Gynaecology & Obstetrics Services

Gynaecology & Obstetrics is the branch of medicine that deals with women's health in terms of their reproductive system and pregnancy care. It comprises a broad spectrum of services that get crucial during a woman's lifetime.

Gynaecologists treat irregularity in periods, infertility, and menopausal symptoms. They also make routine checks and advise on family planning and sexual health.

Obstetricians manage concepts of pregnancy up to birth and beyond, taking care of the mother as well as the baby. They have to manage routine and high-risk pregnancies; moreover, they have to perform prenatal tests and counsel the case as well.

These are the specialists together providing continuous care for the particular health needs of women from adolescence into the childbearing or reproductive years, into later life. The best outcome prevails for the woman concerning her reproductive health and childbirth experiences.

What does Gynaecology & Obstetrics do?

Major roles that gynaecologists and obstetricians play have to do with female reproductive health. The key areas of their work include:

1. Routine reproductive health screening and examinations

2. Diagnosis and treatment of gynaecological disorders

3. Family planning and contraceptive services

4. Prenatal care during pregnancy

5. Delivery of Babies

6. Gynaecological surgeries

7. Menopausal health issues

8. Care for high-risk pregnancies

9. Fertility evaluations and treatments

10. Research in matters related to women's health.

Conditions that Gynaecology & Obstetrics Doctors treat

Gynaecologists and obstetricians deal with the following pathology:

1. Disorders associated with abnormal uterine bleeding, such as heavy, irregular, or painful periods

2. Polycystic ovary syndrome

3. Endometriosis

4. Uterine fibroids

5. Ovarian cysts

6. Pelvic inflammatory disease

7. Sexually transmitted infections

8. Urinary incontinence

9. Pelvic organ prolapse

10. Cervical dysplasia and cancer

11. Breast disorders

12. Infertility

13. Disorders connected with pregnancy, like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia

14. Menopausal disorders and associated complaints/palsy

Symptoms of various Gynaecology & Obstetrics problems

Characteristic symptoms observed in different gynaecological and obstetric conditions include the following:

1. Menstrual disorders: Late periods, heavy bleeding, or painful periods

2. PCOS: Infrequent periods, excessive body hair growth, acne, weight gain.

3. Endometriosis: Painful cramps during menstrual cycles, pelvic pain with intercourse, chronic pelvic pain

4. Uterine fibroids: Heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, increased frequency of urination

5. Ovarian cysts: Pelvic pain; bloating or fullness in abdomen

6. PID: Lower abdominal pain, fever, exchange of unusual vaginal discharge

7. STIs: Vaginal discharge, blisters on the genital parts of the body, or burning sensation while passing urine

8. Urinary incontinence: Involuntary loss of urine

9. Pelvic organ prolapse: Feeling of pressure or fullness in the vagina

10. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: Usually asymptomatic and must be screened by Pap smears

11. Breast disorders: Masses, pain, nipple discharge

12. Infertility: Failure to conceive within one year after a history of unprotected intercourse

13. Pregnancy complications: Vaginal bleeding, severe nausea and vomiting, decreased fetal movement

14. Menopause: Hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal atrophy, dysphoria

What Tests and Diagnoses Does a Gynaecologist & Obstetrician Perform?

Gynaecologists and obstetricians use many diagnostic tools and investigations to examine and determine the reproductive health conditions. Some of the essential tests and procedures include:

1. Pelvic examination: This is the visual inspection and manual examination of the reproductive organs.

2. Pap smear: This is a screening test for cervical cancer and cervical abnormalities.

3. Colposcopy: Detailed examination of cervix, vagina, and vulva.

4. Ultrasound: It creates images of reproductive organs and fetus during pregnancy.

5. Mammography: Screening test for breast cancer

6. Hysteroscopy: Examination of uterine cavity

7. Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive examination of pelvic organs

8. Endometrial biopsy: Collection of lining of uterus

9. Blood tests: Hormone levels, STI testing, pregnancy tests

10. Genetic screening: Inherited disorders, fetal abnormalities

11. Bone density scans: Risk of osteoporosis assessment

12. Urodynamic testing: Urinary incontinence evaluation

Experienced medical team ensure accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment planning for optimal patient care.

When to Consult a Gynaecologist & Obstetrician?

While primary care physicians may provide treatment for some reproductive health issues, the following conditions would need a consult with a gynaecologist or an obstetrician:

1. Well-woman annual exams and screening

2. Persistent or severe menstrual problems

3. Pelvic pain or discomfort

4. Unusual vaginal discharge or odor

5. Lumps in or changes to the breasts

6. Contraception needs

7. Infertility and fertility concerns

8. Any suspicion or confirmation of pregnancy for prenatal care

9. Menopausal symptoms

10. Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse

11. Abnormal Pap smear results

12. Sexual health concerns

13. High-risk pregnancy factors

14. Postpartum care and concerns

Gynaecologists and obstetricians are committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for all aspects of women's reproductive health throughout their lives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Q: How often should a well-woman exam, pelvic examination, and breast check be performed on a woman?
A: Well-woman exams, including a pelvic examination and breast check, are recommended annually for all women. Additionally, Pap smears are recommended every three years between the ages of 21-65 years, while women 30-65 years should have a Pap smear every five years if combined with HPV testing. However, your doctor may have you screened more frequently based on your own history or risk factors.

2. Q: At what age should I start visiting a gynaecologist?

A: Normally, girls aged between 13 and 15 start seeing a gynecologist. Mostly, the first check with a gynaecologist is regarded as a consultative visit in respect to incorrect society concepts related to reproduction, and it will seldom involve a pelvic examination. Regular pelvic examinations and Pap smears typically have their root at age 21 or when a woman becomes sexually active, whichever comes first.

3. Q: What is checked during a prenatal visit?

A: Weight and blood pressure tests, urine tests, measurement of fetal growth, and monitoring the heartbeat of the baby are the common activities performed in a prenatal visit. Of course, your doctor will talk about your health, answer your queries, and probably undertake additional tests or ultrasounds if necessary. The visits to the doctor increase in frequency as the pregnancy period reaches its end.

4. Q: How can I relieve menopausal symptoms?

A: Treatment for menopausal symptoms shall be based on the severity of the symptoms and your general health. These may include lifestyle modifications, hormone replacement therapy, non-hormonal medications, and alternative therapies. A gynaecologist can help you formulate a tailor-made plan to enable you to manage your symptoms effectively.

5. Q: What options are available to me regarding contraception?

Q: There are many types of contraceptive efforts, like hormonal techniques including pills, patches, injections and implants; barrier techniques such as condoms, diaphragms; the intrauterine device; and permanent sterilization. Your gynaecologist would explain the plus and minus points of each method and help you decide on which form of family planning would best fit your needs and lifestyle.