Gynecology Testing & Treatments

From menstrual periods to postmenopausal issues, Baptist Health System is here for you every step of your journey. Our dedicated and experienced gynecologists, with our advanced technology and equipment, aim to provide excellent care across San Antonio.

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Gynecology Testing

Visiting a gynecologist regularly is essential to maintaining a healthy gynecologic lifestyle and can also minimize health risks in the future. Having an annual exam provides an overall perspective about your gynecologic health which can help give you control of your health. Your annual exam focuses on preventive procedures such as a full check-up, immunizations (e.g., vaccines), counseling (e.g., depression, relationship violence) and gynecological screenings.

Many gynecologic disorders do not have symptoms unless already in an advanced stage, so we highly recommend having a gynecological screening annually. Our gynecology test list at Baptist Health System may include:

• Pelvic Ultrasound
  This is a safe, noninvasive procedure that uses sound waves to produce pictures of the structures and organs in the lower abdomen and pelvis. There are three types of pelvic ultrasound at Baptist Health System, namely abdominal, vaginal and rectal ultrasound. These are used to evaluate the uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes and bladder.
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• Pelvic Laparoscopy
  Using a laparoscope, a small telescope with a light and video camera, this procedure is used to examine the pelvic organs.
• Hysteroscopy
  This procedure uses a hysteroscope, a narrow telescope with a light at the end, that is inserted through the vagina into the womb. Hysteroscopy can be used to investigate the cause of problems and diagnose and treat these problems.
• Papanicolaou (Pap) Test/Pap Smear
  This is a procedure where cells from the cervix are scraped and examined for abnormal growth. A pap smear is used for cancer screening. When you should have a Pap test or Pap smear done depends on your age and cancer risk factors. Consult one of our gynecologists in San Antonio to determine how frequently you should undergo this procedure.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Test
  Similar to a Pap smear, this test is used to look for cervical infections that are more likely to form into cancers.
• Colposcopy
  A colonoscopy is a procedure that uses a colposcope, an instrument with a magnifying glass, to clearly see the cervix. When there is an abnormality seen during a Pap smear, a colposcopy can help confirm and diagnose potential problems.
• Cervical Biopsy
  This procedure is typically a follow-up exam to diagnose cervical tissue suspected of cancer or precancerous cells. There are several types of cervical biopsies mainly:
  • Colposcopic biopsy – if there is an abnormality seen during a colposcopy, the doctor may collect a sample tissue and examine it in a lab.
  • Endocervical curettage (endocervical scraping) – if abnormalities aren’t seen through a colposcope, a narrow instrument will be inserted into the endocervical canal to scrape tissues. Cramping pain and light bleeding may be experienced after undergoing this procedure.
  • Cone biopsy – Also called conization, a cone-shaped piece of tissue is removed from the cervix during this procedure. The tissues taken include the transformation zone where cancer and pre-cancers are most likely to start. This procedure may also be used as a treatment by removing pre-cancer tissues in the cervix.
• Endometrial Biopsy
  This procedure involves the removal of tissues in the endometrium. It is performed to look for abnormalities, screen for endometrial cancer and look for possible causes of postmenopausal or abnormal bleeding.
• Cystoscopy for Women
  This is a procedure where a cystoscope, a thin tube with a camera and light on the end, is inserted into the urethra to the bladder. This is used to see if there are tumors, kidney stones or cancer.

Other tests include:

• Tests for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• High blood pressure and cholesterol test
• Test for diabetes
• Test for osteoporosis (weak bones)

Gynecology Treatments

When the screening indicates abnormalities, our gynecologists across San Antonio may ask for additional tests to confirm a diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, treatment may include medications or your gynecologist may suggest one or a combination of the following treatment procedures:

• Cryosurgery
  Cryosurgery is the use of extreme cold in order to destroy diseased tissue. This procedure can be performed at a doctor's office or an operating room, depending on the reason for having the procedure.
• Dilation and Curettage (D&C)
  This is a surgical procedure usually performed after a miscarriage. Dilation means to open up the cervix, and curettage means to remove the contents of the uterus.
• Hysterectomy
  Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus and may also involve the removal of the cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes.
• Loop Electrical Excision Procedure (LEEP) Procedure
  This procedure uses a heated wire loop in order to remove cells and tissue. The LEEP procedure can be used as part of treatment or to help make a diagnosis of cancerous or abnormal cells and tissue.
• Myomectomy
  This procedure helps remove uterine fibroids and can be done in three ways:
  • Abdominal myomectomy – removal of uterine fibroids through an incision in the abdomen.
  • Laparoscopic myomectomy – removal of uterine fibroids through several small incisions. This can be done robotically, which is less invasive.
  • Hysteroscopic myomectomy – uses a hysteroscope inserted through the vagina to remove uterine fibroids.
• Robotic Gynecological Surgery
  Minimally invasive, robotic-assisted gynecological surgery is done through very small incisions. This may help you recover faster and have a shorter hospital stay. Robotic surgery can be used to effectively treat the following conditions:
  • Cervical and uterine cancer
  • Uterine fibroids
  • Endometriosis
  • Uterine prolapse
  • Menorrhagia or excessive bleeding

Gynecology diseases and gynecological infections treatments may vary from patient to patient. These gynecological disorders treatment may be done both inpatient and outpatient. Please consult our experienced gynecologists at Baptist Health for a customized treatment plan.

Insurance Accepted

At Baptist Health System, we accept various medical insurance plans. To see the list of insurance plans, you can visit here. But because the list may change, we recommend you confirm with your carrier. For questions about your insurance plan, you may also call Baptist Health System at 888-707-0664.