Gynecological 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.

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.

What is Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?

• Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is any bleeding that differs from your usual menstrual cycle. This may include:
• Bleeding between periods
• Very heavy periods (soaking through pads or tampons in less than 2 hours)
• Periods that last more than 7 days
• Irregular, missed periods
• Bleeding after menopause

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.

We offer evaluation and treatments to improve symptoms of endometriosis and assess whether endometriosis has contributed to infertility.

Management options we offer for diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis include medications and/or surgical procedures, such as excision surgery that could provide pain relief, remove scar tissue, and improve organ function and fertility. In cases of endometriosis-related infertility, clinicians may recommend IVF or other assisted reproductive therapies to enhance pregnancy chances.

Throughout the infertility journey, our counselors support patients with endometriosis, explaining different assisted reproductive technologies and helping patients understand their options fully.

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.

What are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are common and affect 70 to 80% of people with a uterus during their lifetime. Fibroids are unlikely to be cancerous and don’t always require treatment. However, they can be the reason for symptoms such as:

• Heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Lack of energy due to blood loss
• Pelvic pressure and pain
• Abdominal swelling
• Pregnancy difficulties
• Pain with sex

Treatment Options

Our gynecologists can provide a broad range of treatment options to meet the needs and goals of patients, including uterus-sparing or fertility-sparing goals.

Treatment can range from treating symptoms related to fibroids to decreasing the size of fibroids or complete removal and include:

• Hormonal and medication therapies:
  Pain relievers, hormonal treatments, and hormone blockers to control symptoms Implants such as hormone-containing intrauterine devices to decrease blood flow
• Endometrial ablation: Outpatient same-day surgery procedure to permanently remove the lining of the uterus in order to decrease bleeding.
• Hysteroscopy Myomectomy: Outpatient same-day surgery procedure to remove fibroids through the vagina without incisions.
• Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE): Outpatient procedure performed by Interventional Radiology to block blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink and improve symptoms of bleeding and pain.
• Radiofrequency Ablation (Acessa®): Outpatient same-day laparoscopy surgery with quick recovery that shrinks fibroids and reduces symptoms of bleeding and pain.
• Minimally Invasive Surgery/Myomectomy: Uterine surgery to remove fibroids for those that desire pregnancy or wish to retain the uterus.
• Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus and fibroids, often with minimally invasive approach to make healing time easier and faster.

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.
• 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.

Urine leakage and other bladder control issues are common, especially in those who have had children. But whether it’s from childbirth, menopause or simply the effects of aging, pelvic floor disorders can lead to sometimes embarrassing conditions that can interfere with everyday activities and cause physical and emotional distress.

At Yale New Haven Hospital, expert urologists in pelvic disorders and urogynecology offer a number of treatments that can help you get back to your active lifestyle.

Learn more about Urogynecology and Urology Services at Yale New Haven Hospital

Gynecologic oncology services at Smilow Cancer Hospital unite a multidisciplinary team of leading clinicians. Our physicians are board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and in the subspecialty of gynecologic oncology, which brings together surgery, chemotherapy and radiation oncology.

The team treats precancerous changes of the vulva, vagina and cervix, including dysplasia and carcinomas in these organs; premalignant changes of the endometrium, including adenomatous hyperplasias; vulvar cancer; vaginal cancer; cervical cancer; uterine cancer; fallopian tube cancer; ovarian cancer and gestational trophoblastic disease; and soft-tissue tumors of the pelvis.

Learn more about the Gynecologic Cancers Program at Smilow Cancer Hospital

Our Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Program provides high-quality, specialized gynecologic care to young people from birth through adolescence and into early adulthood.

Learn more about Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital