Deciding what doctors you need to visit can seem overwhelming. For women, gynecologists and urologists are essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Both include a variety of services and specialties for women. 

The Importance of Both Gynecologists and Urologists 

Gynecologists and urologists are essential to providing care and support to women. Learning more about each of them can make it more straightforward for you as a patient. At Alliance Urology, we understand the importance of our services, along with that of gynecologists. 

Gynecologists  

When comparing gynecologists and urologists, it is essential to understand each one’s role. A gynecologist specializes in women’s reproductive health. This can present itself in various ways, as you will learn by reading further about the importance of seeing one. 

Annual Check-Ups 

Visiting your gynecologist for your annual visit is a great way to stay on top of your health. During this yearly check-up, your gynecologist will go through various practices. These look different and test different aspects of your health to ensure everything is in line. 

Pap Smears 

One of the most common annual check-up experiences is a pap smear. The Mayo Clinic defines a pap smear as a procedure to test for cervical cancer in women. The procedure itself involves collecting cells from the cervix to detect the possibility of cervical cancer. It is used to catch cancer early to treat it if discovered.  

Mammograms 

Gynecologists will begin performing mammograms for women around 40 to 44 years. A mammogram is used to detect abnormalities in a woman’s breast. If found, this procedure can be how a woman’s breast cancer is treated before it progresses to a worse stage. 

Moments For Questions 

Part of an annual check-up with your gynecologist can simply be getting to ask them questions about your overall health. If you have been wondering about specific problems or observations of your own body, they will be more than happy to answer questions. This may even be the time when a gynecologist recommends visiting a urologist. Gynecologists and urologists can work together to solve a problem.

Preventative Care 

Aside from your annual visit, gynecologists offer opportunities for ample ways to prevent future health problems. You can watch your health even when not in the office by receiving preventative care methods. Before you are at the age to receive a mammogram, you can begin doing at-home self-examination tests. If you feel something new in one of these sessions, bring it to your doctor’s attention. 

Urologists  

On the other hand, a urologist specializes in diagnosing and treating issues that come up in the urinary system. Their responsibilities and importance look different from those of a gynecologist and can be identified in the below problems. 

Fallen Bladder 

WVU Medicine defines a fallen bladder as when it falls low enough to drop into the vagina. This often occurs when the wall between the vagina and the bladder weaken. There are various reasons that this wall can weaken. Giving birth, obesity, and even lifting heavier objects can weaken this wall. This occurs more often in older women due to the progression of hormonal changes. A urologist would treat a fallen bladder with surgery.    

Treatment Of UTI’s 

One of the most common issues women face with urology is urinary tract infections. As a bacterial infection, UTIs are most often treated with antibiotics. If that does not fully resolve the problem, a urologist can test urine and perform an exam. Sometimes, the problem may not be a UTI, but it is continued to be treated like one. Gynecologists and urologists often face this problem together.

Pain In The Lower Back

Often, pain in the lower back can signal a problem with your bladder. It may seem like something to see your gynecologist for, but they will often end up referring you to a urologist instead. This could be a multitude of causes, and a urologist has the methods to determine what it is that you’re facing. If the pain becomes severe, it is time to contact a urologist to discover what you are dealing with. 

Your body can face many issues that present themselves in different areas. Different areas of the body often require different types of doctors. Gynecologists and urologists may seem like they would treat similar issues, but there are many problems to consider seeing one of them only. Do you have a concern that requires a urologist? Request an appointment through our website or give us a call at (336) 274-1114.