What are GYNAECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS

GYNAECOLOGY:

Gynaecology is the medical field which is concerned with the study, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases related to the female reproductive organs. This includes organs like the uterus, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tube etc. 

A medical professional who practices Gynaecology is called a Gynaecologist. 

Common Gynaecological Conditions:

• Menstrual Disorders: Irregular, inconsistent and painful menstrual cycles are commonly diagnosed in women. This can lead to hormonal imbalance, severe mood fluctuations, hindrance in the growth of adolescent girls and even complications in conceiving and pregnancy.
  
  
• Ovarian Cysts: Cysts filled up with semi-liquid-like fluids can form on or around the ovaries. Usually, cysts are symptom-free and go away with basic medication. But in some cases, surgery might be required. 
  
  
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is diagnosed in 1 in every 10 women. It is a hormonal disorder and is commonly found in females of reproductive age. PCOS can cause several issues like severe weight gain, facial acne, hair fall, irregular periods and difficulty in conceiving. 
  
  
• Cervical Dysplasia: Cervical Dysplasia is the growth and formation of abnormal cells in the narrow neck of the uterus i.e., the cervix. If not treated on time, Cervical Dysplasia can lead to Cervical Cancer. 
  
  
• Infertility: When a female is not able to conceive naturally, Gynaecologists diagnose the possible problems. The diagnosis is then followed by medications and treatments. In most cases, after a brief course of medication, a woman is able to conceive. But in some special cases, they might need to opt for more scientific procedures like IVF, IUI, Surrogacy etc. In yet other cases, the woman might be infertile forever. 
  
  

OBSTETRICS: 

Obstetrics is a sub-filed of Gynaecology. It is specialized in the treatment and care of females during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. 

Obstetricians are doctors who have specialised in providing treatment and care to women during and after pregnancy. They are also qualified to deliver babies. 

Stages in Obstetrics: 

• Pregnancy: Pregnancy is the period in which a foetus (unborn baby) develops and grows inside a woman’s uterus. A normal pregnancy lasts for about 9 months. Pregnancy brings about several physical, emotional and mental changes in the body of a woman. Obstetricians attend to these problems and provide relevant medications and treatment. 
  
  
• Child Birth: Childbirth can take place in several ways. There are normal deliveries through the vagina, C-Sections, Vaginal Birth after C-Section etc. Obstetricians are qualified to perform and assist in all forms of childbirth. 
  
  
• Postpartum: The duration after childbirth is known as postpartum. Since the mother gets very weak and tired after childbirth, Obstetricians provide medications and care. 
  
  

How to prepare for surgery?

Even if there is no need for bowel preparation, you could be requested to abstain from all food and liquids for at least six hours before your surgery. When you go to work or the hospital the day of your surgery, wear loose, comfortable clothing.

What to expect during surgery?

The external genital exam, speculum exam, Pap smear test, and bimanual exam are the four primary components of the pelvic exam in a gynecological examination.Your legs will be in stirrups or knee supports as you lie on the exam table in a dressing gown. A sheet will be thrown over your legs to protect your privacy. When you are relaxed, the gynecologist will ask you to spread your knees apart. Try to unwind as much as you can right now. Do not tense up your muscles and take a deep breath. This will lessen the discomfort and improve the effectiveness of the exam.You may be sure that if you asked for a friend, family member, or chaperone, they will be instructed to stand in a place that protects your privacy. Your doctor will visually inspect the vulva and labia during the external genital exam. They are looking for anomalies like discomfort, swelling, redness, cysts, or any other outward sign of a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

What Are the Advantages?

Surgery's advantages vary depending on the procedure's nature and goal. For instance, eliminating a malignant tumor will stop the disease from spreading further. Other procedures are performed to treat incontinence or to ease discomfort. Some operations are carried out for diagnosis, such as checking the uterus or bladder for any issues.

What are the risks?

Every procedure entails dangers. The type of technique will determine the risks and problems of gynecological surgery. These comprise:

• Severe bleeding.
• Uterine perforation or uterine wall injury, which may result in bleeding during or following surgery.
• Due to the proximity of a woman's reproductive system to other organs, damage to a nearby body part, such as the bowel, may result.
• Bladder or kidney infection in the urinary system.
• Incontinence may result from harm to the urinary system.
• Difficulties using the restroom momentarily.
• Having a painful sexual experience.
• Anesthesia-related allergic response.
• Infection.
• Bleeding clot.
• After-surgery nausea and vomiting.
• Abdominal pressure and pain following surgery.

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