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.

Investigations

Some of the investigations used in gynaecology are:

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• abdominal ultrasound, to give a low-power view of the pelvic organs.
• vaginal ultrasound. A probe is passed into the vagina, which allows a detailed view of the uterus and its contents.
• blood tests. Levels of hormones such as estradiol, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and progesterone are measured, as well as prolactin.
• hysteroscopy -- a fine tube is passed into the uterus via the cervix under a general anaesthetic.
• laparoscopy -- tubes are passed into the peritoneal cavity, which is then insufflated with carbon dioxide. This is commonly used to diagnose endometriosis.

MRI and CT scans are rarely used, apart from tumor staging in gynecological cancer. Pelvic X-ray is rare. It can be used to delineate the uterine cavity with an injected dye (hysterosalpingogram) and to measure the pelvic girdle.

Related Topics:
MRI - CT scan - Cancer - X-ray - Pelvic girdle

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