Gynecology

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Ankara International Hospital provides comprehensive and high-quality healthcare services at every stage of women’s health. From the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological diseases to pregnancy follow-up; from childbirth and postpartum care to infertility; from gynecological cancer screenings to the menopausal period, the department offers a wide range of services delivered by an expert and experienced medical team. Supported by modern medical infrastructure and up-to-date technologies, preventive healthcare services hold a priority position in our department in terms of ensuring the sustainability of women’s health. Safe, attentive, and patient-centered healthcare services are provided to women of all ages. ⸻ CONTENTS • What Is Obstetrics and Gynecology? • Which Conditions Does the Gynecology Department Treat? • What Is the Role of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department During Pregnancy and Childbirth? • What Diagnostic Methods Are Used in Gynecology? • What Are the Treatment Methods in Obstetrics and Gynecology? ⸻ What Is Obstetrics and Gynecology? Obstetrics and Gynecology is a medical specialty that aims to protect and improve reproductive health and to diagnose and treat related diseases throughout all stages of a woman’s life, from adolescence to the reproductive years, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and the postmenopausal period. This field covers both the physiological and pathological conditions of the female reproductive organs, as well as the safe management of pregnancy and childbirth processes. Within the scope of gynecology, diseases of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, and vulva are diagnosed and treated. Menstrual irregularities, hormonal disorders, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic infections, urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunctions, and menopausal problems are among the main areas of focus. In addition, the early diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant diseases of the uterus, cervix, and ovaries constitute an important part of gynecology. In the field of obstetrics and perinatology, services include preconception counseling, monitoring of normal and high-risk pregnancies, prenatal screening tests, management of the labor process, cesarean and vaginal deliveries, and postpartum maternal health follow-up. Furthermore, infertility diagnosis and treatment, assisted reproductive techniques, family planning, and preventive women’s health services are also evaluated within the scope of obstetrics and gynecology. ⸻ Which Conditions Does the Gynecology Department Treat? The Gynecology Department focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of diseases related to the female genital system. The main conditions treated include: • Menstrual disorders (delay, excessive bleeding, amenorrhea) • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) • Painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea) • Pelvic pain • Endometriosis • Uterine fibroids • Polyps • Ovarian cysts • Vaginal discharge, itching, and infections • Sexually transmitted diseases • Miscarriages and recurrent pregnancy losses • Ectopic pregnancy • Urinary incontinence and pelvic floor disorders • Cervical cancer screening (Pap smear, HPV) • Diagnosis and treatment of preinvasive lesions • Menopause and menopausal complaints • Infertility ⸻ What Is the Role of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department During Pregnancy and Childbirth? Preconception Counseling Preconception counseling is a comprehensive process that includes the medical, physical, and psychosocial evaluation of women (and couples) planning a pregnancy to ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby. During this counseling, existing chronic diseases, medications, genetic risks, previous pregnancy history, and lifestyle habits are evaluated in detail. Necessary laboratory tests are performed, vaccination status is reviewed, and supplements such as folic acid are planned. This process is conducted by obstetricians and gynecologists to minimize potential risks and create optimal conditions for a healthy pregnancy. Childbirth Childbirth is the process by which the baby and placenta are delivered from the mother’s uterus upon completion of pregnancy and represents one of the core areas of obstetrics. Delivery generally occurs via two main methods: vaginal delivery and cesarean section. Vaginal delivery is the natural birth of the baby through the vagina. This process is typically examined in three stages: cervical dilation, delivery of the baby, and expulsion of the placenta. Recovery time is usually shorter for both mother and baby, and the risk of complications is lower. Obstetricians closely monitor the mother and baby during labor and intervene when necessary (such as episiotomy, vacuum extraction, or forceps). Cesarean delivery is a surgical method performed through abdominal and uterine incisions for medical reasons, primarily to protect the health of the mother or baby. Indications may include macrosomia, abnormal placental placement, failure of labor to progress, or maternal health conditions. Recovery after cesarean delivery may take longer and involves surgical risks; therefore, obstetricians provide meticulous care before, during, and after surgery. Both delivery methods are planned and managed under the supervision of obstetricians, with postpartum care ensuring the health of both mother and baby. ⸻ Follow-Up of High-Risk Pregnancies High-risk pregnancies are those with a higher-than-normal risk of complications for the mother or baby. These risks may arise from preexisting maternal conditions, complications during pregnancy, or fetal-related factors. Examples of High-Risk Pregnancies • Maternal factors: Hypertension, diabetes, heart or kidney diseases, thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases • Pregnancy-related factors: Preeclampsia, multiple pregnancies, placenta previa, risk of preterm birth • Fetal factors: Genetic anomalies, intrauterine growth restriction, congenital malformations • Age and lifestyle factors: Pregnancy over age 35, smoking, alcohol use, inadequate nutrition Monitoring Follow-up of high-risk pregnancies is carried out frequently and meticulously by obstetricians: • More frequent visits: Weekly or biweekly check-ups instead of monthly visits • Laboratory and imaging tests: Blood pressure, urine and blood glucose tests, ultrasound monitoring of fetal growth and amniotic fluid • Special assessments: Non-stress test, Doppler ultrasound, fetal echocardiography • Planning: Early delivery or cesarean section planning when necessary, hospital delivery, and neonatal care precautions High-risk pregnancy follow-up aims to protect maternal and fetal health, detect complications early, and ensure timely and appropriate intervention. ⸻ What Diagnostic Methods Are Used in Gynecology? • Bimanual examination: Manual assessment of the uterus and ovaries through vaginal and abdominal examination • Ultrasonography (USG): A non-invasive imaging method using sound waves to visualize the uterus, ovaries, and surrounding tissues via abdominal or vaginal approach • Hysterosalpingography (HSG): A radiologic test using contrast material to evaluate the uterine cavity and fallopian tube patency • Laparoscopy: A surgical method using a camera inserted through small abdominal incisions to directly visualize the uterus, ovaries, and tubes • Blood tests for hormonal disorders • Mammography • Bone density measurement during menopause • Laboratory tests (blood and urine analyses) • Pap smear test • HPV test • Colposcopy: A procedure using a magnifying device for detailed examination of cervical abnormalities ⸻ What Are the Treatment Methods in Obstetrics and Gynecology? The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is a broad specialty encompassing a wide range of diseases and treatment approaches. Treatment methods vary depending on the condition. Beyond pregnancy, the department actively provides services in adolescent gynecology, reproductive health, high-risk pregnancies, gynecologic cancers, urogynecology, sexual dysfunctions, menopause, and genital aesthetic procedures. Some conditions are treated medically, while others require surgical intervention. Common Surgical Methods Used in Obstetrics and Gynecology Abdominal (Open) Surgery: Open surgical procedures involving an abdominal incision that allow direct intervention on the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. These surgeries are used for cesarean delivery, abdominal hysterectomy, ovarian and tubal surgeries, gynecologic cancers, ectopic pregnancy, and obstetric emergencies. They are preferred due to wide surgical exposure and suitability for complex conditions. Laparoscopic (Minimally Invasive) Surgery: Procedures performed through small abdominal incisions using trocars, a camera, and specialized instruments to minimally invasively access pelvic and abdominal organs. Laparoscopic surgery is commonly used for ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, endometriosis, tubal surgery, and laparoscopic hysterectomy. This method offers less tissue trauma, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery. Robotic Surgery: An advanced form of laparoscopic surgery in which robotic arms inserted through small incisions are controlled by the surgeon via a console, allowing highly precise intervention. Robotic surgery is used for myomectomy, hysterectomy, endometriosis surgery, and gynecologic oncology procedures, offering advantages such as three-dimensional imaging, elimination of hand tremor, and enhanced maneuverability. vNOTES (Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery): A minimally invasive technique in which pelvic and abdominal organs are accessed via the vaginal route without external abdominal incisions, using an endoscopic camera and specialized instruments. vNOTES is used for hysterectomy, ovarian cyst surgery, and tubal procedures, providing benefits such as no visible scars, reduced postoperative pain, and faster recovery. Hysteroscopy: A procedure that allows direct visualization of the uterine cavity using a thin, lighted camera inserted vaginally. It is used for diagnosing uterine polyps, fibroids, adhesions, and causes of abnormal uterine bleeding, and certain treatments can also be performed during the same procedure. Probe Curettage: A diagnostic procedure in which a small sample is obtained from the uterine lining using a thin curette, typically to investigate abnormal uterine bleeding and for pathological evaluation. Uterine and Bladder Prolapse: Downward displacement of the uterus and/or bladder due to weakening of pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues. Symptoms may include vaginal fullness, a palpable mass, urinary incontinence, or difficulty urinating. Childbirth, aging, and heavy lifting are common causes. Obstetricians and gynecologists play an active role in diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management, planning medical therapy, pelvic floor exercises, or surgical repair depending on severity. Genital Aesthetic Surgery and Procedures: These include surgical and medical applications aimed at improving the appearance and, in some cases, function of the external female genital organs. Procedures such as labiaplasty, vaginal tightening, and clitoral hoodoplasty fall within this scope and are evaluated and performed by obstetricians and gynecologists. Assisted Reproductive Techniques: Advanced medical methods used to achieve pregnancy in couples experiencing infertility. These include ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), embryo freezing, and embryo transfer. Hormonal evaluation, ovarian monitoring, uterine preparation, and pregnancy follow-up are essential components of treatment, all conducted under the responsibility of obstetricians and gynecologists using a multidisciplinary approach.