Your Health Questions Answered
Gynaecologists treat a variety of diseases and conditions, including:
- Menstrual disorders
- Endometriosis
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Uterine fibroids
- Ovarian cysts
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Cancer of the reproductive organs (e.g., ovarian, uterine, cervical cancer)
Conditions that can impact gynecologic health include:
- Hormonal imbalances (e.g., thyroid disorders, menopause)
- Reproductive tract infections
- Chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension
- Obesity
- Genetic conditions affecting reproductive health
- Lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol use, and stress
Yes, gynaecologists who are also obstetricians (OB/GYNs) deliver babies. Obstetrics is a branch of medicine that deals specifically with childbirth and the care of women giving birth.
Infertility is the inability to conceive a child after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. It can be due to issues with the man, the woman, or both. Common causes include problems with ovulation, sperm quality, fallopian tube function, and uterine conditions.
You should contact a doctor if you have been trying to conceive for one year (or six months if you are over 35) without success. It’s important to seek medical advice to identify any underlying issues and explore potential treatments.
Treatment for uterine fibroids depends on their size, number, and location, as well as the severity of symptoms and the patient’s desire for future pregnancies. Options include:
- Medications to regulate hormones and relieve symptoms
- Non-invasive procedures like MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery
- Minimally invasive procedures such as uterine artery embolization and laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy
- Traditional surgical options like hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) for severe cases