Compassionate Women’s Services

Every woman has different gynecological needs depending on age, history, lifestyle and reproductive desires. We strive to help address women’s health concerns throughout their lifetime – from their pre-productive through childbearing and post-menopausal years. Our compassionate care team is committed to actively listening to every woman's needs, ensuring she feels heard and empowered to lead a healthy life.

Women in San Antonio, TX have come to count on us for preventive care, family planning, adolescent care, optimal birth control solutions and the diagnosis and management of a range of issues affecting women’s reproductive health. Our gynecologists offer appropriate medications, in-office procedures and robotic-assisted, minimally invasive procedures to effectively address nearly all gynecological challenges.

What Is a Gynecologist?

A gynecologist or gyno is a doctor focusing on gynecology, a branch of medicine that focuses on women’s health and treating a wide range of conditions affecting the female reproductive system, including sexually transmitted diseases and chronic pain. Gynecology services also include diagnosing and treating conditions that affect women’s breasts. 

What Does a Gynecologist Do?

A gynecologist in San Antonio, TX deals with all aspects of women’s sexual health, like physical exams, cancer screenings and preventive care. They can provide the following:

Diagnosis

• Colposcopy – the gynecologist uses a device to get a close-up look at the cervix to check for signs of cervical cancer.
• Vulvar, vaginal and cervical biopsy – taking tissue samples from the vulva, vagina or cervix to check for cancer or another skin disease.
• Hysteroscopy – the use of a hysteroscope (long, thin tube with camera and lighting) that passes into the womb to diagnose conditions affecting the uterus.

Prevention

• Annual pelvic exam – physically examining the pelvic organs, which include the female external genitals as well as internal organs (uterus, vagina and cervix)
• Pap smear – cells are taken from the vagina or cervix to be checked in the laboratory for signs of cancer
• Sexually transmitted disease (STD) screenings – to determine if a person has been infected with an STD. Some STDs do not exhibit symptoms, so it is possible to catch or spread an STD even if the patient seems healthy
• Osteoporosis screenings – osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak, brittle and thin. A bone mineral density (BMD) is recommended for women aged 65 years and older and is used to measure bone density at the spine, heel, wrist, hip or hand. Women younger than 65 who are already undergone menopause should only have a BMD test if they have had a fracture or other osteoporosis risk factors
• Breast cancer screenings – checking breasts for signs of cancer before any symptoms or signs appear
• Contraceptive counseling/family planning

When Should You See a Gynecologist for the First Time?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that teens schedule a gynecology visit between the ages of 13 and 15, regardless of whether they have started menstruating or are sexually active. Although most women won’t need a pap smear until age 21, here are some things they can learn when visiting a gynecology clinic:

• Healthy lifestyle habits to take care of the body, especially the female reproductive parts
• Whether their period timing, quality and symptoms are normal
• How the reproductive system works
• Pregnancy prevention and birth control options
• Pregnancy testing
• Getting tested for and lowering their risk of sexually transmitted infections

A gynecology appointment is recommended if a girl:

• Does not show any secondary development in sexual characteristics such as pubic hair and breast growth by 13 years of age
• Has no menstruation by age 15 despite having breast and pubic hair development
• Has periods that are too heavy, painful or irregular
• Feels menstrual symptoms interfere with daily activities

How Often Should a Woman Go to the Gynecologist?

While visiting a gyno annually for a checkup is recommended, we recommend visiting a gynecology center near you if you experience anything concerning. Conditions gynecologists commonly treat include:

• Concerns about possible STDs
• Any pain or abnormalities you experience in your reproductive parts
• Sexual dysfunction
• Issues about sexuality
• Issues related to fertility, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause
• Family planning, including sterilization, contraception and pregnancy termination
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Fecal and urinary incontinence
• Cancers affecting the breasts and reproductive tract, as well as pregnancy-related tumors
• Benign conditions, premalignant conditions or congenital abnormalities affecting the female reproductive tract

What To Expect at a Gynecology Appointment?

Seeing a gynecologist doesn’t always mean you’ll have a pap test, breast exam or pelvic exam during your appointment. Your gynecologist's visit will generally aim to look at your overall physical health and well-being. The scope of your visit will depend on your health concerns, emotional and physical development, medical history and the level of care you’re receiving from other healthcare professionals (if any).

Baptist Medical Network provides an environment where you can tell us anything related to your reproductive and sexual well-being. We address confidentiality concerns by providing an opportunity to discuss your healthcare issues with us one-on-one, as we understand you may feel uncomfortable talking about these issues in the presence of your family or intimate partner.

Your first appointment may be a talk between you and your gyno, who may ask many questions about you and your family. Some questions may seem personal, such as questions about your sexual activities or menstruation. Answering these questions honestly can help your doctor care for you. You can also ask questions about your body, sexuality and what to expect on future visits. Your doctor may recommend specific exams and vaccinations if needed.

What Is a Gynecological Exam?

A gynecology exam typically includes a physical examination of a woman’s internal and external genitalia. It may consist of examining the rectal area if needed. A gynecological exam is usually done for screenings beginning at 21 years of age and at regular intervals in the future. It may also be recommended for patients with gynecological complaints. The exam may help detect early signs of suspected cancer and improve health outcomes.

We strive to provide you with information relevant and necessary to your decision-making, including the risks and benefits of accepting or declining recommended diagnostic tests. Your informed consent is the first step before we do a gynecological exam. The following are complaints that would need a gynecology exam:

• Abnormal bleeding
• Incontinence
• Infection, itching or swelling
• Menstrual abnormalities
• Pain or abnormal discharge
• Pelvic floor disorders
• Sexual trauma
• Sexual development abnormalities
• STD screenings

Insurances Accepted

We accept various medical insurance plans at our locations in San Antonio, so you can get the care you need for your condition. For questions about your coverage, please get in touch with your insurance provider directly or visit our patient resources page for your billing and insurance questions. If you have specific questions regarding insurance coverage at any Baptist Medical Network location, call us at 210-606-9071.

Find a Gynecologist

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort from an undiagnosed condition or injury affecting your reproductive health, speak with one of our gynecologists in San Antonio at Baptist Medical Network for proper diagnosis and advice on the best treatment options. If it is an emergency, please contact 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Please don't delay care.