Gynaecology

A gynaecologist is a doctor who specialises in women’s health. More specifically they manage the medical and surgical problems that affect women’s reproductive and urolological systems.

Medical Conditions

Any area of women’s health.

• Pregnancy
• Child birth
• Sexual health
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Gynaecologic malignancies
• Urinary incontinence
• Problems with menstruation
• Lower abdominal pain

Specialty Areas of Interest

• Reproductive endocrinology and fertility
• Obstetrics
• Gynaecologic oncology
• Foetal-maternal medicine
• Paediatric and adolescent gynaecology
• Urogynaecology

Associated Tests

• Pap smear
• Colposcopy
• Cone biopsy
• Hysteroscopy
• Laparoscopy
• Ultrasound

Procedures

• Hysterectomy
• IUCD fitting
• Pelvic and bladder outlet reconstruction
• Sterilisation
• Abortion
• Delivery
• Caesarean section
• Forceps delivery
• Vaccuum assisted delivery
• Dilatation and curretage (D&C)

What to expect

As with other doctors the initial meeting is usually structured along similar lines: taking a history, examining the patient and then performing some investigations (tests).
In taking a history the specialist enquires about what has happened leading up to the presentation.
Examination will follow and for gynaecologists will generally include a vaginal examination often with use of a speculum so the cervix can be visualised.
Finally specific tests are arranged. These may be blood tests, urine tests, pap smears, ultrasounds or one of many other things.
Once the results are back the information gathered can be analysed and a diagnosis decided upon. The best treatment can then be tailored to the patient’s requirements.

Training and Qualifications

• Basic medical training
• Internship
• Residency
• Specialty Training

Links

• Find a Gynaecologist
• The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
• Wikipedia – Gynaecology

Gynecology – American spelling for Gynaecology.