive, advanced gynecologic care you need.
Your doctor can provide confidential and supportive sexual health care and education. This includes birth control options to prevent pregnancy or manage heavy, painful or irregular periods.
Gynecologic infections that impact your vagina or other parts of your reproductive system are common. They can include:
These infections cause similar symptoms. Make an appointment as soon as possible if you have:
To diagnose you, we may do a blood test, conduct a pelvic exam or take a sample of your vaginal discharge. You may receive a prescription for an antibiotic or anti-fungal medication to treat the infection.
At TriHealth, we know a healthy body is only part of your well-being. That’s why we also care for your mental wellness. Your emotional needs change during different phases of life.
As your preventive care provider, we can connect you with experts who specialize in treating anxiety, depression or other mental wellness needs. Look to our Women’s Mental Wellness Center for compassionate support.
Menopause is different for everyone. Your mental and physical needs change when you reach mid-life. You deserve a health care provider who makes you feel seen and heard.
Your doctor can help you determine if you’ve entered the first, second or third stage of menopause. These include:
We work with you to create a plan that will address your specific symptoms. From hormone therapy to medications to alternative treatments, we provide the personalized care you need.