Gynecology, Obstetrics and Womens Health

Vaccines protect children from infectious diseases and help shield those who come into contact with unvaccinated, infected individuals. By vaccinating children, we safeguard both our community and our children's health. Before the advent of vaccines, many children succumbed to diseases like whooping cough and polio—illnesses that vaccines can now effectively prevent.

Infertility refers to a woman’s inability to conceive or to carry a pregnancy to full term. It is the inability of a person, plant, or animal to reproduce naturally, which is typically not the natural state of a healthy adult organism, except in some eusocial species. Understanding the socio-demographic factors related to infertility can help newly married couples with family planning.

Key Areas:

• Infertility Evaluation and Treatment in Women
• Tubal Infertility and Ectopic Pregnancy
• Obesity and Surgical Management of Infertility
• Artificial Gametes and Ovarian Stimulation
• Risk of Idiopathic Male Infertility
• Infertility Evaluation and Management

Oncology is a branch of medicine focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. A medical professional specializing in this field is known as an oncologist. The three key factors that contribute to improved cancer survival rates are: Prevention—reducing risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use; Early Detection—screening for common cancers; and Accurate Diagnosis and Staging.

Key Areas:

• Ovarian Cancer
• Endometrial Cancer
• Vaginal Cancer
• Cervical Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Medication and Monitoring

Recent advancements in assisted reproductive technology have significantly improved fertility outcomes for men with low sperm counts or azoospermia. Additionally, the development of new selective anti-muscarinic drugs for bladder over-activity has enhanced treatment effectiveness while reducing side effects. Injury to the anal sphincter is a common occurrence following vaginal childbirth, though its prevention and proper management are still not fully understood.

Sub-Tracks:

• Donor Conception
• Surrogacy
• Medicated Intrauterine Devices
• Ultrasound Techniques
• Diagnostic Imaging in Gynecology
• Drug Treatment
• Endoscopic Equipment

Complementary therapies are treatments used alongside conventional medical practices, including methods like herbal therapies, manual healing, reflexology, and acupuncture. These therapies are becoming increasingly popular among the general public. When performed by trained and experienced practitioners, complementary and alternative therapies are generally considered safe.

Gender-based health disparities are evident across the globe, with these inequalities being more pronounced in less affluent countries. Women in developing nations are particularly affected, often lacking essential healthcare, which leads to life-threatening medical conditions. Issues such as child marriage, female genital mutilation, maternal mortality, HIV/AIDS, and cervical cancer are significant concerns in these regions.

Despite government and organizational efforts to implement programs and policies, gender-based health disparities persist in some developing countries. While access to education and employment for women has increased, challenges like illiteracy, child marriage, and high rates of mortality and morbidity continue to impact not only women but also their families, children, and society at large.

Key Focus Areas:

• Reducing maternal mortality
• Ending female genital mutilation
• Enhancing HIV/AIDS treatment

Some children are born with body parts or organs that have abnormalities or functional issues, which are known as birth defects. These can affect how the body processes food into energy or other functions. Birth defects range from minor issues to severe conditions requiring medical or surgical intervention. There are over 4,000 different types of birth defects. Common types include structural defects, such as heart defects, congenital hip dislocation, spina bifida, and clubfoot. Metabolic birth defects, which affect how the body processes substances, can also occur, though the exact cause is often unknown.

Examples of Birth Defects:

• Heart defects
• Down syndrome
• Spina bifida
• Edward’s syndrome
• Care and Treatment: Treatment may involve medications, surgeries, or home care, depending on the nature and severity of the defect.

A woman's health is crucial for the well-being of her child. To ensure a healthy baby, many women engage in regular exercise, maintain a nutritious diet, and receive consistent prenatal care. It is advised for all women to minimize complications during pregnancy by following a balanced diet, which can reduce the risk of birth defects, support healthy birth weight, and promote proper fetal brain development. Since maintaining a well-rounded diet can be challenging during pregnancy, prenatal vitamin supplements are also important to help meet nutritional needs. Avoiding alcohol, smoking, and drug use is essential for ensuring a positive outcome.

Key Areas:

• Food and nutrition
• Medication during pregnancy
• Antenatal care
• Support for active mothers

Gynecology is the branch of medical science focused on the health of the female reproductive system and overall reproductive health. It involves the study of the uterus and other female genital organs. Gynecology and obstetrics are closely related fields that address the entire female reproductive system. While obstetrics focuses specifically on pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related complications, gynecology covers the care of women who are not pregnant, including adolescent girls and those who have reached puberty. Gynecologists treat conditions related to the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and other reproductive organs, whereas obstetricians specialize in the care of pregnant women, childbirth, and postpartum care.

Reproductive cancers are cancers that affect the organs involved in reproduction. These cancers occur in the reproductive organs and include breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. In women, reproductive cancers also encompass ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer. Ovarian cancer affects the ovaries, which produce female hormones and eggs, while uterine cancer occurs in the uterus (womb), where a baby develops. Reproductive cancers can also affect the prostate, testicles, and penis in men. Vaginal cancer specifically affects the vagina.

People of all ages can contract coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, most young people who become infected tend to experience less severe symptoms compared to adults, and some may not show any symptoms at all. While children are capable of contracting COVID-19, they generally do not become as ill as adults. This is likely due to their developing immune systems and lower airways, which may make them more susceptible to respiratory issues with viral infections. Most children with COVID-19 experience mild symptoms or none at all, but in some cases, children can become severely ill and may require hospitalization, intensive care, or a ventilator. Rarely, severe cases can be fatal.

Symptoms of COVID-19:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Nasal congestion or runny nose
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach ache
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle or body aches

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition among women of reproductive age, typically affecting those between 15 and 44 years old. Women with PCOS may experience infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods, elevated levels of male hormones and androgens, and the development of numerous small fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries. This hormonal imbalance often results in the ovaries failing to release eggs regularly. While the exact cause of PCOS is not known, it is believed to involve multiple factors, such as insulin resistance and elevated androgen levels. Early diagnosis and treatment, including weight loss, can help reduce the risk of long-term complications like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

PCOS Symptoms:

• Irregular periods
• Heavy bleeding
• Excessive hair growth
• Acne
• Weight gain
• Male-pattern baldness
• Darkening of the skin
• Headaches
• Depression

The incidence of obesity among adult women and teenagers is rising, as is the number of Cesarean deliveries. Advances in women's health include increased genetic testing, awareness of diseases such as Zika and dengue, and the management of conditions like preeclampsia-related stroke deaths. Cannabis use and advancements in obstetrics are also notable. Obstetricians and gynecologists need to possess and demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and judgment necessary to perform thorough examinations, including neck, chest, bone, abdominal, and lower limb assessments, for both pregnant and non-pregnant women.

Fertilization occurs when sperm meets an egg released from the ovary during ovulation, leading to the development of an embryo and foetus in the woman's uterus. A full-term pregnancy typically lasts about 40 weeks and is divided into three trimesters:

• First trimester (weeks 1-12)
• Second trimester (weeks 13-27)
• Third trimester (weeks 28-40)

During pregnancy, it is essential for women to follow a healthy diet and receive proper care to ensure the well-being of both the baby and themselves.

Gynecologic oncology is a medical specialty focused on cancers of the female reproductive system. Gynecologic oncologists are experts with extensive training and knowledge dedicated to diagnosing and treating these types of cancers.

Cancers including:

• Ovarian cancer
• Uterine cancer
• Vaginal cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Vulvar cancers

Threat factors involve rotundity, inheritable mutations, mortal Papilloma Contagion, Gravidity

Throughout a woman's life, from puberty to menopause, her body undergoes numerous changes each month in preparation for a potential pregnancy. This process is known as the menstrual cycle. The length of the menstrual cycle can vary from woman to woman, but it typically ranges between 23 and 30 days. For most women, the period between ovulation and the start of their next menstrual period is between 12 to 16 days

A woman’s menstrual cycle typically is divided into four phases

• Period
• Follicular phase
• Ovulation
• Luteal phase

Women face distinct health issues, including pregnancy, menopause, and conditions related to the female reproductive organs. With proper, early, and regular prenatal care, a healthy pregnancy is achievable. Additionally, routine screenings for cervical cancer, breast cancer, and bone density are recommended. Diet and nutrition are crucial for women's health, with essential nutritional practices including high-protein diets and adequate calcium intake.

• Nutrition
• Reproductive health
• Physically active
• Mental health