Gynecology is the branch of medicine that specializes in women's health care. A gynecologist is a doctor with special skills, training, and education in women's health, who provides care to women from adolescence, through the childbearing years to menopause and beyond. In addition, a gynecologist offers preventive health care, such as exams and routine tests.

The gynecologist is a resource for care and information on:

• annual exam (gyn)
• healthy lifestyles
• menstruation and/or abnormal bleeding
• premenstrual syndrome
• sexuality, intercourse, and reproduction
• family planning and contraception
• sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• vaginal and urinary tract infections
• breast health
• menopause
• osteoporosis
• urinary incontinence

Most experts recommend women begin having yearly gynecologic exams at age 18, or when they become sexually active. The gynecologic exam provides the woman and her healthcare provider information about her reproductive health.