Dr. Narang’s Hospital Jaipur

Gynecologists are medical experts who specialize in disorders related to women’s health, with a major focus on the female reproductive system. A gynecologist is involved in diagnosing and managing issues related to menstruation, menopause, contraception, infertility, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), hormonal dysfunction, and more. They also provide specialized care in obstetrics, pregnancy, and childbirth.

Since both of these specialties are quite similar, most doctors provide care in both fields. Hence, such doctors are referred to as OB-GYNs. An OB-GYN has a medical degree and is trained specifically to deal with women’s reproductive and general health. They have experience handling every medical aspect of pregnancy—from labor and delivery to the postpartum period—as well as managing complications and twin pregnancies. However, gynecologists typically focus on women’s general reproductive health issues, whereas obstetricians limit their practice to pregnancy and childbirth.

It is generally assumed that obstetricians and gynecologists perform the same job. Although they have many similarities, this is not the case. A gynecologist possesses expertise in one field—gynecology—which focuses on the general reproductive health of women. Such professionals are not authorized to manage labor and childbirth. In contrast, an obstetrician holds training in both obstetrics and gynecology. Obstetricians care for pregnant women, the unborn baby, labor and delivery, and the immediate period following childbirth. They ensure that the mother and child receive the best prenatal care to help labor and delivery proceed without complications. They can also provide therapies to assist with conception. If there is a premature birth, obstetricians can provide specialized care for the newborn in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit).

There are several health conditions treated by obstetricians and gynecologists. Some of the conditions that require consultation with your gynecologist include menstrual disorders, excessive uterine bleeding, PCOS, pelvic inflammatory disease, adhesions, endometriosis, infertility, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), urinary tract infections (UTIs), menopause symptoms, bladder issues such as bladder prolapse, cervicitis, vaginismus, various types of cancer, DSE exposure, endometrial hyperplasia, dysmenorrhea, dysplasia, menorrhagia, hormonal disorders, genital warts, ovarian cysts, tumors, and many others.

For a woman to conceive, her body undergoes several changes to support the survival of the baby in the surrounding environment. Along with this, it is equally important to adopt healthy lifestyle changes and take the necessary measures so that the pregnancy can be planned well and without complications. Here are some important things to keep in mind while you are expecting or planning for pregnancy:

• Take good care of your sleep cycle.

• Eat nutritious food and avoid junk foods.

• Keep proper track of your menstrual cycle.

• Stay hydrated by drinking enough water, juices, etc.

• Boost your immune system with a daily dose of Vitamin C and antioxidants.

• Incorporate mild exercises and yoga into your routine to help achieve smooth labor.

• Go for regular medical check-ups.

• If you consume alcohol, quit drinking, smoking, and the use of harmful drugs beforehand.

• Reach and maintain a healthy weight.

• Include folic acid in your diet.

It is of utmost importance to pay routine visits to your gynecologist. This allows the doctor to closely monitor both your health and your baby’s development. Potential complications can also be identified and managed early. You should visit your doctor once every month from the 4th week to the 28th week of pregnancy, once every two weeks from the 29th to the 37th week, and once a week from the 36th to the 40th week.

A girl is likely to experience several changes in her body between the ages of 13 and 15. Therefore, this age is considered appropriate for her to begin visiting and consulting a doctor regarding her health. During this phase, young women go through significant changes as their bodies prepare for future reproductive health. Since these changes occur every month, any abnormalities during this time should not be ignored. It can often be a confusing and anxious stage for a young woman to manage. Hence, proper consultation and guidance from a gynecologist are essential. This helps her understand her body better and adapt to the new changes she is experiencing.

A gynecologist performs various tests to diagnose and confirm the disease. Here is a list of tests which your gynecologist might recommend:

Bone density exam, hormonal disorders test, cervical biopsy, colonoscopy, laparoscopy, ultrasonography, endometrial biopsy, hysteroscopy, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, pelvic tests, pregnancy testing, Pap test, STD screening and others.

In general, it is recommended to visit a gynecologist once a year. However, if you experience any abnormalities such as irregular or insufficient menstrual bleeding, vaginal yeast infections, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, or similar issues, you should consult a gynecologist immediately for proper evaluation and treatment.

Other conditions that may require a visit to your gynecologist include:

• Abnormal or painful periods

• Menopause symptoms

• Breast pain or lumps

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

• Heavy menstruation

A gynecologist treats various medical conditions such as menstrual disorders, extreme uterine bleeding, PCOS, pelvic inflammatory disease, adhesion issues, endometriosis, infertility, sexually transmitted infections(STIs), urinary tract infections(UTIs), menopause symptoms, issues with bladder such as bladder prolapse, cervicitis, vaginismus, several kinds of cancer, DSE exposure, endometrial hyperplasia, dysmenorrhea, dysplasia, menorrhagia, hormonal disorders, genital warts, ovarian cysts, tumours and many others.

There are various symptoms that make it necessary to consult a gynecologist. Some of the alarming symptoms include:

• Abnormal or painful periods

• Menopause symptoms

• Breast pain or lumps

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

• Heavy menstruation

• Irregular or insufficient menstrual bleeding

• Vaginal yeast infections

• Uterine fibroids

• Endometriosis

• Urinary incontinence

• Pelvic pain