The word gynecology triggers an unpleasant feeling in many women. Yet this does not have to be the case at all. After all, gynecology involves more than simply examining and palpating the reproductive organs.
What is gynecology?
Gynecology is understood as the study of the treatment of the sexual organs in girls and in women. Therefore, instead of gynecology, the term gynecology is often used. Gynecology is the study of the treatment of the sexual organs in girls and women. Therefore, instead of gynecology, the term gynecology is often used. In gynecology, pregnant women are examined and treated as well as non-pregnant women. However, obstetrics is only one component of gynecology. Generally, non-pregnant women are treated in gynecology. This includes breast examinations and related preventive care. Many specialists offer their services in a private practice. For major procedures, gynecology serves as a separate department in the hospital.
Treatments and therapies
In gynecology, in addition to examining the cervix and vagina, this includes palpation of the breast for suspicious lumps (breast cancer). The smear test for cancer screening is also part of it, as is the ultrasound examination. Via the monitor, the gynecologist can see whether the mucous membrane is regularly built up. Cysts and fibroids are detected in time. The gynecologist also examines conspicuous vaginal smears for diseases. This may be a harmless vaginal fungus or more serious diseases (for example, chlamydia). Hormone therapy can support the desire to have children or reduce menopausal problems. Obstetrics also plays an important role in gynecology. At the beginning there is the consultation before pregnancy. The pregnant woman is then accompanied by the gynecologist until delivery. After the postpartum period, an examination is performed to determine whether all birth injuries have healed and whether the uterus has shrunk back to its normal size. Since gynecology is a surgical specialty, surgical procedures are also performed, for example, cesarean section and removal of the entire uterus. Gynecology is also dedicated to questions of contraception. Young girls in particular find an important contact here and can make a better decision after the consultation: Pill, condom or rather IUD? The gynecology department also advises couples who wish to have children. If necessary, they are referred to a specialized clinic. Conversely, the gynecology department also deals with unwanted pregnancies. Under certain conditions, an (outpatient) abortion can be performed at the clinic. After a rape, the woman concerned can have the “morning-after pill” prescribed. If couples no longer wish to have a child, sterilization can be performed in the gynecology department with obliteration of the fallopian tubes.
Diagnosis and examination methods
Gynecology has a variety of diagnostic procedures. At the beginning of the examination is the palpation procedure. This may involve the rectum as well as the vagina. Spreading of the vagina is done with the help of a speculum. This facilitates the insertion of other instruments (for example, a mirror). An ultrasound scanner has also become indispensable in gynecology. It is used to detect suspicious structures on the uterus and ovaries in time. Cysts or fibroids detected in this way can be surgically removed in a clinic if necessary. Gynecology also uses the personal observations of the respective woman for a diagnosis and asks typical questions: When was the last menstrual period? Where did the pain occur? Has the smear changed in color and odor? Furthermore, in gynecology the examination of stool, urine as well as blood is performed. A cervical smear is used for early detection of cervical cancer. In addition, the cells of the mucous membrane can give an indication of whether or not there is an abdominal disease. The doctor can already recognize this under the microscope and can usually inform the patient of the findings immediately. Gynecology also has a number of examination procedures available for expectant mothers. These range from pregnancy tests to antibody determination and labor recorders. Gynecology plays an important role in contraception.The doctor may prescribe taking medication (the pill) or use the contraceptive directly in the office (IUD).
