Compassionate & Individualized Care

At Seven Hills, we believe healthcare is a partnership — we thoughtfully listen to your concerns, provide compassionate guidance, and tailor your care to best support your needs.

What does a gynecological provider do?

When you seek gynecological care, you may be seen by a gynecologist, a women’s health nurse practitioner (WHNP), and/or a certified nurse midwife (CNM). They all specialize in caring for the health of the female reproductive system — the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and fallopian tubes — through all stages of your life.

• Gynecologists, often referred to as OB/GYNs, are board-certified doctors that provide both gynecological and prenatal care. They deliver babies and are also trained surgeons.
• Women’s health nurse practitioners (WHNPs) are advanced-practice nurses who provide both gynecological and prenatal care, however they do not deliver babies or perform surgery.
• Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) are board-certified health care providers with advanced training in nursing, maternity care, and women’s health care. They provide both gynecological and prenatal care. CNMs deliver babies but do not perform surgery.

Your gynecological provider can:

• Answer questions about sex, sexuality, menustration, and menopause
• Provide education and resources for pregnancy prevention
• Provide education and test for STDs (sexually transmitted diseases)
• Diagnose and treat reproductive health-related issues

When should you see a gynecologist/WHNP/CNM?

It’s important to see your gynecological provider on an annual basis —  whether you are sexually active or not — and additional visits may be necessary if you are experiencing symptoms or concerns.  Speak to your provider to get a tailored plan of care for your gynecological health.

While there is no specific age for a girl to start seeing a gynecologist, it’s recommended she begin her visits between the ages of 13-15, or sooner if she is experiencing any reproductive system concerns.

Gynecological Services Offered at Seven Hills

Our Seven Hills OB/GYN physicians, WHNPs, and CNMs offer the following gynecological services. Our physicians are also highly-skilled surgeons who perform many types of traditional and minimally invasive gynecological surgeries.

• Annual pelvic exam: Sometimes called a ‘well-woman visit’, a pelvic exam helps your provider monitor the health of your reproductive system through an external and internal physical exam. They may also do a manual breast exam during your visit.

• Pap smear: During this routine cervical cancer screening, your provider will gently collect cells from your cervix in order examine them for abnormal growth or an HPV infection. The screening is usually done in conjunction with a pelvic exam. Speak to your provider to determine how often you will need to have a pap smear.

• Treatment for abnormal pap smear: If the results of your pap smear are abnormal, your provider may recommend additional diagnostics or treatments. These procedures can often be performed in the comfort of your provider’s office.

• Adolescent Gynecology: Gynecological problems can develop at any age from birth through adulthood. Getting specialized care that supports the unique physical and emotional needs of adolescents is a crucial step to care for a young girl’s long-term health.

• Treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding: A common condition, heavy menstrual bleeding isn’t just a normal part of being a woman. Your provider may recommend non-hormonal, hormonal, or surgical treatment to provide relief.

• Minimally invasive surgeries: Used to treat a variety of gynecological conditions, these techniques offer numerous benefits over traditional surgeries, including faster recovery times and smaller incisions. These procedures are only performed by our OB/GYN physicians. Learn more here.

• Birth control: Deciding if and when to become pregnant is a personal process requiring informed and planned steps. Your provider can walk you through the process of finding the method that feels most comfortable to you — taking into account the privacy, cost, and impact on your body. Learn more here.

• STD screening: If you are sexually active, speak with your provider to find out how often you should be tested for sexually transmitted diseases. If you are experiencing any noticeable symptoms, it’s crucial to connect with a provider as soon as possible to get tested and find appropriate treatment.

Empowering and Proactive Care

When you connect with a Seven Hills provider, you’ll gain a compassionate partner to help you care for your gynecological health.

Reach out to schedule your consultation — our 15 neighborhood locations are never far from home or work.