Gynecology
Gynecology is the medical practice dealing with the health of the female reproductive system such as uterus, vagina, and ovaries. Outside medicine, it means the science of women. As in all medicine, the main tools of diagnosis are history and examination. Even though most gynecologists are obstetricians too gynecology has been considered to end at 28 weeks gestation.
A Gynecological examination is more intimate than a routine exam. It also requires unique instruments like a speculum, which helps retract the tissue of the vagina which allows better examination of the cervix. Gynecologists typically do a bimanual examination to palpate the cervix, uterus, ovaries and bony pelvis. They may do a rectovaginal examination for complete evaluation of the pelvis, if any masses appear. Gynecologists may have a female chaperone during their examinations. Abdominal or vaginal ultrasounds can be used to confirm any abnormalities appear from examination or patients history.
The main Conditions dealt with by gynecologists are Cancer and precancerous diseases of the reproductive organs. Incontinence of urine, Amenorrhoea (no menstrual periods), Dysmenorrhoea (painful menstrual periods), and Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual periods). Also infertility, prolapsed of pelvic organs, and Infections of the vagina, cervix and uterus. Some of these infections include fungal, bacterial, viral, and protozoal. There are some things that may crossover and require being referred to by a urologists.
As with most medical specialties, gynecologists may use some medical and surgical therapies or sometimes both. It depends on the problem that they are treating. Both pre and post operative management will use standard drug therapies such as antibiotics and antimetics. They also tend to use frequent hormone modulating therapies such as birth control, to treat disorders of the female genital tract. Gynecologists used to not be considered surgeons but that changed with...