About Gynecologist

What Is a Gynecologist?

A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in female reproductive health. They diagnose and treat issues related to the female reproductive tract. This includes the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and breasts.

Anyone with female organs may see a gynecologist. And 80% of those who see one are between 15 and 45 years old.?

What Does a Gynecologist Do?

Gynecologists give reproductive and sexual health services that include pelvic exams, Pap tests, cancer screenings, and testing and treatment for vaginal infections.

They diagnose and treat reproductive system disorders such as endometriosis, infertility, ovarian cysts, and pelvic pain. They may also care for people with ovarian, cervical, and other reproductive cancers.

Some gynecologists also practice as obstetricians, who give care during pregnancy and birth. If a gynecologist has expertise in obstetrics, they’re called an OB/GYN.

Education and Training

Gynecologists are doctors who have completed specialized training in the female reproductive system. Like any medical or osteopathic doctor, a gynecologist must complete medical school followed by a residency. In the United States, residency programs and the certification process cover obstetrics and gynecology in combination.

The process involves:

• Four years of medical school
• Four years of residency
• Successful completion of the qualifying exam, a written test
• Documented experience in Patient care
• Successful completion of the certifying exam, an oral test
• After becoming board-certified, a gynecologist may have advanced subspecialty training. Areas of training include:

• Family planning
• Minimally invasive surgery
• Pediatric and adolescent gynecology
• Pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery

What's the difference between a gynecologist and an OBGYN?

An obstetrician specializes in pregnancy and childbirth. They take care of pregnant people and deliver babies. An OBGYN is someone who’s both a gynecologist and an obstetrician. This means an OBGYN can take care of all aspects of your reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.

What tools does a gynecologist use?

A gynecologist uses many different tools during an exam and treatment. The most widely known tool is called a speculum. A speculum is a duck-bill-shaped device used to open the vaginal walls. It allows the gynecologist to see the entire area and collect cells from your cervix to test for infections like HPV (human papillomavirus).