Among the different types of doctors, the gynecologist is coupled with anxiety or embarrassment to women especially if the gynecologist is a male as their concerns require intimate examinations. There is, therefore, a preference for women gynecologists than men. Many gynecology or obstetrics clinics hire only female gynecologists.

What is a gynecologist?

A gynecologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the maintenance of the female’s reproductive system. Gynecology comes from the Greek gynaika, meaning woman. Gynecologists diagnose and treat disorders and diseases of women.

The gynecologist may also opt to become an obstetrician at the same time. The obstetrician focuses on the female’s reproductive concerns particularly the management of pregnancy, labor, and the period right after a woman delivers a baby. In fact, the specialties of gynecology and obstetrics may overlap. In such cases, they are referred to as the obstetrician/gynecologist or simply OB/GYN.

Some gynecologists, however, prefer to work exclusively as gynecologists because obstetricians tend to spend long and unpredictable hours especially on those complicated cases of birth or pregnancy. Ob/gyn practice demands more time of the doctor’s work schedule.

What kinds of disorders or diseases are treated by a gynecologist?

Among the routine work of a gynecologist are the following issues affecting the reproductive system:

diagnoses and treats issues on a woman’s ovaries, uterus, and vagina
urinary tract problems such as stress incontinence
detects cervical cancer
performs yearly exams (pap smear) which involves physical examinations of the uterus, vagina and pelvis
educates women about reproductive health and concerns
listens and provides advice to women concerned with their menstrual cycles especially those beginning to have menstruation or those undergoing menopause
prescribes birth control method
tests for pregnancy and tests for and treats sexually transmitted diseases
severe pelvic pain or menstrual cramps
abnormal vaginal bleeding
unusual discharge, pain, swelling, or itching of the vagina or lower abdomen
endometriosis,
pelvic inflammatory disease,
fertility problems
amenorrhoea (absent menstrual periods)
dysmenorrhoea (painful menstrual periods)
menorrhagia (heavy menstrual periods)
prolapse of pelvic organs
infections of the vagina, cervix and uterus (including fungal, bacterial, viral, and protozoal)

Gynecologists may also perform hysterectomies or removal of diseased uterus.

What does it take to become a gynecologist?

Just like the other medical doctors who specialize further in their field, gynecologists must be board certified. After completing medical school and residency, a board exam to test proficiency in gynecology is taken.

Where do gynecologists work?

Gynecologists may go into private practice, in birthing centers, hospitals or work as researchers to advance skills, knowledge or technology along the field of gynecology.

The gynecologist may work in a medical clinic, a hospital, a clinic devoted to birth control or abortion, or birthing centers. A gynecologist, however, can practice their profession in two or more of these work environments.

References

Google Definitions

Women's Health

Women’s Health Channel