Who is a Gynecologist?

Physicians and doctors who are specialized in diagnosing and treating medical conditions and diseases related to women’s reproductive health are Gynecologists. Gynecology is the field of medicine that deals with the female reproductive system which includes the vagina, ovaries, uterus, and breasts. It also involves the treatment of the bladder and urinary system.

What are the qualifications of Gynecologist?

A 5-year medical degree [MBBS] that is recognized by the General Medical Council and a 2-year foundation course of general training are the basic requirements for an individual to be a doctor. However, following are the specialties or extra qualifications required to be a Gynecologist:

• CCT - OBG
• MRCP - Obstetrics & Gynecology
• MRCOG(UK)
• MD - Midwifery & Gynecology
• MS - Obstetrics & Gynaecology
• PhD - Obstetrics & Gynecology
• DNB - Obstetrics & Gynecology
• MNAMS - Obstetrics & Gynaecology
• Post Graduate Diploma in Maternity and Child Health (PGDMCH)
• Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine
• FCPS - Mid. & Gynae
• Fellow of Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists FRCOG (London)
• DRCOG
• Fellow of Indian College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FICOG)
• Diploma of the Faculty of Family Planning (DFFP)
• DGO

Are Gynecologists and Obstetricians the same?

Gynecologists are doctors specialized in diagnosing and treating medical conditions related to women’s reproductive organs and health. Obstetricians treat all the medical conditions of pregnant women before, during and after pregnancy.

What procedures can be performed by a Gynecologist?

Some of the common surgeries and procedures performed by Gynecologists are:

• Adhesiolysis
• Colporrhaphy
• Endometrial ablation
• Endometrial biopsy
• Fluid-contrast ultrasound
• Pelvic ultrasound
• Selective salpingography
• Toluidine blue-dye test
• Trachelectomy
• Uterine (artery) Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
• Pelvic laparoscopy
• Dilation and Curettage [D&C]
• Colposcopy
• Cervical biopsy
• Hysterectomy
• Myomectomy
• Oophorectomy
• Tubal ligation
• Vulvectomy

When should an individual consult a Gynecologist?

Individuals who have concerns with any of the following medical conditions should consult a Gynecologist:

• Premenstrual Syndrome [PMS]
• Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome [PCOS]
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Temporary & permanent contraception
• Genital tract infections
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Ovarian cancer
• Uterine cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Vulvar cancer
• Vulva & vaginal skin disorders
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Pre-eclampsia
• Implanon insertion
• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids
• Ovarian cysts

How do I consult a Gynecologist?

You can consult a Gynecologist either online or offline. However, depending on the availability of the doctor and the convenience of the patient, pre-booking may be required for consultation.

How often should an individual visit a Gynecologist-Obstetrician?

Individuals who are suffering from diseases and medical conditions related to the vagina, ovaries, uterus and breasts should consult a Gynecologist once in 6 months. However, it is recommended that a healthy individual consult a Gynecologist at least once a year.