What is gynecology?
Gynecology is the branch of medicine that focuses on women’s reproductive health, and that includes much more than pregnancy and childbirth. Dr. Al-Hakeem is a skilled obstetrician who manages all phases of pregnancy, labor, and delivery for his patients. He’s also an experienced and accomplished gynecologist who cares about your gynecologic health throughout your lifetime.
Why is reproductive health important?
Your reproductive system includes your uterus, ovaries, cervix, and vagina. It also includes your urinary tract system, the hormones necessary for reproductive functions, and your breasts. No matter your age, when you have an imbalance in your hormones, an infection, or other medical issues affecting this complex system, it can greatly impact your physical and even emotional health.
For instance, the hormonal imbalance and other subsequent issues associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can increase your risks of developing diabetes, elevated blood pressure, and cholesterol abnormalities. It can also interfere with fertility. Dr. Al-Hakeem designs treatment plans that can relieve your symptoms and help prevent the health risks associated with PCOS and other gynecologic disorders.
What should I see a gynecologist for?
Dr. Al-Hakeem has extensive experience in managing all aspects of your gynecological care, including annual physical exams and tests such as a Pap smear to check for cervical changes. He may also recommend other lab work to evaluate your cholesterol levels, thyroid function, and other important health factors.
He can also prescribe worry-free birth control methods that suit your lifestyle, such as the Nexplanon® implant. This small device is implanted in the skin of your upper arm and secretes a hormone that offers highly effective birth control for three to four years.
Dr. Al-Hakeem is an expert at diagnosing and treating the underlying cause of symptoms such as:
- Urinary incontinence
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Pain and difficulty with sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Painful periods (dysmenorrhea) with abdominal and pelvic pain
- Irregular menstrual periods that might signal fibroids, polyps, or ovarian cysts
He’s also a skilled surgeon who prefers minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic robotic surgery to treat uterine fibroids, polyps, and urinary incontinence. This means less pain for you and faster healing after the procedure.
Other treatment and diagnostic studies Dr. Al-Hakeem provides include:
- Colposcopy to evaluate the health of your cervix, vagina, and vulva
- Treatment for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Relief from vaginal dryness, mood swings, and other symptoms associated with menopause
