Gynecology

What is it? How long has it been around?

Gynecology is the study of women's health issues. Areas covered are preconceptual health, childbirth, post childbirth complications, genetic counseling, care and health of the reproductive organs, breasts, hormonal disorders, urinary tract infections, and associated cancer screening. Most practitioners of gynecology are also obstetricians by training as well.

Evidence of early gynecological procedures date back to ancient Greeks and Romans. In the United States, interest in the specialized study of women's health issues began in mid-19th century. However it wasn't until the late 20th century that many taboos such as sexual and reproductive health could be openly discussed within the mainstream health care establishment.

Contemporary gynecology goes beyond the medicalaspect of treatment, but medical-societal issues at large suchas abortion, embryo genetic testing, women's health funding, and an individual woman's psychological well beingduring and after treatment

Modesty was key as shown in a 19th century gynecology textbook. Both male and female medical staff were expected to learn without directly observing the genitals.

Gynecologist

Gynecologist-Obstetricians are physicians that specialize in the treatment and care of general women's health, pregnancy, and the reproductive tract.

Required training includes four years of specialized residency covering:Preconceptional, pregnancy, child birth, and post-partum health.General and organ specific reproductive health.Management of hormonal disorders, treatment, and chronic conditions.Cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment options.Genetic screening, counseling, and prenatal conditions.

CertificationOverseen by American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.Consists of a written test on woman's health and treatment procedures, including

both general and specialized care.Must pass an oral examination given by a board of examiners. The board will also

review the cases of patients treated by the doctor in the past year.Must submit to periodic recertification and continuing education.Further education and specialization may be certified after three additional years of

training. Although certification of further training is not necessary, the added credentials achieved through experience, testing, and oral examination signifies an additional level of professional competence.

Gestation

Gestation is the time required for full term development of a fetus.

Human pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks or nine months from the time of the last menstruation period to the day of delivery. From this time an estimated delivery date can be determined.,

Gestation time varies from woman to woman. The accepted variance for a normal pregnancy is between 38 and 42 weeks.

Gestation can be divided into trimesters.The first trimester are weeks 1-12.The second trimester are weeks 13-26.The last trimester are weeks 27-delivery date.

Expectant mothers are encouraged to begin prenatal care as soon as pregnancy is known in order to insure a healthy prenatal development.

Sources

http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pregnancy.cfm

http://kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_calendar/pregnancy_calendar_intro.html

http://www.abog.org/faq.asp#web

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gynecology