Gynecology Testing & Diagnosis

Whether you need an annual well-woman checkup or you’re experiencing worrisome symptoms, we are here to help. Our providers provide routine screenings as preventive measures against disease. We also offer advanced testing to ensure a prompt and accurate diagnosis to any gynecological problem you may be having.

Our San Antonio specialists are equipped to diagnose all types of women’s health conditions — from the most common to the exceptionally rare. We have several full-time radiologists in the gynecology department, so you don’t have to go to a separate radiology center.

You can feel at ease with us. We will do everything we can to relieve any anxiety you may have during exams, tests and procedures.

Preventive Gynecologic Testing

Pelvic exam

Typically part of an annual well-woman exam, a pelvic examination allows your doctor to check your reproductive organs for abnormalities. You may have a pelvic exam to evaluate gynecological symptoms such as pain or bleeding.

Pap test

Also called a Pap smear, this screening can detect cervical cancer or cell abnormalities that can lead to cervical cancer in the future. Women begin getting Pap tests around age 21.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) test

Usually performed on women older than 30, the HPV test detects the presence of HPV, a virus that can cause cervical cancer. The HPV test is sometimes performed at the same time as a Pap test.

Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression is more serious and longer lasting than the “baby blues.” We screen new mothers for this condition to ensure their mental well-being.

Sexually transmitted disease (STD) screening

If you are sexually active, your doctor may recommend regular screening for some sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. Pregnant women should also be tested for syphilis, HIV and hepatitis B early in pregnancy.

Diagnostic Gynecologic Testing

Pregnancy testing

We offer free pregnancy tests, which can be performed with a urine or a blood test.

Bone density testing

During bone density tests, X-rays are used to measure the levels of calcium and other minerals in your bones. This test can help diagnose osteoporosis, when bones are weak and fragile.

Hormonal imbalance testing

Women approaching menopause may experience natural changes to their levels of estrogen, testosterone and progesterone. Symptoms related to these imbalances may not be reason to test hormone levels.

However, if you are experiencing menstrual changes before menopause, sleep problems or unexplained weight changes, testing may be needed. This is particularly for abnormal thyroid-stimulating hormone levels.

Cervical biopsy

You may need a cervical biopsy if your doctor finds an abnormality during a pelvic exam, if you have an abnormal Pap test, or if you test positive for human papillomavirus (HPV).

Cervical biopsies are typically performed about a week after your period.

Colposcopy

If you have an abnormal Pap test, you may need a colposcopy to check your cervix, vagina and vulva for abnormalities. A colposcopy can help diagnose genital warts, cervical inflammation or precancerous genital tissue.

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery. This procedure can be used to diagnose or treat chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, fibroid tumors, infertility and ovarian cysts.

Laparoscopy can help determine the stage of gynecological cancer, perform a hysterectomy (removing the uterus), remove fibroids and perform tubal ligation, among other procedures.

Cystoscopy

This procedure can help diagnose and treat problems with the bladder or urethra. A doctor may use a cystoscopy to diagnose bladder cancer or determine the cause of urinary symptoms, like blood in the urine, urinary incontinence, overactive bladder and painful urination.

Ultrasonography

In addition to monitoring fetal development during pregnancy, we can use a pelvic ultrasound to help diagnose other gynecological health conditions. These conditions include uterine abnormalities, fibroid tumors, inflammation in the pelvis and ectopic pregnancy.

Either a transabdominal ultrasound (externally on the abdomen) or transvaginal ultrasound (internally in the vagina) may be used.

Endometrial biopsy

An endometrial biopsy is used to remove some tissue from the lining of the uterus to test for cancer or other abnormalities.

Hysteroscopy

This procedure helps diagnose and treat abnormal cervical or uterine bleeding. A hysteroscopy can also be used to remove abnormal tissue.

Sonohysterography

This is a type of ultrasound that introduces a sterile saline solution into the uterus, which helps produce a clearer image during the ultrasound. A sonohysterography may be used to diagnose fibroids, polyps, scarring, abnormal shape or cancer in the uterus.

Hysterosalpingography

In this procedure, a contrast dye is used to get clear X-ray images of the uterus and fallopian tubes. A hysterosalpingography may be used to diagnose a fallopian tube blockage or as part of an infertility exam.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

A pelvic MRI is an imaging test that uses magnets and radio waves to produce pictures of the pelvic region. It doesn’t use radiation. A pelvic MRI can help diagnose gynecological cancer, abnormal bleeding or growths, uterine fibroids, or problems with the uterus, cervix or fallopian tubes.

Amniocentesis

During amniocentesis, a doctor will remove some amniotic fluid from around a fetus. It can be used to diagnose a health problem with the fetus or to drain excess amniotic fluid.

Endocervical curettage

This is a type of cervical biopsy in which your doctor may remove some tissue from the lining of the endocervical canal for testing, potentially for cancer. It can also be used to remove polyps.

Exceptional Breast Care and Maternal Care

Our Breast Health and Pregnancy and Childbirth services offer the highest-quality breast care and maternal care for women in San Antonio and South Texas. Our specialists collaborate with your primary doctor to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding your health, including any diagnosis or treatment you may receive.

With our electronic health record system, all of your medical information is available to your entire medical team so each provider can better coordinate your treatment.