Gynecology Services

Screening for cervical cancer is performed using PAP and/or human papillomavirus (HPV) tests. When the test results are abnormal, more frequent testing might be needed, or further evaluation may be recommended. Our gynecologists have expertise in evidence-based management of abnormal results and diagnostic evaluation that can include a colposcopy exam of the cervix. We partner with gynecologic pathologists to identify precancerous cervical lesions and provide timely treatment.

Our gynecologists work with our patients to help them navigate and manage symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Our goal is to improve a patient’s quality of life throughout the menopausal transition.

Perimenopause and menopause can lead to a broad and variable range of symptoms. The shift in hormones can affect sleep, mood, cognition, sexual intimacy, and lead to hot flashes and bladder symptoms. One or more of the following may be recommended:

• Hormone therapy (HT) – can help relieve symptoms of perimenopause and menopause by providing estrogen to supplement hormone levels. HT can vary and may include pills, skin patches, gels or sprays applied to the skin. Consultation with our gynecologists is recommended to determine the benefit-risk balance for HT and for individualized treatment recommendations.
• Non-hormonal treatments – medications, such as antidepressants and others, can help with menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and sleep disturbance.

• Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS). We offer an array of advanced laparoscopic, robotic, vaginal, and hysteroscopic surgical techniques to manage benign and precancerous gynecologic conditions.
• Birth control (contraception). Options include hormonal methods, barrier methods, and long-acting devices, allowing individuals to choose a safe and effective approach that fits their health needs and lifestyle.
• Office-based procedures. We offer several in-office procedures including colposcopy and LEEP, contraceptive implant and IUD insertion and removal, endometrial and vulval biopsies, and trigger point injections in a safe, comfortable, and convenient setting.
• Gender-affirming care. We offer medical and surgical consultation for gender-affirming care.
• Pre-invasive gynecology care. We provide multidisciplinary evaluation and management of abnormal pap tests and precancerous conditions of the uterus, cervix, vagina, and vulva using the most up-to-date practice guidelines, in collaboration with gynecologic pathologists.

If you're experiencing changes in your menstrual cycle—such as heavier, more frequent, prolonged, or unpredictable bleeding—you’re not alone, and help is available. Our gynecology experts are here to listen, provide answers, and guide you toward treatment options that align with your health needs and personal goals.

Menstrual periods can vary from person to person and sometimes from month to month, but they usually do not occur any more often than 21 days or less often than 35 days. Normal periods should not last longer than 8 days.

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) is any bleeding that differs from your usual menstrual cycle or any bleeding that you find bothersome. These changes can develop slowly making it hard for some to recognize.

What is Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?

• Bleeding between periods - while light spotting can be normal, it can be a sign that something abnormal is happening.
• Heavy periods - changing sanitary products frequently or bleeding through clothing is never normal and can lead to anemia, or low blood counts.
• Prolonged bleeding - periods that last more than 8 days are not normal.
• Irregular or missed periods - an occasional irregular cycle may occur but often return to normal the next month. When this happens for more than 3 months in a row, it is unlikely to return to normal on its own.
• Bleeding after menopause - Most bleeding after menopause is related to normal aging, but it can be a sign of cancer and should always be evaluated.

AUB can have many causes—ranging from hormonal imbalances to fibroids, adenomyosis or polyps —and it can impact your daily life, health, and emotional well-being.

How a Gynecologist Can Help

Our gynecologists offer a compassionate, individualized approach to diagnosing and managing AUB. We take time to understand your symptoms, health history, and priorities, whether that's preserving fertility, avoiding surgery, or finding fast relief.

A comprehensive evaluation may include:

• In-depth discussion of your symptoms and menstrual history
• Pelvic exams and imaging (such as ultrasound or MRI)
• Bloodwork to assess hormone levels, thyroid function, and anemia
• Endometrial sampling (if needed) to rule out pre-cancer or cancer

When appropriate, we partner with experts in:

• Interventional radiology for procedures like uterine artery embolization (a non-surgical, uterine-sparing option for fibroids).
• Oncology for thorough cancer screening and management if there are any concerning findings.
• Reproductive endocrinology for fertility-preserving strategies if you're planning for or open to future pregnancy.

Treatment Options That Fit You

We offer a full range of medical and surgical treatments, personalized to your health goals, lifestyle, and reproductive plans.

Medical Management

• Hormonal therapies (like birth control pills, IUDs, or other medications)
• Non-hormonal options for those who prefer or require alternatives

Minimally Invasive Procedures

• If surgery is the best option for you, we specialize in minimally invasive techniques—such as laparoscopy or robotic-assisted surgery—to reduce recovery time and discomfort. We offer uterine-sparing and fertility-sparing options whenever possible.
• Endometrial ablation (in certain cases) for reducing or stopping heavy periods.
• Radiofrequency ablation of fibroids (Acessa®).
• Laparoscopic and Robotic-assisted surgery, including myomectomy (removal of fibroids) and hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).
• Hysteroscopy to remove polyps or fibroids inside the uterus.

We provide a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to evaluation and treatment of chronic pelvic pain. We collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists, urologists, urogynecologists, interventional radiologists, physical therapists, and pain psychologists to address the complex cause and progression of chronic pelvic pain.

We recognize that chronic pelvic pain can often have multiple underlying causes including endometriosis, adenomyosis, as well as non-gynecologic causes such as irritable bowel syndrome, painful bladder syndrome, and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Through our comprehensive approach, we hope to establish long-term relationships with women suffering from chronic pelvic pain to provide early intervention as well as long-term management and support.

Endometriosis is a common condition that affects approximately 1 in 10 women during their reproductive, menstruating years. It can result in painful periods, painful intercourse, difficulty getting pregnant, and when advanced can result in chronic pain or affect other organs.  Some women with endometriosis have very difficult symptoms and others have almost no symptoms at all.  

Endometriosis is caused by the growth of your endometrium - the inside lining of the uterus - in locations outside of the uterus.  Because these growths can be very small, it is often difficult to diagnosis early.  

Our experts understand how complex endometriosis can be. They will take a detailed history of your symptoms to understand how endometriosis might be affecting your life and work toward helping you achieve your goals, whether its living without pain to shaving children and starting your family.

There is no one right way to treat endometriosis. Our experts will work with you to help make a diagnosis and manage your symptoms. Treatments may include pain management, hormonal management to slow or stop the growth of endometriosis, physical therapy, and when necessary, surgery to remove it.  In cases of endometriosis-related infertility, we may recommend invitro-fertilization (IVF) or other assisted reproductive therapies to improve your chances at becoming pregnant.

After menopause, when you no longer have periods, endometriosis no longer causes problems.  Until that time, you can rely on our specialists to help you navigate all the options that are available to you.

Our multidisciplinary team offers the full range of treatment options for fibroids, from medical therapies to surgery. We recognize that uterine fibroids can seriously impact physical and emotional well-being. We take the time to understand patients’ priorities to create a personalized and effective treatment plan.

Learn more about how Bridgeport Hospital can treat Uterine Fibroids

Prevention is the first line against cancer. For most women, there are several interventions that have been proven to reduce the risk of developing certain types of gynecologic cancer.

Annual Health Maintenance Visits

One of the best ways to protect yourself from gynecologic cancer is to have regular annual health maintenance visits with your Ob/Gyn. If your doctor suspects you are at risk for, have a pre-cancerous condition or is worried you have gynecologic cancer, they will refer you to our team of experts.

Pap Test

The Pap Test is designed to detect abnormal changes on the cervix and allow your doctor to treat them before they develop into cervical cancer. Pap smear screening should start by age 21 years. Once you reach the age of 30 years, HPV testing will be included as part of the test. When your Pap test is normal and your HPV test is negative, your doctor may not repeat the PAP smear for several years.

For those patients that cannot tolerate the pelvic exam, we offer the latest technology in HPV self-testing. This allows patients to perform the swab test themselves while still in the office.

Vaccination

Vaccination for HPV has been shown to decrease the risk of acquiring the types of HPV most likely to cause cervical cancer. Even if you have not received the HPV vaccination as an adolescent, you may still benefit from receiving it later in life.

Oral Contraceptives & Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

In the United States, endometrial cancer is the most common cancer of the female genital tract. Ovarian cancer, though much less common, is often diagnosed at a later stage. Because of this it is associated with a greater risk of death. There are steps you can take to prevent endometrial and ovarian cancer.

Some forms of contraception are well known to prevent these cancers, even many years after you have stopped taking them.

Oral contraceptives, or “the pill”, reduce the risk of both endometrial and ovarian cancer.

Both “tubal ligation” and complete removal of the fallopian tubes (called bilateral salpingectomies) have been shown to decrease the risk of developing ovarian cancer.

If you are delaying starting a family, or are done having children, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss ways you can reduce your risk of developing cancer of the uterus or ovaries. Learn more about options available from Bridgeport Hospital’s General Gynecology team (link to General GYN section of this page).

Genetic Screening

A family history of cancer, gynecologic or otherwise, can suggest a genetic link to developing cancer in you or another family member. Speak with your doctor about your concerns to find out if genetic testing is right for you.

Cancer treatment can affect your reproductive health and fertility. When fertility preservation is desired, our cancer specialists work closely with Fertility Specialists who can review your options. This proactive approach allows you to preserve your ability to have children before you begin treatment. Learn more at Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility | Departments | Yale Medicine

After treatment is complete, you may require monitoring to ensure your cancer does not recur. This new stage of life can bring new worries or challenges with healing. Sexual functioning may be different from before treatment. We have experts who can guide you through the process of returning to a new baseline. They may also make lifestyle recommendations to support healing of the reproductive tissues.

Patients can choose to meet with our team of sexual and menopause health experts at the nationally recognized Sexuality, Intimacy and Menopause Program to address important aspects of cancer survivorship unique to gynecologic cancers.

And just like in the beginning, the Gynecologic Oncology team at Bridgeport Hospital will be there to support you along the way. Learn more Support Services.