What is a gynecologist?
A gynecologist specializes in the female reproductive system. Gynecologists diagnose and treat many conditions and diseases. Most healthcare providers recommend seeing a gynecologist for the first time between 13 and 15.
A gynecologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the female reproductive system. Your reproductive system is responsible for pregnancy and menstruation. It consists of the:
- Vulva.
- Uterus.
- Ovaries.
- Fallopian tubes.
- Cervix.
- Vagina.
- Breasts.
A gynecologist is a surgeon who specializes in the female reproductive system, which includes the cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, vagina and vulva. Menstrual problems, contraception, sexuality, menopause and infertility issues are diagnosed and treated by a gynecologist; most gynecologists also provide prenatal care, and some provide primary care.
What conditions do gynecologists treat?
Gynecologists diagnose and treat conditions that affect your reproductive system.
Some of these conditions include:
- Endometriosis.
- Ovarian cysts.
- Uterine fibroids.
- Vaginal infections.
- Cancer of your uterus, ovaries or cervix.
- Pelvic pain.
- Irregular bleeding.
- Menopause.
- Issues related to menstruation or your menstrual cycle.
What does a gynecologist do?
Gynecologists diagnose and treat conditions specific to women. They can offer medical, hormonal, and surgical treatments. Gynecologists see their patients in a clinic or surgery and many operate in both public and private hospitals.
Women might see gynecologists about:
- period problems, such as irregular or heavy periods
- pain in the lower abdomen
- unusual vaginal bleeding or pain
- infertility, contraception or family planning
- miscarriage
- concerns about their pelvic floor
- cancer of the ovaries, cervix or uterus
- menopause or hormone replacement therapy
Functions of a gynaecologist
Gynaecologists use a range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Some of the procedures that are widely used in gynaecology include:-
- Hysterectomy or removal of the uterus
- Ovary removal
- Removal of fallopian tubes during surgery
- Taking cone biopsies from the inner walls of the uterus if cancer of the womb is suspected
- Colposcopy and hysteroscopy, where the insides of the uterus are viewed using endoscope-like instruments
- Taking biopsy or tissue samples from the cervix, if cancer is suspected
- Taking routine Pap smears from the cervix in order to diagnose and detect cervix cancer
- Ultrasound examination of the reproductive organs
- Laparoscopy or visualizing the inner abdominal organs of the female reproductive system and diagnosis and removal of cysts and infections from the ovaries and fallopian tubes
- Removal of uterus fibroids
- Diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections
- Diagnosis and treatment of urinary incontinence