Obstetrics and Gynecology are two medical specialities dealing with female reproductive health. There has been a myriad changes and development over the years and that is why often, the two specialities are combinedly performed and the different practitioners are trained together. That is why more than often they are treated as a single speciality.

What are obstetricians and gynaecologists?

Obstetrics deals with the care of a pregnant mother and her unborn child, during the period of pregnancy and during childbirth. It also deals with the prenatal care of the fetus and postnatal care of the mother, to see if she is recovering properly. Gynecology is the umbrella term used for dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of any disorder or diseases related to the female sexual organs. This branch encompasses the organs of the uterus, ovaries, cervix and vagina.

Different procedures performed by an obstetrician and gynaecologist An obstetrician also deals with the problems that may arise during childbirth, namely:

  • External Cephalic Version- Medical terminology for turning a baby around inside the womb of the mother to face the right direction.
  • Caesarian- When vaginal delivery is not a considerable option, an obstetrician surgically delivers the child.
  • Cervical cerclage- This procedure is related to strengthening a woman’s cervix, to prevent miscarriages.

Gynecology deals with both medicinal and surgical ways of treating a condition or disease of the female reproductive organ. Gynecologists can also perform the following procedures-

  • Hysterectomy
  • Laparoscopy
  • Cone Biopsies (removal of precancerous cells in the cervix)

ONCOLOGY AND GYNECOLOGY What is a Gynecologic Oncologist?

A gynecologic oncologist is a specialized obstetrician or gynaecologist who deals with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of different cancers of a woman’s reproductive system. They treat cancers of the uterus, ovaries, endometrium, cervix and vagina.

When should I consult a gynaecologist? You may consult a gynaecologist if you have–

  • Unusual vaginal bleeding
  • Pain in the pelvic area
  • Irregular menstruation
  • Or, any lump or unusual growth that can be felt or seen.

Gynecologic cancers can be treated in different ways, depending on the kind of cancer and its stage. Treatments include radiation, chemotherapy or surgery.

REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINES

Reproductive medicines are usually taken when one has fertility problems. Medicines and hormone treatments are the most common ways of treating fertility problems. They may also be used for in vitro fertilization or any other reproductive technologies. If the ovulation is irregular or not happening at all, then using hormones and medicines to stimulate ovulation will increase one’s chances of pregnancy. You may consult your doctor first to know if you are likely to have multiple pregnancies.

What are the various types of treatment for fertility issues- Wide varieties of treatment are available for women, namely

  • Clomiphene- stimulates the release of hormones, triggering ovulation
  • Gonadotropins- hormone shots that stimulate the ovaries into producing mature eggs
  • Medical drugs for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue- used for in-vitro fertilization
  • Aromatase inhibitors- sometimes used to stimulate ovulation