Obstetrics & gynecology refers to an area of medicine that specializes in pregnancy and female reproductive health. Gynecology focuses on the reproductive organs and breasts, where obstetrics deals with all aspects of pregnancy.
The female reproductive system consists of the following:
The Uterus – A hollow muscular organ located in the pelvis. Its function is to hold a developing fetus, provide a source of nutrition, and expel the fetus at the end of its development.
The Endometrium – The lining of the uterus
The Ovaries – Two almond-shaped organs that are positioned one to each side of the uterus. Their function is the production of egg cells, and sex hormones.
The Fallopian Tubes – Connect the ovaries to the uterus. Transports eggs to the uterus each month.
The Cervix – The lower, narrow part of the uterus forms the canal leading to the outside of the body. The external genitalia and breasts.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a safe, painless, non-invasive method of ruling out, or discovering the presence of disease using sound. In an ultrasound screening, a technician uses a small probe called a transducer and gel placed directly on the skin. High-frequency sound waves travel from the probe through the gel and into the body. The probe collects the sounds that bounce back, and a computer uses those sound waves to create an image. This safe, and effective tool can help with the diagnosis of multiple conditions related to the tissues and organs of the body.
Doctors can use ultrasound to diagnose conditions such as:
Tumors and cysts – An ultrasound can find dense areas of tissue such as tumors or cysts. It shows cysts differently from tumors to help your doctor make a diagnosis.
Cardiovascular issues – Ultrasound can be used to find narrowed blood vessels, blockages to blood flow, or weakened, ballooning areas of the arteries (aneurism).
Infections – Ultrasound can detect the increase in blood flow that often occurs in areas where infection is present.
Thyroid conditions – Ultrasound can be used to detect thyroid issues such as growths or abnormal activity.
Uterine fibroids – Detection of fibroids (non-cancerous growths in the uterus) and other conditions related to the female reproductive system show up on the ultrasound. An ultrasound can help doctors find the source of pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding.
Monitor Pregnancy – Perhaps the most well-known use of ultrasound, a fetal ultrasound (sonogram) allows a healthcare provider to evaluate a baby’s growth and development and detect possible problems. Abnormalities in size or shape of virtually any organ or tissue of the body Unlike CT scans and x-rays, there is no potentially harmful radiation exposure involved in an ultrasound. Because of its safe, effective, painless, non-invasive nature, ultrasound screenings should be a part of everyone’s regular physical examination schedule.
The pelvic ultrasound used in obstetrics and gynecology can be used to visualize the following:
- The size, shape, and position of the uterus and ovaries
- Blood flow through the pelvic organs
- Changes in the shape of the bladder
- The length and thickness of the cervix
- The presence and position of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD)
- Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy occurring outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube – this can be life-threatening)
- Tumors or cysts in the breast tissue
- Fetal development
- Masses, tumors, cysts, inflammation, infection, abnormal fluid collection, or bleeding within the pelvis
- Ultrasound can also be used to detect tumors or cysts in the breast tissue
Early detection and intervention regarding any abnormalities or problems is of vital importance and is the key determinant of a positive outcome.
Please have your screening done as soon as possible.