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.
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