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Gynecology
UPDATED: June 29, 2005

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Gynecology is a branch of medicine dedicated to specific female problems, as well as appropriate diagnosis and treatment. The gynecologist deals with functional disorders of the contraceptive options, menopause and the tracking of genital cancer.

Outpatient consultations include a midwife's appointment (on delivery issues), a gynecologist's examination, puberty problems, infertility, gynecological oncology and senology. Endoscopic gynecological oncology treats vaginal and uterine lesions in a minimally traumatic way. Laparoscopic surgery minimizes surgical trauma due to ovarian, tube, and uterine surgeries. Urogynecologic surgery is used to treat incontinence, which is common in women of a certain age or after one or more births.

Gynecological oncology, which diagnoses and treats tumors, is a collaboration of an interdisciplinary team of specialists. Thanks to the development of conservative surgery, breast cancer treatment today makes it possible to remove tumors without removing the organ itself.

Women's health needs constant monitoring. The fair sex should consult a doctor not only in the presence of symptoms of various pathological processes and diseases, but also for the purpose of preventive examinations. A consultation with a gynecologist is mandatory at least once a year.

Only an experienced specialist can detect both explicit and latent pathologies. A gynecologist is able to identify any disease in the initial stages, when it does not yet pose a threat to women's health.

The clinics of obstetrics and gynecology today actively use both traditional and modern methods of diagnosis and treatment of all pathologies (including cancerous and precancerous conditions of the uterus, cervix, mammary glands and ovaries). Specialists successfully solve problems related to pregnancy planning, conception, bearing and childbirth.

Special attention is paid to gynecological operations. Timely interventions help maintain the health and ability of a woman to become a mother.

Everyone knows that for some women, an appointment with a gynecologist is not the most pleasant procedure. Therefore, preparation for it is often delayed or postponed altogether. But it should be understood that in this way you only aggravate your health and are exposed to unjustified risks.

Who needs a consultation?

Medical centers with gynecology departments today operate in many cities. Making an appointment with a doctor is easy. Moreover, the patient can always choose a time of consultation that is convenient for her. If a woman is not worried about anything, she should visit a doctor once a year. If you have a history of various gynecological diseases, consultations are prescribed more often. They usually include a complete examination.

As soon as possible, you should get an appointment with a gynecologist with the following symptoms of diseases:

  • redness and rashes on the mucous membrane of the external genital organs;
  • itching and burning;
  • pain in the lower abdomen;
  • Abnormal vaginal selection and odor;
  • irregular menstrual cycle, delayed periods;
  • intermenstrual spotting.

Also, a woman should visit a doctor if she wants to find the most reliable method of contraception or is planning a pregnancy.

How to prepare for the appointment?

  • Preparing for admission to any of the clinics of obstetrics and gynecology does not pose any problem. It is simple and understandable for many women.
  • One day before visiting a doctor, you should refuse to have sexual intercourse;
  • Take a shower the evening before your appointment;
  • Wear comfortable clothing that can be easily and quickly removed for examination;
  • It is not necessary to shave the hair from the pubis, since they do not interfere with the examination;
  • You should take your menstrual calendar with you (this is especially important if you constantly experience cycle disruptions).

Examination

Initial consultation includes:
  • study of the patient's complaints and collection of anamnesis. The gynecologist finds out if something bothers the woman when she had her last menstrual period, clarifies the course of previous pregnancies (if any). Also, the transferred diseases are determined, all their symptoms, treatment features are specified. The doctor also learns the patient's genetic predisposition to various pathologies.
  • examination. It is performed on a gynecological chair using a special mirror. During the examination, smears are taken for general and cytological analyzes. The doctor also examines the condition of the mammary glands. During the examination, the woman does not experience any pronounced discomfort. The doctor carries out all actions as tactfully and accurately as possible.
  • appointment of additional examination. It is required to confirm or exclude pregnancy (if necessary) and identify diseases.
  • referrals to other narrow specialists. If pregnancy is confirmed during the appointment, the patient must be sent to a number of specialists. Each of them gives an opinion on the state of health of a woman, her readiness to bear a fetus. Some women (with chronic diseases or suspicions of certain pathologies) require an examination by an endocrinologist, cardiologist and other doctors.

What tests does the doctor take during the examination?

Cytological smear

This test allows you to identify tumor and precancerous changes. A smear is performed by scraping from the cervical canal and the surface of the cervix. Cytological examination is mandatory once a year.

Flora smear

This study allows you to determine the microflora of the vagina (microbial composition). Diagnostics is aimed at detecting the inflammatory process and determining the causative agent of the pathological condition.

KPI (kariopicnotic index)

Such smears allow you to determine the hormonal function of the vaginal epithelium. The study is conducted in women of reproductive age and during menopause. Diagnostics is aimed at determining the function of the ovaries and the degree of hormonal deficiency.

If pregnancy is suspected, as well as hormonal and inflammatory pathologies, the gynecologist can refer the patient to blood and urine tests.

Additionally, a comprehensive examination is carried out, including:

  • ultrasound;
  • colposcopy;
  • probing of the uterus;
  • hysteroscopy;
  • laparoscopy;
  • computed and magnetic resonance imaging;
  • biopsy.

Some gynecological clinics are distinguished by full-fledged equipment of examination rooms. Due to this, the doctor can conduct most of the prescribed examinations immediately (ultrasound, uterine probing, colposcopy). Thanks to this, a woman saves time and at the same time receives a full range of medical services.

 

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