OB/GYN

Most people think of an OB/GYN as a doctor you see for pregnancy and pre-pregnancy care. And while that’s partially accurate, the more complete picture is that your OB/GYN can deliver high-quality care that specializes in women’s health. This can include broad and comprehensive aspects of your overall healthcare. That’s why many women will elect to make their OB/GYN physician their primary care provider. This means you can see your OB/GYN for annual checkups and to keep tabs on regular health issues.

At Yankton Medical Clinic, we are women’s healthcare experts. We regularly see women and girls of all ages. And with more OB/GYNs in one office than any other clinic in the Yankton and Vermillion area, we’re able to deliver high-quality care quickly, compassionately, and effectively–so you can spend less time worrying about your health and more time living your life.

Forms:

Avera Sacred Heart Hospital Registration Form
Avera Sacred Heart Hospital Women’s Services Unit Information Sheet- English
Avera Sacred Heart Hospital Women’s Services Unite Information Sheet- Spanish
OB- Over the Counter Medications for Obstetrics Patients- English
OB- Over the Counter Medications for Obstetrics Patients- Spanish
American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists- During Pregnancy Website Page

What are Obstetrics and Gynecology?

Obstetrics and gynecology are the medical and surgical treatments of diseases unique to women. This can include regular examinations, pap smears, infertility treatment, family planning, and care of women before, during, and after childbirth.  An OB/GYN specializes in both obstetrics and gynecology. 

Obstetrics includes:

• Pregnancy
• Labor
• Childbirth
• Postpartum care

Gynecology includes diagnosis, treatment, and care of the reproductive system, including care of:

• Vagina
• Uterus
• Ovaries
• Fallopian tubes
  

The Yankton Medical Clinic OB/GYN team is dedicated to the care of their patients and provides these services:  

General physical exams 

Your typical physical exam could include:

• Providing a simple urine sample for analysis
• A pelvic exam (both internal and external)
• A breast exam
• A pap smear. 

While guidelines vary depending on age, many women elect to undergo physical exams on an annual basis. This helps both you and your provider stay on top of your general wellness. Not every physical exam will be the same from year to year (for example, pap smears are recommended only every three years but may be necessary more frequently based on risk factors).

Gynecological surgery 

In some cases, the treatment of certain ailments may require surgery. Many gynecological surgeries can be performed on an outpatient basis. When this is the case, patients may have the option to undergo their outpatient surgery at the Yankton Medical Clinic Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC). Our ASC provides added comfort, convenience, and care.

Contraception education and placement

There are a wide variety of contraceptive therapies and options available today, from birth control pills to the patch to an IUD. Your OB/GYN can help you select the best contraception option for your goals and lifestyle. In some cases, your contraceptive may need to be placed by your OB/GYN (for example, with an IUD). This can be scheduled during your annual visit or during a specific appointment.

Pre-conceptual counseling 

Pregnancy can be a joyful time in your life, but it’s also a serious medical condition. As a result, our OB/GYNs are available for pre-conceptual counseling. During these appointments you’ll be able to discuss:

• Your medical history
• Your overall risk factors 
• Risk factors that may be present for your baby
• Any medical conditions you may have
• Lifestyle changes that could improve your pregnancy

These appointments can help you prepare for your pregnancy–and minimize many pregnancy-related risks in the process.

Prenatal care, including high-risk pregnancies 

Prenatal care is the care you receive while you are pregnant. Getting the right prenatal care can help you minimize risks and complications associated with pregnancy and childbirth. During high-risk pregnancies, you may require more prenatal care and monitoring than you would otherwise. Our OB/GYN team will be with you throughout your pregnancy to provide prenatal care.

Infertility counseling, testing, and care 

Infertility can occur for a wide variety of reasons. Your OB/GYN can help you determine the cause and find the right treatment. This process could include a physical exam, an ultrasound, or the testing of hormones.

Fertilization options 

Infertility can be a particularly frustrating and stressful condition to contend with. For some women, drug therapies can offer a possible solution. For example, certain hormones can help promote ovulation and increase your chances of a successful outcome. Your OB/GYN can help you work through fertility problems and refer you to a specialist when necessary.

Genetic testing and counseling 

Genetic testing and screening can help you determine whether you have a pronounced or hereditary risk of developing certain diseases. Genetic counseling can help you understand and contextualize those risks. This is usually performed to determine hereditary cancer risks, but genetic testing is also common when you become pregnant or are thinking of becoming pregnant. 

Your OB/GYN and a genetic counselor can help you determine whether genetic testing will be useful, accurate, or warranted–and what you should do with the information once you have it.

Sexually transmitted infection testing and counseling 

Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, carry a significant amount of stigma and emotional weight. Your OB/GYN will be able to provide screenings for STIs. Many STIs can be treated by simple treatment, such as an antibiotic. Other STIs require more intense or longer-term therapies. Your OB/GYN will be able to screen for STIs and provide necessary treatment or counseling.

Menopausal disorders including hormone replacement therapy, osteoporosis 

Your body will go through significant changes as your hormones shift during perimenopause and menopause. Your OB/GYN can help you manage many of the symptoms of this transition. This includes hormone therapies, when safe and warranted. Your OB/GYN can also help you monitor typical symptoms of perimenopause, including osteoporosis, depression, and more.

Menstrual disorders including irregular menses, PMS, and painful menses 

Your menstrual cycle is a normal part of life. But sometimes your menstrual cycle can lead to uncomfortable symptoms. Your OB/GYN can help you monitor, manage, and mitigate those symptoms.

Patient Education 

There’s a lot to know about your own body! Your OB/GYN can help you discover how to live your healthiest–and best–lifestyle. This could include nutritional information, contraceptive information, cancer screening information, and more. Your OB/GYN is here to help you get to know your body better.

Self-breast exam education

Self-breast exams are a critical part of early cancer detection. But they can be less effective if you aren’t sure how to do them. Your OB/GYN can give you a quick tutorial–as well as an easy-to-follow list of dos and don’ts.

Osteoporosis 

As you age, you may lose calcium content in your bones. This can make your bones less dense and more brittle–a condition called osteoporosis. There are vitamin supplements and medical therapies that can help with osteoporosis, preventing debilitating breaks in the future.

Hormone replacement 

Hormone replacement therapies can help you manage various issues, including perimenopause. But HRT isn’t for everybody. Talking to your OB/GYN can help highlight the benefits and possible drawbacks of hormone replacement therapy.

Here for Your Healthcare Needs

Whether your OB/GYN is your primary care physician–or working in concert with your primary care doctor–they are an important part of your overall healthcare. So if you haven’t been to a well-woman visit in a while, now’s the perfect time to schedule one.

Find out which of our physicians see patients at a location near you by visiting our locations page.

For appointments at Yankton Medical Clinic, P.C.: 605-665-5538 

For appointments at Vermillion Medical Clinic: 605-624-8643