Gynaecology

Gynaecology (British) or gynecology (North American) literally means 'the science of women', but in medicine this is the specialty of diseases of the female reproductive system (uterus, vagina and ovaries). Almost all modern gynaecologists are also obstetricians; see Obstetrics and gynaecology.

Diseases

The main conditions dealt with by a gynaecologist are:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

• cancer of the cervix. The Papanicolaou (Pap) smear is a means of detecting this, by obtaining a sample of cervical epithelial cells and examining them under a microscope for malignant changes. All women are encouraged to have pap smears at regular intervals after commencing intercourse.
• incontinence of urine.
• amenorrhoea (absent periods)
• dysmenorrhoea (painful periods)
• infertility
• menorrhagia (heavy periods). This is a main indication for hysterectomy.
• prolapse

Obviously there is some crossover in these areas. Amenorrhoea in a young girl may be referred to a paediatrician, incontinence to a urologist.

Related Topics:
Paediatrician - Urologist

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~