A gynecologist is a specialist doctor whose main activity is the prevention, detection and treatment of diseases of the genital organs in women and the conduct of pregnancy and childbirth. If you have regular check-ups, it is possible to recognize the conditions at an early stage and their treatment is easier.
In his work, a gynecologist deals not only with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the genital organs and the management of pregnancies, but also with educational and preventive activities. They concern both the sphere of sexual intercourse and contraception, as well as the prevention of cancers of the cervix or endometrium, ovaries and breasts, which are common in women.
Who is a gynecologist?
A gynecologist-obstetrician is a specialist in the field of female genital organs – their anatomy, functioning and possible pathologies. He has knowledge and numerous skills in the field of clinical examination, diagnostics, as well as conservative and operational methods of treating diseases of the reproductive organ. He can give advice at a specialist clinic, perform surgeries in the gynecological ward, work in the delivery room, delivering deliveries. Some gynecologists specialize in the diagnosis of diseases of the reproductive organs or focus on gynecological endocrinology, which is important from the clinical point of view.
What diseases can a gynecologist detect?
A gynecologist is able to detect many diseases of a woman’s reproductive organ already during routine examinations. The most commonly diagnosed diseases are inflammatory changes caused by bacterial or fungal infections.
Examination of the vagina by a gynecologist allows for the assessment of the condition of its mucosa and a thorough examination of the cervical opening, where changes in the epithelium often occur. Their early diagnosis (and, if necessary, removal) allows you to avoid contracting a malignant neoplasm.
Gynecological examination enables the assessment of the size of the appendages and the uterus, their position, mobility, pain and sensitivity to touch. Thanks to this stage of the visit, the gynecologist can initially recognize, for example, pregnancy or tumors located within the reproductive organ (fibroids, cysts, malignant neoplasms).
In recent years, routine gynecological examinations have often been supplemented or even replaced by transvaginal or transrectal ultrasound. It allows you to accurately assess the uterus, its endometrium, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and even determine the phase of the woman’s menstrual cycle. Possible pathological structures are clearly visible in ultrasound, their location, shape and size can be assessed.
The course of a follow-up visit at the gynecologist usually includes:
- collecting an interview about ailments, sexual intercourse, contraception and menstruation, its regularity and abundance,
- examination of the vagina and cervix in a speculum,
- collecting cellular material from the cervical canal for cytological examination,
- manual examination,
- ultrasound of the reproductive organ,
- breast examination,
providing the patient with recommendations and, in the case of the disease, a diagnosis, information on the method of treatment, prescriptions for drugs or referral to tests or to a hospital.