Gynecologic Care
Atrium Health is home to U.S. News & World Report's highest-rated gynecology program in the Charlotte region. Our OB/GYNs help you stay healthy, catch concerns early and feel your best at every stage of life.
Gynecology – what to expect from Atrium Health Women’s Care
When you find an OB/GYN at Atrium Health Women’s Care, you receive the highest level of clinical treatment from a team who’s always there for you. In addition to care for your everyday needs, you can benefit from:
- Nationally recognized care. Our gynecologic services are recognized by U.S. News & World Report as some of the top-rated gynecology programs in the Charlotte region.
- Minimally invasive surgery options. If your condition requires surgery, we offer robotic, laparoscopic and single incision laparoscopic surgeries. These minimally invasive procedures use tiny incisions, which can mean a quicker recovery.
- Seamless referrals to specialists. If you need more focused care, we connect you to experts across Atrium Health. This can include pelvic and sexual health specialists, as well as infertility and high-risk pregnancy doctors with outcomes among the best in the U.S.
- Unmatched maternity care. Get support at every step of pregnancy – like personalized maternity navigation, a 24/7 nurse line and postpartum services.
Gynecologic services
Find a gynecologist near you and get the care you need at every stage of life, including:
- Well-woman preventive care, like cervical cancer screening with Pap smears and HPV testing.
- HPV vaccinations, which help protect you against types of human papillomavirus.
- Contraception, or birth control, such as birth control pills, IUDs and natural family planning.
- Permanent birth control, including a tubal ligation (or getting your “tubes tied”).
- Preconception care, or steps you can take now to prepare for a pregnancy in the future.
- Sexually transmitted infection (STI) tests and treatment, which can be quick, painless and prevent other health concerns in the future.
- Treatment for gynecologic conditions, including endometriosis, menopause, ovarian cysts and urinary infections. (See Gynecologic conditions treated below for more.)
- Myomectomy, a procedure to remove uterine fibroids.
- Hysterectomy, a procedure to remove your entire uterus.
- Surgery for cervical dysplasia, including freezing (cryotherapy), burning (LEEP) or using a scalpel to remove abnormal tissue.
Pediatric and adolescent gynecology
Pediatric and adolescent gynecology helps girls and young women stay healthy from birth to age 21. Our specialized provider is focused on the unique healthcare needs of young patients and offers compassionate, age-appropriate care. Some of the most common conditions treated are irregular periods, vaginitis and ovarian cysts.
Gynecologic conditions we treat
We diagnose and treat a range of conditions in women of all ages, including:
- Abnormal Pap smears, when irregular cells are detected in your cervix.
- Abnormal periods, including irregular, painful and heavy menstrual cycles.
- Breast abnormalities, such as breast lumps, cysts, pain and infections.
- Endometriosis, a condition where the glands and tissue usually found inside the uterus are outside the uterus. Endometriosis symptoms include heavy periods and pain.
- Menopause, the natural process when a woman stops having a period. Though it usually starts after age 40, some women experience early menopause.
- Ovarian cysts or masses, which are usually benign (non-cancerous). But because some cysts in ovaries can be cancerous or rupture, it’s always important to have a medical evaluation.
- Pelvic health concerns, including pain during sex, pelvic floor conditions and pelvic organ prolapse.
- Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as PCOS, a disorder associated with hormonal imbalances and possibly small ovarian cysts.
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a more severe form of PMS that disrupts your quality of life.
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), symptoms experienced before and during your period.
- Sexual health concerns, including pain during sex (dyspareunia) and low sexual desire.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STI), infections passed from person to person during sexual activities.
- Urinary incontinence, or loss of bladder control.
- Urinary tract infections (UTI), typically a bladder infection which may cause painful and more frequent urination.
- Uterine fibroids, benign (non-cancerous) tumors that grow within the muscle tissue of the uterus.
- Vaginal infections, infections typically caused by yeast or bacteria. Symptoms may include discharge, itching and irritation.
- Vulvar skin conditions, which can cause itching and irritation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The OB stands for obstetrician (maternity or pregnancy care). The GYN stands for gynecologist (care for women’s reproductive and sexual health needs).
OB/GYNs provide the full range of care for women, from pregnancy to menopause. They can also help you find the right birth control for you, treat pelvic floor and urinary conditions, screen for cancers and more.
Our OB/GYNs provide gynecologic care with honesty and reassurance in a non-judgmental environment. We want your visits to be a comfortable time to ask questions and address health concerns.
From the moment you walk in, you’ll be greeted by our friendly office staff and nurses. Most appointments start with a general health check, including a blood pressure reading and weight check. Depending on the reason for your visit, your provider might perform a pelvic exam, Pap smear, breast exam or other tests.
After your visit, our team will help you schedule follow-up care if needed.
You should go to a gynecologist yearly for an annual screening, as well as if you’re experiencing any female-specific issues or need care for family planning.
Many patients see their OB/GYN for most healthcare needs. But if you have chronic medical conditions, it’s important to have an internal or family medicine doctor as well.
Though your gynecologist can treat a range of conditions, some pelvic, vulvar, pregnancy and sexual health conditions might require more specialized care. Your gynecologist will examine your condition and refer you to the appropriate Atrium Health specialist if needed.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), it’s best to start seeing an OB/GYN between 13 and 15. Pelvic exams are not usually needed at this age.
Learn more about when to bring your teen to the OB/GYN.