Preparing for Surgery

FAQ080

What is the difference between outpatient surgery and inpatient surgery? Outpatient surgery, also called ambulatory or same–day surgery, does not require an overnight stay in the hospital, meaning th...

Chronic Pelvic Pain

FAQ099

What is chronic pelvic pain? Chronic pelvic pain is pain in the pelvic area that lasts for 6 months or longer. Chronic pain can come and go, or it can be constant. Sometimes chronic pelvic pain follo...

Making the Most of Your Health Care Visit

PFS001 Making the Most of Your Health Care Visit The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Women’s Health Care Physicians patient education FactSheet PFS001: Making the Most of You...

Your First Gynecologic Visit - Especially for Teens

FAQ150

When should I have my first gynecologic visit? An obstetrician-gynecologist (ob-gyn) is a doctor who specializes in the health care of women. Girls should have their first gynecologic visit between t...

Vulvodynia

FAQ127

What is vulvodynia? Vulvodynia is a condition involving chronic pain and discomfort of the vulva. The pain recurs and is long lasting. There are two types of vulvodynia: Generalized—The pain or disco...

Endometrial Hyperplasia

FAQ147

What is endometrial hyperplasia? Endometrial hyperplasia is a condition that occurs when the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows too much. It is a benign (not cancer) condition. In some cases, h...