Commencing work in the specialty has truly opened my eyes to the pivotal role it plays within the journey of the female life. Involvement begins with assisting conception and infertility management for aspiring mothers, then leading to the safe obstetric management and delivery of new life. While the opposite end of the spectrum entails the removal of the ovaries and womb, the defining female organs, in order to treat disease and delay death.
Along the way much of the work done is management of common female life issues such as contraception, treatment of menorrhagia and so forth. Thus far I have already encountered ethical and personal challenges in cases of teenage abortions and pregnancies in young girls who are victims of rape.
A unique case which raised multiple isssues; ethico-legal, moral and religious. The unanimous decision amongst the team was to opt for emergency c-section, however on informing the lady and requesting consent it was a shock to learn she refused. As the woman was deemed to have the capacity to make the decision nothing further could be done without her consent. Sadly the baby soon died in-utero. Emotions of sheer sadness, anger and frustration were echoed by the entire department.
This was a rare and disturbing case. Current law states a baby has no rights of its own until birth. This case was especially challenging as the baby was term and potentially could have lived had the law not prevented us from acting in its best interests. This case also displayed to me how religious views can conflict with medical decisions and the challenge this poses.
The issues and personal challenges this experience highlighted have excelled my desire to rise to meet future ones. From my experience in Obstetrics and Gynaecology I have found myself gauged by both specialties.
I am currently also exploring the subspecialty of Oncological Gynaecology and at present undertaking a small research project. My research looks specifically at the value of omental biopsies in surgical staging of Uterine Papillary Serous Carcinomas; I aim to publish my results later this year.
Gynae-oncology is an area which interests me as it offers such large scope for research and the theatre cases are often extremely complex requiring multiple consultant and specialty involvement; cross-specialty work being something which appeals to me. I want to carry on scrubbing up for procedures, learn more about anatomy and dissection and have the chance to do the cutting and sewing myself.
Furthermore, obstetricians are often working side by side with medical specialists or gynaecological oncologists with general surgeons: teamwork that delivers additional range of cases, skills and knowledge.
So, a career that offers variety in day to day activity and doctor-patient relationships, tests and develops communication skills, supports its juniors, and has something to offer all over the world.
Yet, for me, a career in obstetrics and gynaecology would be even more than this. At these times, a doctor has the opportunity to make a really positive impact where it really matters. A varied, versatile and valuable career that is as rewarding for its doctors as it aims be for its patients. Higham J, Steer PJ. Gender gap in undergraduate experience and performance in obstetrics and gynaecology: analysis of clinical experience logs.
BMJ ; —3. Whitten SM, Higham J. Recruitment and retention into obstetrics and gynaecology: the influencing factors. Br J Hosp Med ; Career choices for obstetrics and gynaecology: national surveys of graduates of — from UK medical schools. BJOG ; — Toggle navigation. Vaginal dryness: Many women experience vaginal dryness during intercourse. Dryness can often be dependent on a woman's age and mitigating factors in her life.
If a younger woman has this issue and has been on birth control for a long time, there may not be enough estrogen present, and she may need to change her birth control. For a busy mom, she may not be taking enough time to engage in foreplay and arousal before sex, leading to dryness. If a woman is postmenopausal and has dryness, it can be due to low estrogen, and her gynecologist can prescribe vaginal estrogen. Pain during sex: If you're experiencing pain during sex, try different positions to find one where you feel comfortable.
Sometimes you still may need to speak with your doctor, though. Women often worry that their gynecologist is judging them if they ask how many partners they've had, how old they were when they first had intercourse, if they've had any sexually transmitted diseases STDs , or about sexual orientation and gender identity.
These topics arise for several important reasons:. To determine risk factors for cervical dysplasia and HPV infection. Having intercourse younger than 18 can sometimes make you more susceptible to HPV because the cervical-vaginal junction is more pronounced when you're younger.
Having more partners can also increase the potential for exposure. To discuss potential ramifications of past STDs. To ensure that a patient is receiving the best possible care. Though LGBT communities are diverse, research shows that there are certain health concerns among lesbian and bisexual women and trans men that are important for LGBT individuals and health care providers to be aware of. Learn more about where to find knowledgeable, supportive and compassionate providers.
Experiencing urinary or fecal incontinence can be very stressful and take a toll on your quality of life. Many women will experience these symptoms after childbirth, particularly if they had a large baby or a vaginal delivery requiring forceps or a vacuum.
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