Gynecologist (gynecologist)

Of the Gynecologist is the slang term for one Gynecologist. This deals with gynecology, i.e. with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the female reproductive and sexual tract.

What is a gynecologist (gynecologist)?

Gynecologists or. Gynecologist are dedicated to maintaining and restoring the health of the female reproductive system. For this reason, the specialists in gynecology are generally referred to as "gynecologists".

The official name is "Specialist for gynecology and obstetrics". The basic requirement for a job as a gynecologist is a medical degree at a university. Future gynecologists then have to complete a five-year specialist training course. At least three years of this must be completed in ward duty.

The area of ​​responsibility of the trained gynecologist includes, among other things, performing surgical interventions such as sterilization, but also advising patients on unfulfilled wishes for children or different contraceptive methods.

Treatments

Gynecologists in their daily work mainly deal with diseases of the female genital organs and with questions about conception. This includes the diagnosis and treatment of venereal diseases and benign or malignant changes as well as the prescription of a contraceptive that is suitable for the patient.

Operative interventions, such as the removal of cysts and tumors and sterilization, are carried out by the gynecologist if necessary. Childless couples can seek advice from a specialist regarding supportive methods such as hormone treatments.

In the event of pregnancy, the gynecologist monitors the development of the unborn embryo and can thus identify any problems that may arise at an early stage.

In addition to these basic treatment areas of gynecology, the gynecologist can also specialize in another area if desired. So-called prenatal medicine focuses on monitoring the unborn child. In pediatric gynecology, malformations of the child's reproductive organs are treated, among other things. Special knowledge of paediatrics and psychology is necessary here.

If a gynecologist specializes in senology, the study of the female breast, he is particularly qualified to diagnose and treat diseases and changes in the breast (e.g. breast cancer).

Diagnosis & examination methods

Gynecologists Different examination methods are available that you can use for diagnosis depending on the individual case. A routine exam usually includes an examination of the vagina, uterus, and ovaries.

For this purpose, the patient lies in a special gynecological chair that enables the gynecologist to reach the relevant organs particularly easily. First, an ultrasound image of the uterus and the surrounding organs is made. In this way any changes can be discovered. The ovaries are then checked by means of a palpation examination. With the help of a speculum that is inserted into the vagina, the gynecologist can examine the cervix and the inside of the vagina, among other things.

At the same time, a smear can be taken, in which a sample of the mucous membrane is taken. This will later be examined in the laboratory and can provide information about possible pathological changes. Depending on the physical condition of the patient, the instruments are available in different sizes. Before palpating and inserting the speculum, the gynecologist uses a lubricant gel to prevent the examination from being uncomfortable or even painful for the patient.

If an illness is suspected, further examinations can be carried out in the practice or, if necessary, in the hospital. If a pregnancy is to be monitored, the development of the fetus is carried out with the help of the ultrasound machine. In addition, the heart rate of the unborn child is measured.

What should a patient look out for?

Gynecologists are available in the entire federal territory, in Austria and in Switzerland. In total, almost 20,000 trained gynecologists are registered with the German Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics.

When choosing their gynecologist, patients should first of all pay attention to their professional competence. If a gynecologist with special expertise is desired, his qualifications should be checked. Since very intimate parts of the body are examined as part of the gynecological examination, when choosing the right gynecologist it is also important that the patient feels comfortable in the hands of the doctor and trusts him.

Therefore, patients should not be ashamed to change their gynecologist if they cannot establish a relationship of trust with him. Exchanging experiences with other women is still useful in order to find the right gynecologist.