Frequently Asked Questions

Video OB/GYN consult

Yep! Doctors on Sesame can diagnose, treat, manage, and screen for a variety of questions and conditions related to women's health. Common things addressed over video with patients include contraceptives and birth control, menopause, questions regarding prenatal conditions or pregnancy, urinary incontinence, UTIs and other vaginal infections, and more. While some services generally cannot be performed over video, like cancer screenings, Sesame offers in-person visits in select cities for any conditions you may not be able to address over video.
While OB/GYN, practiced by obstetrician-gynecologists, is generally considered to be a single specialty, it is made up of two distinct fields: obstetrics and gynecology. Obstetrics (the OB of OB/GYN) deals with the care during pre-conception, pregnancy, childbirth, and post-delivery, while gynecology (the GYN or OB/GYN) deals with the care of all women's health issues. So while obstetrics deals specifically with prenatal care, pregnancy, high-risk pregnancies, and other medical needs of pregnant women (or women soon to become pregnant), gynecology deals with women's health and wellness more generally.
Gynecologists are doctors who practice gynecology and who have advanced training beyond medical school to specialize in women’s health and the health of the female reproductive system (vagina, uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes). Gynecologists are often also doctors of obstetrics (practices associated with childbirth, pregnancy, and postpartum care), and are most commonly known as OB/GYNs. Gynecologists deal with menstruation, contraceptives, fertility, STIs, as well as menopause, and hormone conditions.

Video appointments offer you a convenient, affordable way to get care without leaving the house. Video OB/GYN consults can help address several questions and concerns about women’s health, and the health of the female reproductive system, including:

  • Questions or concerns about the female reproductive system, including breasts, uterus, vulva, ovaries, and urological symptoms.
  • Issues or concerns regarding fertility, pregnancy, menstrual health, and contraception.
  • Issues regarding urinary incontinence.
  • Questions about sexual health, libido, and sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Concerns about urinary tract infections (UTIs), and yeast infections.

Note that in some cases, your doctor may recommend in-person follow-up care, if appropriate.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that girls first see an OB/GYN between the ages of 13-15. Many issues and concerns before the age of 13 can be handled by a primary care physician. The first visit with an OB/GYN may just be a talk about development. There may be personal questions about puberty, menstrual periods, and sexual activity. Most girls will not need a Pap smear or pelvic exam on their first visit unless they are experiencing abnormal pain or bleeding.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that women begin getting pelvic exams and Pap smears, also called a Pap test, at age of 21. However, some doctors may recommend an alternative approach. As always, consult with your doctor first to determine if and when a pelvic exam is right for you.

Generally, a pelvic exam involves an examination of the vulva; an examination of the vagina and cervix; and an internal exam to check for abnormalities, as well as the size and position of the uterus and ovaries

Pap smears are used to screen for cervical cancer, usually done at the same time as a pelvic exam and/or HPV test. If needed, a Pap smear is performed by collecting cells from the cervix with a small brush.

The ACOG recommends that women receive a Pap smear every 3 years starting at the age of 21. These are preventative tests that are used to catch cancers, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and cysts. In the event of any abnormalities or concerns, you may be referred to an oncologist or follow-up specialist to diagnose a condition.

Sesame believes all women deserve access to birth control. Doctors on Sesame can speak to you about what birth control is right for you. Services offered by providers on Sesame include birth control prescription consults, IUD insertions, IUD removal procedures, and more with top-rated doctors treating patients in North Carolina. Not all birth control is the same - and doctors on Sesame can help you find the option that works best for you.

Generally speaking, yes. Hysterectomies and gynecological surgeries are a subspecialty and focus for some doctors. These procedures are most often performed by gynecological oncologists, and can play a role in treating or preventing a number of conditions. Some reasons or conditions that might lead a woman to getting a hysterectomy procedure are:

  • Severe endometriosis (abnormal tissue cells growing outside the uterus, causing menstrual and pelvic pain)
  • Cancers of the reproductive organs (cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer)
  • Fibroids (tumors in the uterus)
  • Uterine prolapse (when the uterus drops or slides into the vagina)

Yes, especially if they have training and expertise in reproductive endocrinology. Reproductive endocrinologists (REs) are OB/GYNs who specialize in diagnosing and treating issues related to infertility, pregnancy issues, and hormone functions. Women or couples see REs for several reasons, including:

  • Inability to conceive after a full year of trying
  • Medical history of infertility or pregnancy loss
  • Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
  • Attempting to conceive when a woman is over the age of 35
  • Medical history of reproductive conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, or gynecological cancer
  • Trying to conceive with a medical history of sexually transmitted
    infections such as HIV/AIDS, and human papillomavirus (HPV); or complications from STDs like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Additionally, REs may conduct several tests essential to reproductive health such as:

  • Cervical mucus exams
  • Hormone testing, including luteinizing hormone (LH tests)
  • Blood tests to screen for human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis, and HIV/ AIDS
  • Uterine and fallopian tube X-rays

In some cases, reproductive endocrinologists can help with assisted reproductive techniques like in vitro fertilization, and reproductive counseling.

Sexual health is part of a healthy life. Sesame lets you book a visit or video call with a clinician directly to talk about your sex life and reproductive health. Whether you are struggling to manage an STI or just need some advice, Sesame will connect you with the best doctors near you. The best part is Sesame offers cash-pay prices at rates up to 60% lower than what you’ll find through insurance companies. See who you want, not who your insurance company lets you.

Video OB/GYN consults are a safe and convenient way to see the doctor if you're concerned about COVID-19 in a doctor's office.

Note that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has released guidelines and FAQ resources regarding gynecological practices during the novel Coronavirus pandemic. If you are not experiencing an urgent condition, your routine in-person check-up appointment may be addressed over video with a qualified doctor on Sesame.

In the event of an urgent medical need, your doctor may suggest in-person follow-up, especially if you are suffering from any of the following conditions:

  • A chronic or extremely painful vaginal infection
  • Recurring pain in the pelvic organs
  • Abnormal or severe vaginal bleeding
  • Concerns regarding pregnancy or the viability of a pregnancy
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