Gynaecology is typically considered to be a consultant specialty and in some countries it is required for the women to first see a general practitioner that is a GP who is also known as a family practitioner (FP) before seeing a gynaecologist. If the GP does not have the skill, technology, equipment, surgical technique, training and knowledge required for the diagnosis then the patient is asked to consult with a gynaecologist.

In many countries of course you are not required to visit a GP before seeing a gynaecologist as they can provide primary care in addition to their specialty. Today women face a lot of stress and diseases, and for the overall health, every aspect of the body needs to be taken care of. The reproductive system as such is a very delicate part and thus requires specialty which the gynaecologist offers.

The main tool of diagnosis that they use is clinical history and physical examination. This examination is quite intimate and is definitely more than a routine physical examination. This procedure also requires special instrumentation such as the speculum. The speculum consists of two hinged blades of a concave shape to extract tissues of the vagina and to permit the complete examination of the cervix which is the lower part of the uterus located within the upper part of the vagina.

Gynaecologist usually conduct a bimanual examination: that is one hand on the abdomen and one or two fingers in the vagina in order to palpate the uterus, cervix, ovaries and the bony pelvis. It is not unheard to conduct a rectovaginal examination in order to completely evaluate the pelvis especially if any suspicious masses are detected.

Male gynaecologists usually have female chaperones like nurses or medical students when the examination is on. An abdominal or vaginal ultrasound can also be used to confirm any abnormalities if detected during the bimanual examination or if indicated by the patient’s medical history.

Gynaecologists Deal with:

• Incontinence of Urine

• They deal with cancer and pre cancerous diseases which affect the reproductive organs like the ovaries, vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, and vulva

• Dysmenorrhoea that is painful menstrual periods

• Amenorrhea that is absent menstrual periods

• Infertility

• Menorrhagia which is heavy menstrual periods and is considered a common indication for hysterectomy

• Prolapse of pelvic organs

For more info you could contact Dr Nicole Ong at www.drnicoleong.com.au

Some procedures that Gynaecologists use and perform:

• Dilation and curettage

• Tubal ligation

• Hysteroscopy

• Diagnostic laparoscopy

• Hysterectomy

• Oophorectomy

• Exploratory laparotomy

• Cystoscopy and sub-urethral slings

• Appendectomy

• Caesarean section

• Cervical Excision Procedures