Gynaecology is a field of healthcare that deals with the health of a woman’s reproductive organs and surrounding tissues. Gynaecologists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gynecological disorders. The word ‘gynaecology’ comes from the Greek words “gyne” (ὑνη) = woman; “a”-logia (λογια) = discourse or study, and -logy (-λογία) = knowledge.
There are five main types of gynecologic conditions:
-Infertility
-Pelvic pain
-Menstrual problems
-Fibroids or uterine fibrosis
-Endometriosis.
Introduction
to Gynaecology
Gynaecologists are doctors who help women with certain conditions like menstrual issues, pelvic pain, and fibroids. They can also help with infertility as well as many other related health problems.
Vaginismus
Vaginismus is a condition in which the muscles around the vagina are involuntarily contracted, making it difficult or impossible for a woman to insert anything into her vagina. This can cause women to avoid sexual intercourse and other forms of vaginal penetration because they cannot feel pleasure from penetration.
Pelvic pain and menstrual cramps
Pelvic pain is the most common of all gynecologic complaints, and it affects 60 percent of women. One in five women will experience severe pain and/or bleeding as a result of pelvic pain every month.
Menstrual cramps are another common gynaecological complaint, but they are very different from menstrual periods. Menstrual cramps are a painful sensation that results from muscle contraction and stretching caused by the contractions of the uterine muscle during menstruation. They usually occur with your period or just before it, but might happen at any time during your cycle.
Pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum
Pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum are some of the most significant events in a woman’s life. It is important that you work with your doctor to ensure you are up to date on all the latest recommendations for your pregnancy and postpartum care.
-Pregnancy: Most women give birth vaginally, but if you have a high-risk pregnancy or choose a cesarean delivery, it is important to discuss this with your doctor.
-Postpartum: A complication known as maternal hemorrhage occurs often after childbirth. This can be severe enough to be life threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
-Doula or birth assistant
-Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding can help in preventing many health conditions, including obesity and diabetes.
-Mama bear syndrome
The mama bear syndrome is when moms act like they’re constantly looking out for their children no matter what situation they are in. It is normal for mothers to worry about their children more than anyone else. The Mama Bear Syndrome is especially true when it comes to new mothers because they may feel uncomfortable with how much independence their child has gained without them being there every step of the way; which can lead mom feeling insecure and unsure of her parenting skills. As a new mother, you may even feel guilty when she needs you less than before; which will cause tension between you and your partner over time as well as feelings of not being able to live up to society’s expectations of motherhood
The menopause
One of the most common gynecologic conditions is menopause or ‘the change of life’. It can be defined as the cessation of menstruation that occurs in a woman’s lifetime.
Infertility and other causes of infertility
When a woman is infertile, it means she cannot get pregnant. When a woman has been unable to conceive for one year or longer and has had at least 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse without success, she is considered infertile. Infertility may be due to ovulation disorders, tubal problems, endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, uterine fibroids which can cause pelvic pain or block the passage of eggs through the fallopian tubes.
There are many other causes behind infertility including low sperm count or poor quality sperm in men. If a couple has been unable to conceive after two years of trying they should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Fibroids or uterine fibrosis
Fibroids or uterine fibrosis are growths in the uterus, ovaries, and/or the fallopian tubes that can cause pain and bleeding. These growths may be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Some of the symptoms of fibroids include:
-Uterine cramping
-Spotting between periods
-Heavy bleeding during periods
-Pain before and during sexual intercourse.
Endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue that normally lines the uterus grows in other places in the body, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This condition can cause severe pain and infertility.
A gynaecologist can help diagnose endometriosis by performing an ultrasound examination. They will also have to perform a laparoscopy, which is surgery using a thin telescope with a light and camera on it to see inside the body. Tests may include an endometrial biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of tissue from inside the uterus for analysis.
There are five main symptoms of endometriosis:
-Painful periods or pelvic pain
-Heavy bleeding during and after periods (menorrhagia)
-Painful urination during menstruation
-Infertility
-Unexplained weight loss.