What Is a Gynecologist?
A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in female reproductive health. Diagnose and treat problems related to female reproductive organs. This includes the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and breasts.
Anyone with female organs can see a gynecologist. 80% of visitors are between 15 and 45 years old. What does a gynecologist do? Gynecologists provide reproductive and sexual health services such as pelvic exams, Pap tests, cancer screenings, and vaginal infection testing and treatment.
We diagnose and treat reproductive disorders such as endometriosis, infertility, ovarian cysts, and pelvic pain. We can also care for patients with ovarian, cervical, and other reproductive cancers.
Some obstetricians and gynecologists also act as obstetricians, providing care during pregnancy and childbirth. If the gynecologist has experience in obstetrics, it is called an OB-GYN.
Education and training
A gynecologist is a doctor who has specialized training in the field of the female reproductive system. Like other doctors, obstetricians and gynecologists must undergo specialized training after obtaining a medical degree. In the United States, residency programs and accreditation processes cover obstetrics and gynecology together.
The process includes:
Four years in medical school
4 years residence
Pass aptitude test and written test
Documented experience in patient care
Passing certification exams and oral exams
After board accreditation, gynecologists are eligible for advanced professional training. Training areas are:
Breast care
Family planning
Minimally invasive surgery
Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology
Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
Reasons for visiting an obstetrics and gynecology department:
Consult a gynecologist if:
You’re Due for a Checkup
Regular visits to the gynecologist are important to maintain reproductive health. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, these visits should begin between the ages of 13 and 15.
Depending on your medical history and age, your gynecologist may use this visit to check for issues such as cervical cancer and breast cancer. It is also an opportunity to ask questions.
You Have Discomfort in Your Pelvic Region
Pain in the lower abdomen, also known as the pelvic area, can be a sign of reproductive problems. Common causes of pelvic pain include menstrual cramps, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and ectopic pregnancy.
You Have Concerns about Your Period or Getting Pregnant
You can make an appointment with your gynecologist if you have any changes in your menstrual cycle, such as unusual pain or bleeding. If you’re in your 40s or 50s, your gynecologist can help determine if you’re likely to be in menopause.
The obstetrician-gynecologist can also answer questions about pregnancy, including how to avoid pregnancy and what to do if you think you are pregnant.
You Have a Discharge Your Concerned About
If you have an unusual discharge or smell, your gynecologist can diagnose the cause and offer treatment.
What to Expect at the Gynecologist
Your gynecologist will examine your reproductive system internally and externally. The breast is examined to look for lumps or cysts Next, examine the vulva, which is outside the vagina.
The next step is usually a pelvic examination. Your doctor will use a special instrument called a speculum to look inside your vagina and look at your cervix.
To look inside, the gynecologist uses an instrument called a speculum, which the doctor inserts into the vagina. It expands the vagina and helps doctors see the cervix, which is between the vagina and the uterus. During a vaginal examination, your gynecologist may perform a procedure called a Pap smear. This allows doctors to take a sample of cells from the cervix to check for infection.
Doctors may compress the abdomen and pelvis and insert a gloved finger into the rectum to check for problems.
If a gynecologist diagnoses you with an illness, they can treat you or refer you to a specialist. Depending on the problem, treatment may include medication, surgery, or a watchful waiting approach.
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