Do you choose a gynecologist by gender?
A 2002 survey of 537 women living in Brooklyn examined gender preferences in choosing a gynecologist, as there had previously been an increase in requests for female health personnel. The survey results were published in the Journal of Women’s Health & Gender-Based Medicine .
The researchers found that only a small number of women actually gave preference to a particular gender, moreover, the level of satisfaction with medical services was approximately the same regardless of the gender of the doctor.
Most often, a female gynecologist was preferred by more religious people: 56% of Protestants, 58% of Catholics, 58% of Jews, 74% of Hindus, 89% of Muslims.
The most common gynecological problems
- Benign tumors of the reproductive system (ovarian cysts, vulvar and vaginal ulcers, as well as other non-carcinogenic changes);
- Pathological uterine bleeding;
- Malignant oncological tumors of the reproductive system and breast, as well as tumors that developed in connection with pregnancy;
- Congenital pathologies of the reproductive system;
- Cytological pathologies (alterations in cells, including carcinogenic ones);
- Ectopic (ectopic) pregnancy, in which a fertilized egg is attached outside the uterine cavity, usually in the fallopian tubes;
- Ambulance and emergency gynecological care, for example , with sudden bleeding;
- Endometriosis (a chronic condition in which tissue like endometrium can be found outside the uterus)
- Fibrosis and uterine myoma (is a non – carcinogenic neoplasm in the muscle tissue of the uterine wall);
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (including abscess);
- Pelvic problems with the tissues that support the pelvic organs: ligaments, fascial tissue, muscles (pelvic floor defects and pelvic relaxation);
- Pre-malignant conditions of the reproductive system and breast ( endometrial hyperplasia, cervical hyperplasia);
- Sexually transmitted diseases;
- Incontinence of urine and faeces.
Gynecologists also work with co-morbid conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and even psychiatric disorders such as depression and personality disorders.
American gynecologists have a great deal of responsibility for women’s health, as approximately 90% of them start working as GPs after four years of specialization in obstetrics and gynecology. They tend to gravitate more towards preventive and general medicine, which, however, includes the diagnosis and treatment of relatively uncomplicated medical conditions such as headache, lower back pain, acne.
Specialty care also includes early screening, mammography, colonoscopy, blood pressure monitoring , immunizations , calcium and folate diets, and treatment for amenorrhea, breast benign growths, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, reproductive and hormonal disorders. disorders ( anovulation , galactorrhea , hirsutism , hyperandrogenism ), domestic and sexual violence, early termination of pregnancy, family planning (contraception, sterilization, termination of pregnancy). As well as gynecological care for specific age groups (pediatric, adolescent and geriatric gynecology), lifestyle advice (smoking cessation, weight management), menopause and perimenopause , menstrual problems, osteoporosis, polycystic ovary disease, sexuality (including sexual dysfunction) , vaginal discharge, diseases of the external genital organs.
Also gynecologists naturally work with various health issues related to pregnancy and childbirth. A typical weekly practice of a general gynecologist consists of two to four days in the office for consultations, one to one and a half days for surgery, and some time is allotted for working with childbirth.
What other knowledge do gynecologists have?
- Diagnostic procedures such as colposcopy (microscopic examination of the cervix ) and biopsy (taking a sample of tissue from the lining of the uterus)
- Gynecological operations , including sterilization, myomectomy ;
- Hysteroscopy (using an endoscope to examine the uterus) for diagnostic and surgical purposes;
- Operations related to infertility;
- Laparoscopy;
- Preoperative assessment of the patient’s condition and preparation for surgery;
- Postoperative care, including treatment of complications such as pulmonary embolism
- Ultrasound examination for diagnosis.
When is it necessary to visit a gynecologist?
According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology guidelines , women should visit their gynecologist annually for a routine check-up. If you have any symptoms, a full examination of the genitals (external and internal), as well as an examination of the mammary glands, should be performed: every three years for women aged 20 to 39 years and annually for women over 40 years old.