Gynaecologist

A gynaecologist–obstetrician is a doctor who specialises in identifying, assessing, and treating female reproductive organ disorders along with providing care during pregnancy and childbirth. There are some gynae doctors who primarily focus on preventive health services, while others attend to the health of the female reproductive system.

An obstetrician specifically is concerned with a pregnant woman’s well-being as well as any surgical procedures or complications associated with or occurring during the pregnancy, while a gynaecologist deals with the treatment of non-pregnant patients.

In India, a gynaecologist is trained and certified in obstetrics as well, thus providing a one-stop solution for all health issues related to the female reproductive system.

Whether it is ageing, menstruation, or sexual activity, female reproductive organs are constantly undergoing changes during the entire span of their fertile life. Menstrual disorders, cervical dysplasia, ovarian cysts, urinary incontinence, abnormal uterine bleeding, endometriosis, and vaginitis are some of the commonly occurring gynae problems faced by a woman of the fertile age group. Other common problems dealt with by gynae doctors are:

• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a hormonal disorder in women, which is mainly associated with irregular menses, difficulty conceiving, weight gain, and facial hair growth issues. Getting the right advice from your gynae doctor on the treatment is crucial to treat PCOS.
• Post: delivery issues- Despite the fact that childbirth is a lifetime experience in a woman’s life, it is many a time associated with postpartum pregnancy depression, extensive hair loss, and many other health issues. Regular follow-ups with your gynaecology doctor help solve these issues and aid in leading a healthy life post-pregnancy.
• Menstruation issues: Some of the common menstruation issues are irregular periods, missed periods, abnormally high blood flow during menses, or even very little blood flow during menstruation. Proper advice from your gynae doctor can help you alleviate menstruation problems.
• Breast issues: One of the most overlooked part of women is breasts. If there is any kind of discharge, pain, lump, or any other symptom, it is advisable to contact your gynae right away.

A gynaecologist, also called a ‘female reproductive health specialist’, treats various conditions related to the female reproductive system, which include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Infertility: This refers to an inability to conceive or bear a child for more than a year.
• Pain in the pelvis: There are various reasons for pelvic pain arising from gynaecological conditions, such as fibroids in the uterus, dysmenorrhoea, and ectopic pregnancy.
• Breast issues: Unusual lump, discharge, or pain in the breast can be related to serious conditions. A gynaecologist performs a careful breast examination, arrives at an appropriate diagnosis, and formulates a treatment plan.
• Menstrual issues like irregular menses and an absence of menstruation
• Endometriosis
• Vaginal itching and/or discharge
• Cancers of the female reproductive system
• Vaginal infections and yeast infections

A gynaecologist–obstetrician also performs various surgical procedures. Some of these procedures are listed here:

• Cone biopsies: This procedure is conducted as a preventive measure to avoid cervical cancer and involves the removal of abnormal cells from the cervix
• Laparoscopies: This surgery is commonly performed for the removal of ovarian and fallopian tube cysts and infections.
• Hysterectomy: In this procedure, the uterus, whether as a part of family planning or due to pathologic condition, is removed.
• C-sections: This is a surgical method of childbirth used to avoid labour complications.
• Cervical suturing: This helps prevent miscarriages.
• Normal delivery