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It is typically a consultant specialty. In most countries, women must
see a general practitioner first. If their condition requires knowledge
or equipment unavailable to the GP, they are referred to a gynaecologist.
However, in the United States, law and many health insurance plans allow
gynaecologists to provide primary care, and some women select that option.
- abdominal ultrasound, to give a low-power view of the pelvic organs.
vaginal ultrasound. A probe is passed into the vagina, which allows
a detailed view of the uterus and its contents.
- blood tests. Levels of hormones such as estradiol, luteinizing hormone,
follicle stimulating hormone and progesterone are measured, as well
as prolactin.
- hysteroscopy -- a fine tube is passed into the uterus via the cervix
under a general anaesthetic.
- laparoscopy -- tubes are passed into the peritoneal cavity, which
is then insufflated with carbon dioxide. This is commonly used to diagnose
endometriosis.
- MRI and CT scans are rarely used, apart from tumor staging in gynecological
cancer. Pelvic X-ray is rare. It can be used to delineate the uterine
cavity with an injected dye (hysterosalpingogram) and to measure the
pelvic girdle.
Info based on Wikipedia project |