Gynecological Care

In addition to routine gynecological care, you should see a gynecologist if you notice unusual lumps or bumps or if you experience:

• Pelvic, vaginal, or vulvar pain or pressure
• Frequent or heavy uterine bleeding and/or cramping
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Vaginal itching, redness, or soreness
• Urinary or fecal incontinence or discomfort
• Painful sex
• Vaginal dryness

These symptoms may suggest a gynecological condition that could affect your health and fertility. While some people delay medical care because they are embarrassed to discuss their symptoms, it's important for you to know that treatment is available to cure common gynecological conditions.

Early Diagnosis, Early Treatment
Your gynecologist will perform a comprehensive exam and conduct a series of tests that may include an ultrasound or a biopsy to diagnose the source of your discomfort. These and other tests can also help your gynecologist determine if a more serious condition is present. An early diagnosis can ensure you receive effective treatment as quickly as possible to minimize any impact on your reproductive and overall health.

Fellowship-Trained, Experienced OB-GYNs
Most of our gynecologists are also obstetricians, meaning we provide the full range of OB-GYN care. As you enter your childbearing years, you can stay with the doctor with whom you have developed a relationship. However, if a medical need arises, you may be referred to a Duke expert who is specially trained in urogynecology, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, gynecologic oncology, or reproductive endocrinology. They work closely with your gynecologist if you need advanced care.

We Diagnose and Treat Gynecological Cancers
Our gynecologic oncologists treat people with cancers that affect the reproductive system. We understand -- and work to minimize -- the impact gynecological cancer has on your fertility, sexual function, and psychological health as well as on your family.

We Help Set National Treatment Guidelines
Our urogynecologists work closely with leaders in pelvic medicine to set standards and treatment guidelines. We’re known for our work in developing surgical treatments and implantable stimulators that are considered the gold standard of treatment.

Our Goal Is to Preserve Your Reproductive Organs
Because some gynecological conditions can affect your childbearing years, our specialists explore nonsurgical treatment options to preserve your reproductive organs, fertility, and healthy tissue before recommending surgery or hysterectomy.

You May Benefit from Our Research on New Therapies
Our dedicated researchers study a variety of conditions and their causes and work to develop more targeted treatments. Our involvement in clinical trials means you may have access to new therapies before they become widely available.  

If You Need Surgery
Some of our OB-GYN surgeons are fellowship-trained in minimally invasive and robotic surgery techniques, which result in less scarring, pain, and infection risk while offering shorter hospital stays with quicker recovery. Our operating rooms are outfitted with high-definition imaging equipment that can help increase the precision of your surgical procedure. These procedures can help preserve fertility when you are in your childbearing years.