Gynecology, in its simplest form, is the science of women's diseases. Gynecology encompasses all diseases of the female reproductive system, from congenital anomalies to menopause. Gynecology covers the diagnosis and treatment of all types of conditions, from reproductive hormone anomalies to fibroids, from irregular menstruation to infertility, from uterine masses to ovarian cysts, and from the vulva, vagina, to fallopian tubes.
Below, we'll provide brief information on some of the most common problems gynecologists encounter. More comprehensive information is available in dedicated articles on the subject.
The female reproductive system includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, and vulva. The ovaries may have limited egg production potential in some genetic diseases. Having a double uterus or being separated into two by a septum while developing in the mother's womb, having a septum in the cervix or having a double cervix, structurally, in both development of abnormal anatomical structure, double vagina. Many anomalies, such as a septum or a lack of development, or hymen anomalies, fall within the scope of gynecology. While some of these problems cause only gynecological complaints, others lead to failure to conceive and maintain pregnancy. Therefore, problems related to the female reproductive system can lead to reproductive problems, which also form the basis of social problems.
Vaginitis and Bartholin cysts are among the most common problems related to the vulva and vagina. While medical treatments and lifestyle recommendations are generally the primary approaches for vaginitis, interventions are often necessary in cases of Bartholin cysts. For more comprehensive information about Bartholin cysts, please visit What is Bartholin Cyst? - Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kumru.
Fibroids are the most common tumors of the uterus. Nearly forty percent of women of childbearing age are affected. While some fibroids are silent and uneventful, others can cause numerous problems, including louder, irregular, and excessive menstrual bleeding, pain during intercourse and groin pain, inability to conceive pregnancy or recurrent pregnancy loss, anemia due to heavy menstrual bleeding and resulting fatigue, decreased exercise capacity, memory impairment, and more. Fibroids rarely contain cancer cells, but this does not mean that fibroid-like masses seen on ultrasound are not cancerous. This should always be kept in mind, especially in cases of rapidly growing fibroids.
Myomas, also known as fibroids, are treated by considering their location, size, and the problems they cause. The most common treatment method is surgical removal of the fibroids without removing the uterus. For more detailed information about fibroids, please visit: What is Myoma? - Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kumru.
Endometrial polyps are structures of the uterus that appear during childbearing years and menopause. The exact mechanism of polyp development is unknown. Histopathological examination of the polyps reveals cells similar to those found in the uterine gland structures. The female hormone estrogen has a definite effect on polyp growth. Polyps often cause irregular bleeding and reproductive failure. While ultrasonography or saline infusion sonography (SIS) are useful in diagnosis, the gold standard for diagnosis is hysteroscopy, a procedure that uses a camera system to examine the inside of the uterus. Hysteroscopy allows for both definitive diagnosis and treatment of polyps. For more detailed information about endometrial polyps and hysteroscopy, please visit Endometrial Polyp (Uterine Polyp) - Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kumru.
The uterus is an organ normally located within the pelvis and supported by its ligaments and a structure called the pelvic floor. If the uterine ligaments weaken or the muscles and connective tissues of the hammock-like structure called the pelvic floor weaken, the uterus can begin to move outwards and intervene in the situation completely. This condition is called uterine prolapse.
The main cause of uterine prolapse is the weakening of the muscles called the pelvic floor. This is especially true for vaginal births, difficult births, traumatic births, hanging heavy objects continuously, smoking and activities that constantly increase intra-abdominal pressure (such as lifting weights or doing heavy work).
Diagnosing uterine prolapse is quite easy and can be done during an examination. If uterine prolapse is not treated and the factors causing it are not eliminated, the problem will progress and the uterus may completely prolapse and cause more serious problems.
The main treatment for uterine prolapse is surgery, and if there are other organs that prolapse along with the prolapsed uterus, it is done to bring them to their normal anatomical position. There are many surgical techniques used to treat uterine prolapse and the deciding type of surgery is made by taking into account the patient's condition and expectations. Among the prolapse surgeries, abdominal and lower spine suspension surgeries are generally the preferred procedures with lifelong positive effects. These surgeries can be performed by opening the abdomen or by using a closed approach (laparoscopy), and we prefer closed suspension surgeries in our clinical practice. For more detailed information about uterine prolapse, please visit Uterine Prolapse - Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kumru.
Urinary incontinence is a common but often hidden problem among women, especially those who have given birth. Women with urinary incontinence often mistake it for a consequence of childbirth and a normal problem of middle age. They generally don't express it as a problem. Viewing urinary incontinence as a problem and striving for treatment is closely linked to women's social and psychosocial situations. Socially active women who spend time outdoors are more likely to identify these problems and seek treatment, while women who are less active outdoors and don't mind wearing diapers are less likely to seek treatment.
As explained above, treatment for urinary incontinence will only be available to women who are bothered by the problem.
Coordination of urination depends on the nerves and muscles of the bladder, the integrity of the spinal nerves that connect these nerves to the brain, and the integrity of the brain's center that coordinates these functions. Damage or insufficiency in any of the parts listed above will cause urinary incontinence. As can be seen from the contributing factors, there is more than one type of urinary incontinence, and treatment approaches differ for each type. Treatment sometime involves exercise, medications, and surgery. For more information about urinary incontinence in women, you can visit: Involuntary Urine Leakage in Women (Urinary Incontinence) - Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kumru.
An ectopic pregnancy is when the pregnancy material implants in a different location than in the uterine cavity. The fertilized egg in the fallopian tubes implants 5-6 days after fertilization. If the fertilized egg cannot implant in the uterine cavity, an ectopic pregnancy will occur. The place where the pregnancy continues and the baby develops is not suitable for its growing. As the pregnancy grows, it will spread outward, often tearing and causing bleeding, putting the mother's life at risk. Therefore, early diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy is crucial for the mother's life.
Ectopic pregnancies usually occur in the fallopian tubes. Other locations include the ovaries, cervix, C-section incision site (scar pregnancy), corn (the area where the tubes exit the uterus), and intra-abdominal space. All of these ectopic pregnancies can endanger the mother's life if not diagnosed and treated early.
The diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy is made in early pregnancy by using beta hCG and ultrasonography together. There are many treatment options, from medical treatment to surgery, and the best treatment for the patient varies from patient to patient and is becoming individualized.
More detailed information about ectopic pregnancy can be obtained from the address: Ectopic Pregnancy - Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kumru.
The cells lining the inside of the uterus are called endometrial cells. These endometrial cells. When it settles anywhere outside the uterine cavity, it's called endometriosis, and when it settles in the ovaries and forms a cyst, it's called an endometrioma (chocolate cyst). Foci of endometriosis have been detected outside the uterus, in the ovaries, peritoneum, incision sites, and even in lung and brain tissue. The reason why these endometrial cells that should be inside the uterus are found in areas outside the uterus is not exactly understood, and there is more than one theory on this matter.
Endometriosis or endometrioma (chocolate cyst) can cause a wide range of problems, from menstrual cramps and pain during sexual activity to infertility and pain during bowel movements. Furthermore, cancer cells can rarely be found within foci that appear like chocolate cysts on ultrasound. Therefore, chocolate cysts deserve attention.
Ultrasonography, combined with the patient's history and physical examination, is usually helpful in diagnosing chocolate cysts. A true chocolate cyst diagnosis is made after a cyst is removed and pathological examination is performed.
There are numerous options for managing chocolate cysts and endometriosis, ranging from medical treatment to surgery. The best approach is chosen by discussing the patient's symptoms, and expectations. Comprehensive information on endometriosis and endometriomas (chocolate cysts) can be obtained from the address: Chocolate Cyst (Endometrioma) and Endometriosis - Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kumru.
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