Gynaecology

Everything You Need to Know About Gynaecology

Gynecologist | What They Do | Problems & Conditions | When to see | Tests & Procedures | What to Expect | Conditions Treated

What is a gynecologist?

Gynecologists specialize in the female reproductive system, such as the fallopian tubes, cervix, uterus, ovaries, vulva, and vagina. These surgeons also diagnose and treat patients with contraception, menstrual problems, menopause, sexuality, and infertility issues. Some gynecologists provide primary care, while some provide parental care.

Some of the menstrual problems are:

• Amenorrhea – This problem occurs due to the absence of menstrual periods.
• Dysmenorrhea – Due to painful menstrual periods, women suffer from dysmenorrhea.
• Menorrhagia – This is caused due to heavy menstrual periods. The common indication of menorrhagia is hysterectomy (surgically removing the uterus).

Gynecologists also detect ovarian cysts, human papillomavirus, endometriosis, infection in any area of the female reproductive system, prolapse of the pelvic organs, bacterial, fungal, protozoal, and viral infections.

A Pap smear is an examination performed by most gynecologists. This examination uses an instrument known as a speculum, which helps to detect abnormalities like ovarian and cervical cancers. A complete diagnosis of the pelvic area is conducted by Pap smears. Then, they are accompanied by a rectovaginal examination. Gynecologists also use an ultrasound to be sure about any abnormalities detected by a rectovaginal exam and a Pap smear.

Some gynecologists are also an obstetrician who specializes in managing labor, pregnancy, and puerperium (time after the childbirth). Gynecologists or obstetricians also diagnose problems ranging from preventive care to STD (sexually transmitted diseases) to family planning. They also deal with endocrinology, adolescent gynecology, behavioral problems among young women.

The four subspecialties for GYN/OB are:

• Reproductive endocrinology
• Gynecologic oncology
• Maternal/fetal medicine
• Urogynecology/reconstructive pelvic surgery

What does a gynecologist do?

Gynecologists focus on women’s health, especially on the female reproductive system. They ensure the reproductive health of a woman by performing the standard yearly exam on adult women. During this exam, women are examined by:

• STD tests
• Pap smear
• Breast exam
• Monitor the woman’s use of birth control

Gynecologists who are also obstetricians look after the health condition of the mother and the fetus during the time of pregnancy.

A gynecologist also performs the role of a general practitioner of women. There are many such problems women have related to their reproductive organs, which are diagnosed by a gynecologist. These are:

• PCOD
• Cervical cancer
• Vaginal infection
• Urinary tract infection
• Sexual pain

If needed gynecologists, also perform minor surgeries like tube tying.

Gynecological Problems and Conditions

Some of the gynecological problems are:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Urgent and frequent need to urinate
• Burning sensation during urination
• Vaginal bleeding during and after intercourse
• Pressure or pain in the pelvis
• Burning, itching, swelling, soreness, redness in the vaginal area

Some of the gynecological conditions that are responsible for gynecological problems are:

• HIV/AIDS
• Uterine fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Sexual violence
• Gynecologic cancer
• Interstitial cystitis
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Sexual violence

When to see your gynecologist?

If you are facing the below-mentioned issues, you must immediately seek help from your gynecologist. Some of the problems are:

• Bleeding between periods/postmenopausal bleeding
• Pelvic pain and abdominal discomfort
• Problem periods/missed periods
• Unusual discharge or soreness in the genital area
• Problems with urination or bowel movements
• Painful sex

Females who are over 21 and are sexually active should see their gynecologists once a year for routine screenings and checkups.

Common Gynecology Tests and Procedures

Common gynecology tests and procedures are:

• Breast MRI
• Breast Biopsy
• Breast ultrasound
• Breast Scan
• Colposcopy
• Cervical Biopsy
• Hysterectomy
• Dilation and Curettage
• Mastectomy
• Endometrial Biopsy
• Pap Test
• Mammogram
• Loop electrosurgical procedure
• Breast-conserving surgery
• Pelvic ultrasound

What to Expect During Your Checkup

As soon as you visit a gynecologist for a checkup, the provider will collect all your basic health information such as height, weight, and vital signs, which include heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature.

Your gynecologist will tell you in detail about how to stay healthy. Certain exams may also be conducted. The gynecologist will ask you many questions to know more. Some of the questions may be about your sexual activities or the menstrual period. Your information is always kept confidential.

Medical conditions treated by gynecologists

Some of the medical conditions that are treated by a gynecologist are:

• Adenomyosis

When the endometrium (inner lining of the uterus) breaks through the myometrium (muscle wall of the uterus), the condition is known as adenomyosis. It causes lower abdominal pressure, menstrual cramps, bloating before menstrual periods.

• Adnexal tumors

Growths that are formed on the connective tissues and organs around the uterus are known as adnexal tumors. They are mostly non-cancerous, but sometimes they can be cancerous. Adnexal tumors are found in the ovaries.

• Amniotic band syndrome

During pregnancy, when the inner layer of the placenta gets damaged, Amniotic band syndrome occurs. Amniotic bands (thin strands of tissue) are formed inside the amino if amniotic band syndrome occurs.

• Anterior prolapse (cystocele)

Inside the pelvis, when the bladder drops from its normal position and further pushes the wall of the vagina, it is known as anterior prolapse (cystocele).

• Asherman syndrome (intrauterine adhesions)

When adhesions (scar tissues) are formed inside the uterus, that uterine condition is known as Asherman’s syndrome. In many cases, the walls of the uterus also stick to one another.

• Atypical isoimmunization

When the blood protein of a pregnant woman is incompatible with the baby’s, it is known as atypical isoimmunization. It causes the pregnant woman’s blood protein to react and further destroys the blood cells of the baby.

• Bacterial vaginosis

It is a kind of vaginal infection that is very common among women aged 14 to 55. The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are watery discharge and itching.

• Bladder outlet obstruction

This is usually a blockage at the neck or base of the bladder obstructing the flow of urine from the kidneys.

• Bleeding during pregnancy

When fertilized eggs are implanted from the lining of the uterus (implantation bleeding), and when there is increased blood flow during pregnancy (bleeding from the cervix), it causes bleeding during the time of pregnancy.

• Cancer during pregnancy

A Pap test done during pregnancy can confirm the presence of cancerous tissues in the cervix. Bloating, breast changes, headaches, rectal bleeding are some of the symptoms of cancer. These are also very common during the time of pregnancy. Gynecologists diagnose the exact cause by performing a Pap test.

• Cervical cancer

Cancer in the cells of the cervix is known as cervical cancer. Pain during sexual intercourse, bleeding after menopause, blood spots following or between periods are some of the symptoms of cervical cancer.

• Cervical dysplasia

Abnormal cell growth occurring as a precancerous condition on the surface lining of the endocervical canal or cervix is known as cervical dysplasia.

• Chronic pelvic pain in women

Pain in the belly button and below the hips, which lasts for more than six months, is known as chronic pelvic pain in women.

• Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM)

It appears as a cyst and mass in the chest before birth. These cysts are abnormal lung tissue that grows constantly but does not function properly. It is also referred to as congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM).

• Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH)

The chest fails to close during parental development because of the diaphragm that separates the chest. It leads to Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH). Due to this opening, contents of the abdomen migrate into the chest. The growth and development of the lung are impacted.

• Congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS)

It is the blockage of the fetus’s windpipe or voice box. This syndrome is caused by tracheal stenosis, tracheal atresia, obstructing tumors of the oropharynx, and obstructing laryngeal cysts.

• Conjoined twins

When identical twins are joined in the uterus, it is known as conjoined twins. This is a very rare instance.

• Diaphragmatic hernia

A hole in the diaphragm is a birth defect, which is known as a diaphragmatic hernia.

• Double uterus

It is a very uncommon abnormality and can develop into a baby girl when she is in her mother’s womb.

• Ectopic pregnancy

When the fertilized egg grows outside the main cavity, it leads to ectopic pregnancy. It usually occurs in the fallopian tube. This type of pregnancy is also known as tubal pregnancy.

• Endometrial cancer

This is a kind of cancer that occurs in the lining of the womb or uterus.

• Endometriosis

It is a disorder when the tissue at the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It involves fallopian tubes, ovaries, and tissues that surround the pelvis.

• Fallopian tube cancer

Cells that line the fallopian tube leads to fallopian tube cancer. It is treatable.

• Female infertility

When women fail to get pregnant, it leads to infertility. It can be due to physical problems, age, lifestyle, and hormonal issues.

• Female sexual dysfunction

Recurrent and persistent problems with sexual desire, response, pain, and orgasm that disturb you and your partner fall under female sexual dysfunction.

• Fetal anemia

An inadequate number of red blood cells in the fetal circulatory system causes fetal anemia. These cells carry oxygen to different organs and cells of the body. It can lead to various complications in the fetus.

• Fetal heart disease

While the baby is still developing, congenital heart disease can occur in the baby’s heart. This is known as fetal heart disease.

• Fetal macrosomia

When the newborn is much larger than average, it is known as fetal macrosomia. In that case, the weight of the baby is more than 8 pounds.

• Germ cell tumors

They are usually benign or cancerous and occurs in the testis and ovary.

• Gestational diabetes

This is a condition when the blood sugar level of a pregnant woman becomes high.

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

When the force of the blood is too high against the walls of the artery, it leads to high blood pressure (hypertension). It makes the heart work harder while pumping blood and ultimately leads to hardening the arteries.

• HPV infection

HPV infection is a kind of viral infection that leads to the growth of skin and mucous membrane growth. Some HPV is even responsible for different types of cancer.

• Imperforate hymen

When the hymen fails to perforate during the time of fetal development, it causes imperforate hymen.

• Menopause

This process is the stopping of the menstrual cycle, and it is a natural cessation. Menopause depends upon age, but a woman can experience sudden menopause due to ovarian or pelvic damage.

• Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding)

When a woman experiences menstrual periods with abnormally prolonged and heavy bleeding, the medical term given for that condition is menorrhagia.

• Menstrual cramps

The lining of the uterus is expelled due to the contraction of the uterus during the menstrual period. During the uterine muscle contraction, the hormone-like substances cause inflammation and pain.

• Miscarriage

This is a loss of pregnancy and occurs, usually before 20 weeks of gestation.

• Multiple gestations

It is a kind of pregnancy where there is more than one baby at a time.

• Ovarian cancer

A kind of cancer that begins in the ovaries is known as ovarian cancer. Unless it spreads to the pelvis and stomach, it often remains undetected. This type of cancer has no symptoms in its early stages.

• Ovarian cysts

These cysts are fluid-filled pockets or scars in the ovary or on its surface. If the ovary cysts do not disappear in a few months, it may cause complications.

• Overactive bladder

It is a name given to a group of urinary symptoms and not a disease. The most common symptom of an overactive bladder is the sudden and frequent urge to urinate. Leakage of urine is very likely to happen in this condition.

• Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)

Dyspareunia is the medical term for painful intercourse. It is defined as the recurrent or persistent pain in the genitals during, before, or after intercourse.

• Pelvic organ prolapse

When one or more organ (uterus, bladder, or top of the vagina, bowel) falls from their usual position into the vagina, it is known as pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic organ prolapse is not life-threatening but can be painful and cause discomfort.

• Premature birth

A birth that takes place more than three to four weeks before the due date is known as premature birth. Complications like slow weight gain, body temperature, immature lungs, poor feedings are associated with premature birth.

• Preterm labor

Preterm labor is the regular contraction that leads to the opening of the cervix. It occurs after the 20th week and before the 37th week of pregnancy. A premature baby is the result of preterm labor.

• Urinary incontinence

It means a person urinates due to loss of control. The cause of urinary incontinence is weakened control over the urinary sphincter.

• Uterine fibroids

These are non-cancerous growths that develop in the female reproductive organ during the childbearing years.

• Uterine polyps

Uterine polyps are the growths that are attached to the inner wall of the uterus. It further extends into the uterine cavity. Overgrowth of these cells leads to uterine polyps.

A better understanding of your health and management of diseases can help to prevent many diseases in gynecology.