What is Obstetrics and Gynecology?
Obstetrics and Gynecology is the branch of medicine that deals
with the reproductive system of women and the disorders found. Obstetrics is
the surgical specialty dealing with pregnancy, labor and post natal care.
Gynecology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of the disorders related to
the female reproductive system such as uterus, vagina and ovaries. This is an
extensive medical specialization which includes a separate set of diagnostic
procedures and treatment methods. Medical professionals who have
specialization in these subjects are called as obstetricians and
gynecologists.
The common gynecological problems include amenorrhoea,
dysmenorrhoea, menorrhagia, infertility, incontinence of urine, prolapse,
tumor, cervix cancer, etc. Pregnancy, a very important condition, is not
treated as a disease. However, special care is essential and at times surgical
interventions become inevitable. Some emergency conditions such as umbilical
cord prolapse, placental abruption, placenta previa with hemorrhage, non
reassuring fetal heart rate pattern, uterine rupture, etc. may be
encountered.
The exclusive diagnostic methods in gynecology include
abdominal ultrasound, vaginal ultrasound, blood tests, hormone tests,
hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, Papanicolaou (Pap) smear, etc. Bimanual examination
and use of speculum are special diagnostic procedures during pregnancy.
Prenatal care and a series of blood tests have to be regularly performed for
child care. These reflections of physiological changes in the tests help to
analyze growth of a child and its effect on the mother.
Obstetrics and gynecology treatment generally rely on
medications, diet control and life style modification. Surgery is practiced at
times such as termination of pregnancy, dilation and curettage of the uterine
contents, hysterectomy, oophorectomy, tubal ligation, exploratory laparoscopy,
colposuspension, etc.
Obstetrics and gynecology
is one of the most exclusive of medical branches with many sub
specializations. The rate of gynecological disorders is increasing because of
the modern life style.
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