Women’s Health: Obstetrics & Gynecology in Barcelona
Sponsored by Turó Park Clinics.
Many women feel nervous before their gynecological appointment, mainly due to the lack of availability of information regarding this health-care service. Our goal in this article is to make you feel as comfortable as possible for the next time that you have an appointment.
Turó Park Dental and Medical Center has a multilingual team of gynecologists that offer high-quality women’s health care that is suited to each individual. But, we understand that consultations can often be daunting, so below we have provided some detailed information so that you know exactly what will happen in your visit.
What Do Gynecologists Do?
Gynecologists are available to conduct annual check-ups as well as consultations for contraception, specific fertility problems, problems in the uterus or vagina, breast conditions and pregnancy. The purpose of the routine, annual appointment is to ensure that good gynecological health is maintained, and so that you have a safe, confidential space to ask questions.
What to Expect from a General Check-up Appointment with Your Gynecologist
In general, the gynecologist will examine the outside of your vagina (called the perineum), visually examining the vulva and labia for abnormalities and irritation.
Then they will examine your internal genital organs using a speculum. You may feel pressure or brief discomfort at this point, but if you stay relaxed and communicate with your doctor it will be a fast and painless experience. During this internal exam of your vagina, the gynecologist is looking to make sure that your vagina, vaginal discharge and cervix (the mouth of the uterus) all look healthy. At this point, a pap smear is taken on patients older than 25. However, in younger or non-sexually active patients, these internal examinations may not be performed.
Following physical examinations: the gynecologist will check your uterus and ovaries by inserting two fingers inside of your vagina and press on your belly with their other hand to feel their size and shape. The gynecologist will also examine your breasts for any lumps, bumps or concerning changes.
Notably, during this process it is perfectly acceptable to have a female friend or family member accompany you during your appointment, and you can always request an additional nurse chaperone.
Family Planning and Birth Control
There is now a large range of birth control options available to women, men and couples that can suit all different stages of life. An appointment with your gynecologist helps to make sure that you are choosing the one that’s right for you.
The options are:
- Hormonal: birth control pill, patch, shot, vaginal ring and hormone implants
- An intrauterine device (IUD)
- Barrier methods: male or female condom, cervical cup, sponge, spermicides
- Natural family planning
- Emergency contraception
There are many elements involved in choosing a birth control method: safety, effectiveness, availability and acceptability. Our gynecology services are all conducted in a private space and are strictly confidential; you can ask your doctor any questions you have and your gynecologist will ask you personal questions about your period, sexual activity, past pregnancies and family history to help inform the decision.
Obstetrics and Pregnancy Follow-up
Obstetrics concerns pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. This involves reproductive medicine, evaluation and treatment of infertility, prenatal medicine and delivery.
Prenatal consultations are an essential part of the progress of your pregnancy with the first visit occurring before the third month and another six between the fourth and the ninth month of gestation. These medical consultations establish a general health check of the patient, check the constants, fetal heart auscultations, uterine measurements and gynecological examinations.
An obstetrician sees you regularly throughout your entire pregnancy to perform all necessary examinations, ultrasounds and specialized tests, where needed. They ensure that you have a healthy, safe pregnancy and delivery.
Menopause Support
Officially, a woman has gone through menopause once she goes an entire year without having a period. However, perimenopause is the variable period of time leading up to the halt of a woman’s menses, varying for each individual but averaging at 2-7 years. These years can be frustrating and take a while to adjust to, so our gynecologists are here to alleviate your symptoms and answer questions.
In this period, the symptoms include:
- Hot flashes
- Irregular menses
- Vaginal dryness
- Sleep disturbances
- Joint pain
- Mood swings
To ensure full and stable health is maintained, gynecologists may recommend tests such as mammograms, pelvic ultrasounds, bone densitometry and blood tests. Through these they can evaluate your risk for high cholesterol, heart disease, low iron, osteoporosis, thyroid abnormalities and vitamin/nutrient deficiencies.
This preventative check-up is important and is a perfect opportunity to ask highly qualified professionals any questions.
Other OB-GYN Services Include:
- Pre-contraception counseling
- Infertility evaluation
- Cancer screening
- Vaginal and urinary tract infection screening and treatment
- STD testing and support
You can find out more about all the clinic’s services and book an appointment via the website at turoparkmedical.com and follow on Twitter: @park_turo, Facebook: @turoparkmedical, Instagram @turoparkmedical and LinkedIn.
Sponsored by Turó Park Clinics.
