Gynaecology specialists specialize in female reproductive health. They diagnose and treat diseases related to the uterus, fallopian tubes, vulva and vagina as well as assist with fertility issues and menopause management.
Gynaecologists can often double as certified obstetricians, meaning they can assist women during pregnancy and childbirth. However, their primary focus lies on preventing disease in the female reproductive system.
Diagnosis
Gynecologists are medical professionals who specialize in women’s reproductive health and disease. They diagnose and treat disorders affecting the uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix and vagina – including sexually transmitted infections, menstrual problems and infertility as well as cancers affecting these organs.
Gynaecologists usually make diagnoses based on physical exam and review of family history and symptoms. Blood tests may also be utilized as diagnostic tools; such as those which check for tumour markers or cells which indicate cancerous tissue presence.
Gynaecologists provide surgical procedures such as tubal ligation and labiaplasty, provide menopausal therapy through hormone replacement therapy, advise on contraception and family planning options, monitor childbirth and provide prenatal care. If necessary they refer patients to specialists in obstetrics or vascular medicine while at the same time prescribing medications to alleviate pelvic pain or abnormal vaginal odor.
Treatment
Gynecologists are responsible for conducting regular pelvic and breast exams as well as Pap smears to check for cervical cancer, in order to detect early signs. This allows them to spot potential breast and cervical cancer precursors before they have time to progress or spread further. An annual “well woman” exam also gives women a great opportunity to discuss any other concerns they might be experiencing, such as vaginal itching/odor, pain during sexual activity and bladder issues that might be bothering them.
Gynaecologists specialize in treating numerous other conditions, including uterine fibroids and endometriosis, and can conduct procedures like hysterosalpingograms and ultrasound scans as well as surgical procedures like hysterectomy or tubal ligation to address those needs.
Gynecologists can refer patients for genetic services, including preconception counseling, screening and reimplantation genetic testing services. A doctor will discuss preimplantation counseling, screening and testing as necessary with each patient.
Preventative care
Gynaecologists provide preventative healthcare services for women of all ages from adolescence through menopause. This may involve regular checkups and screening for sexually transmitted infections and cervical cancer (Pap smears), as well as surgical procedures such as laparoscopy or hysterectomy.
Gynaecologists specialize in diagnosing issues including irregular vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain, providing advice about contraception and family planning as well as pregnancy care, labor and delivery assistance as well as managing female reproductive diseases such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome.
Most gynaecologists advise women between 13 and 15 to visit them for their first well woman exam, which should include a pelvic exam, manual breast examination and Pap smear (an important screening procedure that uses a speculum to widen the cervix gently and take samples for testing), in order to detect precancerous and cancerous cells early.
Referrals
Referring patients to specialist gynaecologists can reduce unnecessary repeat tests and enhance patient outcomes, since gynaecologists can share results with both GPs and provide treatment plans accordingly.
Red flag symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, bloating, pelvic pain and unexplained weight changes should prompt immediate referral to a gynaecology specialist for assessment and possible cancer detection.
Gynaecologists are highly-skilled healthcare specialists trained to care for women of all ages – from puberty through old age. They diagnose and treat diseases affecting the uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix and vagina.
Gynaecology specialists may refer patients to other specialists such as allergists, cardiologists, hematologists or urologists for further diagnosis and treatments. It’s essential that you find one you trust who has the skills, knowledge and bedside manner that fit with your specific needs; without private health insurance coverage it may also be worthwhile checking if Medicare will assist in covering some or all of the cost involved with consulting a gynaecologist consultant.