Gynecology

Gynecology services provide expert care for all women’s health needs. If you’re concerned about symptoms affecting your female reproductive system, visit Frances Ilozue, MD, MPH, at Rapha Family Medicine, PC. At the practice’s offices in Amherst and Buffalo, New York, Dr. Ilozue and the team provide treatment for conditions like uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts and help resolve everything from fertility issues to sexual health problems. To benefit from expert gynecology services, call Rapha Family Medicine, PC, or book an appointment online today.

What is gynecology?

Gynecology is the medical field focusing on the health of a woman’s reproductive system. Gynecologists often diagnose and treat problems affecting the urinary system, too (urethra, bladder, and kidneys), as it has close links to the reproductive system.

Gynecology covers a wide range of conditions and symptoms that affect your reproductive and sexual health, including:

• Uterine fibroids
• Pelvic pain
• Ovarian cysts
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Endometriosis
• Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
• Irregular menstruation
• Sexual dysfunction
• Infertility
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Breast, endometrial, uterine, cervical, and ovarian cancers
• Menopause

Menopause is a natural aspect of aging rather than a disease, but it can still cause years of distressing symptoms. Menopause occurs on either side of 50 in most women when they no longer release eggs for fertilization. Falling hormone levels can cause hot flashes, night sweats, dry skin and hair, vaginal dryness, and depression.

What are the available gynecology services?

Rapha Family Medicine, PC provides general gynecology services, including:

• Diagnosing and treating gynecological conditions
• Pregnancy testing
• Pap smears (to screen for cervical cancer)
• Sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing
• Breast exams
• Contraceptive counseling
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Infertility treatment
• Well-woman exams

Your gynecology provider at Rapha Family Medicine, PC, also provides advice and therapies that aim to protect your overall health. With their expertise in preventive medicine (helping you avoid disease instead of just treating your symptoms), you can enjoy better health and a longer, more rewarding life.

What is a well-woman exam?

A well-woman exam is a vital part of preventive medicine. You meet with your provider at least once a year for a comprehensive checkup that detects any signs of ill health.

Your provider reviews your personal and family medical history and checks things like blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. You have an external exam to check for a wide range of possible problems, from joint pain to skin cancer. Then your provider does a pelvic exam. 

During your pelvic exam, you might have a Pap smear if one is due. Your provider collects a sample of your cervix’s cells for lab analysis. Pap smears can detect cancerous and precancerous changes and confirm the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV), the chief cause of cervical cancer.

You can also cover areas like mental health and sexual function, review your current birth control, or find solutions to menopause symptoms. In addition, your provider offers invaluable support and advice for issues like weight loss and a healthy lifestyle.

To schedule a gynecology consultation or well-woman exam at Rapha Family Medicine, PC, call the office or book an appointment online today.