The Obstetrics and Gynecology Department provides care for women's reproductive health from adolescence through and beyond menopause, as well as pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. Irregular menstruation, abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, vaginal discharge, pregnancy planning and antenatal follow-up are common reasons for consultation. Evaluation is tailored to age, symptoms, pregnancy status and individual risk factors and may include examination, ultrasonography and laboratory tests.
What Is Obstetrics and Gynecology?
Gynecology focuses on conditions affecting the uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina and external genital area, while obstetrics covers pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. Preventive women’s health also includes cervical cancer screening, sexual health, contraception and menopause counseling.
Pregnancy follow-up is not limited to monitoring fetal growth. Maternal blood pressure, weight changes, blood tests and pregnancy-specific risks are also assessed. When a high-risk pregnancy is suspected, coordination with perinatology or other advanced specialties may be required.
What Symptoms or Concerns May Require an Appointment?
- Irregular periods, heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods
- Groin or pelvic pain and painful menstruation
- Vaginal discharge, itching or suspected infection
- Pregnancy planning, evaluation after a positive pregnancy test and antenatal care
- Bleeding, pain or other unexpected symptoms during pregnancy
- Suspected ovarian cyst, uterine fibroid or endometriosis
- Menopausal symptoms
- Contraception and reproductive-health counseling
Which Conditions Are Evaluated and Treated?
- Menstrual disorders and abnormal uterine bleeding: May have hormonal, structural or other causes.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): A syndrome related to menstrual regularity, ovulation and metabolic health.
- Fibroids and ovarian cysts: Evaluation of generally benign growths according to symptoms, imaging and risk profile.
- Endometriosis and adenomyosis: Conditions associated with painful periods, chronic pelvic pain and, in some cases, infertility.
- Vaginal and pelvic infections: May present with discharge, odor, pain or itching.
- Pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions: Routine antenatal care and evaluation of suspected miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or pregnancy complications.
- Menopause: Assessment of hot flashes, sleep problems and genitourinary symptoms.
- Suspected gynecologic cancer: Appropriate evaluation and referral for concerning cervical, uterine or ovarian findings.
How Does the Examination and Diagnostic Process Work?
The initial assessment starts with a detailed gynecologic and medical history and an appropriate examination. Tests are selected according to the physician’s clinical question and the patient’s individual circumstances.
- Gynecologic history and physical/pelvic examination
- Ultrasonography
- Pregnancy tests and gestational-age appropriate assessments
- Blood and hormone tests when clinically indicated
- Cervical cancer screening according to age and national screening recommendations
- Colposcopy, biopsy or advanced imaging when necessary
Treatment and Service Areas
The following items describe general service areas.
- Routine gynecologic examinations and preventive women’s health counseling
- Evaluation of menstrual irregularities, fibroids, cysts and pelvic pain
- Preconception counseling and pregnancy follow-up
- Birth planning and postpartum follow-up, according to the institution’s service scope
- Menopause counseling
- Individual assessment of contraceptive options
- Gynecologic and minimally invasive surgery in suitable patients
- Initial infertility evaluation and referral to reproductive-medicine centers when required
When Should You Seek Care?
Heavy bleeding during pregnancy, severe abdominal or pelvic pain, fainting, severe headache with visual changes, suspected rupture of membranes or a marked reduction in fetal movements can require urgent obstetric assessment. Outside pregnancy, sudden severe pelvic pain or heavy bleeding also warrants prompt evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have a gynecologic examination?
The appropriate interval depends on age, symptoms, pregnancy status, screening needs and individual risk factors. Rather than a single fixed schedule for every woman, follow-up is best personalized with the physician.
When is an irregular period important?
An occasional delay can occur with stress, weight changes or illness. Evaluation is recommended when irregularity is recurrent, bleeding is very heavy, pregnancy is possible or symptoms such as significant pain are present.
When should I see a doctor after a positive pregnancy test?
After a positive pregnancy test, an obstetrician-gynecologist can plan appropriate follow-up and confirm the location and stage of the pregnancy. Earlier assessment is needed if pain or bleeding occurs.
Does every ovarian cyst require surgery?
No. Management depends on the cyst's type and size, the patient's age, symptoms and ultrasound findings. Some cysts resolve spontaneously, while others require monitoring or surgery.
Do fibroids turn into cancer?
Fibroids are usually benign tumors of uterine muscle. Rapid growth, a new mass after menopause or unusual imaging findings may lead the physician to investigate other causes, but the presence of a fibroid does not itself mean cancer.
Are an HPV test and a Pap smear the same thing?
No. HPV testing looks for high-risk HPV types, while a Pap smear examines cervical cells for abnormal changes. Depending on age and national screening recommendations, one or both may be used.
Is menopausal hormone therapy suitable for everyone?
No. The benefits and risks of hormone therapy are assessed according to age, symptoms, cardiovascular and clotting risk, breast health and overall medical history.
Which symptoms during pregnancy require urgent assessment?
Heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, fainting, shortness of breath, seizure, severe headache with visual changes, fluid leakage when inappropriate for gestational age or a marked reduction in fetal movement require urgent medical evaluation.
