Dr Ankita S
MBBS, MS, DNB OBGY
What sets gynaecologists apart from general physicians?
The areas of healthcare that gynaecologists and general practitioners specialise in are different.
Gynaecologists are experts in offering comprehensive medical treatment to women in every phase of life, from adolescence to old age. The prevention, identification, and management of numerous problems unique to the female reproductive system are the main goals of their practice. They deal with a variety of difficulties, such as menstruation irregularities, fertility troubles, STIs, hormone imbalances, and abortion services. Gynaecologists can also specialise in providing prenatal care, observing the course of childbirth, and providing postpartum care. They also offer a variety of other crucial services, including advice on family planning, disease treatment, cancer therapy, and other topics.
Physicians, on the other hand, have a wider responsibility that requires efficient communication with patients, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. To diagnose ailments, choose the best course of therapy, and monitor patient recovery, they make use of their in-depth medical knowledge and interpersonal abilities. To ensure that patients receive high-quality care, doctors also oversee medical workers and keep up with regulatory regulations and medical practice standards.
Why and When should a woman visit a gynaecologist ?
Women are encouraged to schedule regular gynaecological consultations as part of their usual healthcare. Ideally, these appointments should be made once a year to allow for thorough examinations and tests. Women should consult their gynaecologists, however, as soon as they have any worries or symptoms connected to pelvic, vulvar, or vaginal pain, as well as irregular uterine bleeding. Women can receive the essential medical care, diagnosis, and treatment to protect their reproductive and general health by swiftly addressing these concerns. Gynaecologists are specialised medical personnel who may offer women the care they require for optimum well-being by performing the essential exams, administering the required tests, and offering the relevant interventions.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) advises beginning visits to a gynaecologist between the ages of 13 and 15. These first appointments provide young girls the chance to get to know their gynaecologist and start talking to them about any queries or worries they might have regarding their reproductive health, menstruation, contraception, or sexual development.
Let's outline the primary reasons why individuals typically visit a gynaecologist
Routine Check-ups-In order to receive preventive care, such as annual exams, screenings, and evaluations of your overall reproductive health, it is imperative that you see a gynaecologist on a regular basis.The check-ups include
- General health check-up- Your weight and blood pressure will be assessed during a general health checkup. To evaluate your general health and identify any underlying issues, they may also perform blood and urine tests on you.
- Physical exam- You will be questioned during a physical exam regarding your personal and family history of health. The physical exam will be followed by other questions.
- Pelvic exam-To rule out any symptoms of infection, the gynaecologist will examine your vulva, or the exterior of your vagina. Your gynaecologist will then check the interior of your vagina. This exam may put some pressure on you, but it shouldn’t hurt. This is done to determine their size, check for cysts, etc. The inspection is typically not painful if you’re calm, though it could be a little uncomfortable..
- Pap smear- A Pap smear is done as part of the pelvic exam. Your doctor will take cell samples from your cervix using a tiny brush. Following that, a laboratory will examine these samples to look for cervical cancer and other anomalies. The procedure of removing a few cells with a specific brush from the cervix’s surface is known as a “Pap” test.
Menstrual health Concerns-For the treatment of conditions with the menstrual cycle, including irregular menstruation, painful or protracted periods, and a variety of menstrual cycle symptoms. These symptoms may include information on the timing and length of the previous menstrual period as well as elements like the severity of the bleeding, vaginal discharge, and discomfort or symptoms related to the urinary system.
Gynaecologists perform extensive examinations before recommending appropriate treatments, detailed care plans, and, if required, drugs. They customise their methods in accordance with the unique requirements of each person. In order to effectively treat symptoms and enhance general wellbeing, it is important to address the underlying causes of menstrual cycle abnormalities.
Reproductive health and symptom disorders-When faced with reproductive health concerns and troubling symptoms, seeking the expertise of a gynaecologist is essential. These specialised medical professionals possess the necessary knowledge and tools to accurately identify and effectively treat a wide range of reproductive disorders. Common conditions they address include polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). In addition to thorough diagnosis, gynaecologists provide comprehensive treatment planning, ensuring personalised care. They carefully manage medications to alleviate symptoms and may also recommend surgical interventions when necessary. By relying on their expertise, patients can receive the targeted and specialised care required to address their reproductive health concerns and improve their overall well-being.
Pregnancy care– Consulting a gynaecologist becomes necessary as soon as you begin family planning. Expert gynaecologists provide helpful advice on safe and efficient techniques of conception, ensuring a simple procedure without issues. Pregnant women’s health is given top priority, and they are given the tools to keep control of their bodies and minds throughout the labour and delivery process. These doctors offer suggestions for dietary and lifestyle changes, propose exercises, and share useful advice to improve general health throughout pregnancy. Today, women have access to a wide range of cutting-edge and empowering strategies that can help them have a smooth and fruitful 40-week journey. Gynaecologists also offer suggestions for workouts to restore energy and help new moms with the process of weaning from their infants as part of their post-pregnancy health advice.
hormonal imbalances and low sexual desires-For women, hormonal imbalances can present serious difficulties because they frequently result in a variety of physical and mental illnesses. Gynaecologists are experts in dealing with these particular aspects of women’s health in such situations. They have the knowledge and tools necessary to identify and treat the problems brought on by hormone imbalances, providing efficient therapies and specialised care to rebalance the body and enhance general health. A gynaecologist can provide women with comprehensive and tailored care for their unique health concerns thanks to their extensive expertise and experience in managing hormonal difficulties.
A gynaecologist can diagnose you with hypoactive sexual desire disorder if you frequently sense a lack of sexual ideas or desire and this absence of feelings causes you personal anguish. Whether or whether you fit the requirements for this medical diagnosis, your doctor can look into the underlying causes of your decreased sex drive and collaborate with you to discover suitable treatments. They will investigate probable causes of the problem, provide advice and support, and work to enhance your overall sexual health and desire.
CONCLUSION
A piece of counsel
References
3. Salani, R., & Andersen, B. (2012). Gynecologic care for breast cancer survivors: assisting in the transition to wellness.. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2011.10.858.
4. Shifren, J., Johannes, C., Monz, B., Russo, P., Bennett, L., & Rosen, R. (2009). Help-seeking behavior of women with self-reported distressing sexual problems.. Journal of women’s health.https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2008.1133
5.(2017). Committee Opinion No 706: Sexual Health.. Obstetrics & Gynecology. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000002161.
Frequently Asked Questions
Women should ideally schedule annual gynaecological check-ups for preventive care and overall reproductive health evaluation.
During a gynaecological check-up, your doctor may perform a physical exam, pelvic exam, Pap smear, breast examination, and address menstrual health concerns.
Yes, gynaecologists can diagnose and treat a variety of reproductive health disorders, including endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, uterine fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory disease.
Consult a gynaecologist as soon as you begin family planning to receive advice on safe and efficient conception methods and receive pregnancy care throughout the journey.
Yes, gynaecologists are experts in managing hormonal imbalances and can provide care and treatments to rebalance the body and address low sexual desires or related issues.
Dr Ankita S
MBBS, MS, DNB OBGY
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M.Tech Food Biotechnologist
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