Category: OB-GYN

Many people are unsure of the difference between an obstetrician and a gynaecologist, but understanding these specialisations is crucial when it comes to maintaining female health. These two roles are closely related, yet they serve distinct purposes in the realm of women’s healthcare.

In this article, Dr Kelly Loi, a Senior Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at the Health & Fertility Centre for Women, will explain the differences between an obstetrician and a gynaecologist, what each specialist focuses on, and when you should see one.

What Does a Gynaecologist Do?

A gynaecologist is a medical doctor who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the female reproductive system. Their role encompasses a wide range of women’s health concerns, including:

• Menstrual health (irregular periods, heavy bleeding, etc.)
• Pelvic pain
• Infections and STIs
• Hormonal imbalances
• Fibroids, cysts, and endometriosis
• Contraception and family planning

Routine checks such as Pap smears, HPV testing, and breast exams also fall under the scope of a gynaecologist’s expertise.
These specialists provide essential preventive care for women of all ages, from adolescence through menopause and beyond.

What Does an Obstetrician Do?

An obstetrician is a doctor who focuses on pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Their role is specifically related to providing care during pregnancy, helping women deliver their babies safely, and managing any complications that may arise during pregnancy or childbirth.

Some common reasons to visit an obstetrician include:

• Prenatal care during pregnancy
• Managing high-risk pregnancies
• Assisting with labour and delivery
• Postpartum care after childbirth

Obstetricians may also work closely with gynaecologists to monitor reproductive health in women trying to conceive or after pregnancy.

Key Differences Between an Obstetrician and a Gynaecologist

While both an obstetrician and a gynaecologist specialise in women’s health, their focus areas are different. However, many doctors, like Dr Kelly Loi, are dual-trained and can provide both obstetric and gynaecological care, offering comprehensive care throughout a woman’s reproductive life.

When Should You See a Gynaecologist or Obstetrician?

• See a gynaecologist if you are experiencing any reproductive health issues, including abnormal periods, pelvic pain, or concerns about menopause. Regular check-ups are essential for preventing or detecting conditions like ovarian cysts, fibroids, and cervical cancer.
• See an obstetrician if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or if you are having issues related to pregnancy. Regular visits with an obstetrician are essential for ensuring the health of both the mother and the baby.

Many women may see both specialists during their lifetime, depending on their reproductive health needs and life stages.

Dr Kelly Loi: Your Female Health Specialist

Dr Kelly Loi is a Senior Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist who offers personalised care for both obstetrics and gynaecology at the Health & Fertility Centre for Women. She has vast experience in the following areas:

• Obstetrics: Managing pregnancies, delivering babies, and providing postnatal care.
• Gynaecology: Diagnosing and treating reproductive health issues, including fertility problems, endometriosis, fibroids, and cancer screenings.

Dr Loi’s expertise also extends to IVF and minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery for various gynaecological conditions. As a medical director of the clinic, Dr Loi is dedicated to offering comprehensive care for women, from adolescence through menopause and beyond.

Why Choose Dr Kelly Loi?

With a stellar educational background from Oxford University Medical School and advanced training in fertility preservation and minimally invasive surgery, Dr Kelly Loi is committed to providing exceptional care to her patients. She has served in multiple prominent roles, including as Medical Director at Monash IVF Singapore and Mount Elizabeth Hospital Fertility Centre.

Dr Loi’s approach combines personalised care, cutting-edge medical practices, and a compassionate understanding of women’s health. Whether you need routine screenings, help with fertility, or guidance during pregnancy, Dr Kelly Loi and her team at Health & Fertility Centre for Women provide the support and expertise you need.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between an obstetrician and a gynaecologist is essential for your health journey. Both specialists play vital roles in female health but focus on different aspects of care. Whether you need assistance with reproductive health, pregnancy, or fertility, Dr Kelly Loi offers the comprehensive care you need throughout all stages of life.

If you are looking for a trusted obstetrician or gynaecologist in Singapore, consider booking a consultation with Dr Kelly Loi at the Health & Fertility Centre for Women to take the first step toward a healthier future.

Minimally invasive gynaecological procedures, also known as keyhole surgery or laparoscopic surgery, are increasingly being used in modern medicine to treat a variety of gynaecological conditions. These procedures are characterised by smaller incisions, reduced pain, and quicker recovery times compared to traditional surgeries.

In this article, Dr Kelly Loi, a Senior Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at the Health & Fertility Centre for Women, explains the types of minimally invasive gynaecological procedures, what conditions they treat, and how they improve patient outcomes.

What is Minimally Invasive Gynaecological Surgery?

Minimally invasive gynaecological surgery includes procedures where the surgeon uses small incisions and specialised instruments, including a camera, to perform surgeries with minimal disruption to the body. The camera provides the surgeon with a clear view of the internal organs, which are used to guide the surgical procedure.

The two most common types of minimally invasive gynaecological procedures are:

• Laparoscopic Surgery (Keyhole Surgery)
• Hysteroscopic Surgery

These procedures are designed to treat conditions affecting the female reproductive organs with minimal recovery time and reduced risk of complications.

Conditions Treated by Minimally Invasive Gynaecological Procedures

1. Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain, heavy periods, and infertility. Laparoscopic surgery is often used to remove these endometrial growths. This helps reduce pain and improve fertility, offering a minimally invasive solution for managing this condition.

2. Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause pain, heavy bleeding, and discomfort. Laparoscopic myomectomy is a minimally invasive procedure to remove fibroids while preserving the uterus. This procedure reduces the risk of complications compared to traditional surgery and allows for faster recovery.

3. Infertility Issues

For women experiencing infertility, laparoscopy can be used to diagnose and treat conditions such as blocked fallopian tubes or pelvic adhesions. By removing adhesions or other obstructions, laparoscopy can improve the chances of pregnancy. Additionally, hysteroscopic surgery can treat abnormalities in the uterus, such as polyps or septums, that may prevent successful implantation.

4. Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on the ovaries. If a cyst becomes large or causes pain, it may need to be removed. Laparoscopic surgery allows the surgeon to remove the cyst with minimal scarring, preserving the ovary’s function.

5. Pelvic Adhesions

Pelvic adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form between organs, often caused by previous surgeries, infections, or endometriosis. Laparoscopic surgery is used to break down these adhesions and free the organs, reducing pain and improving organ function.

6. Hysterectomy

In cases where a hysterectomy is necessary (the removal of the uterus), laparoscopic surgery offers a less invasive alternative to traditional open surgery. This procedure has the advantage of a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery time, making it a preferred option for many women.

What is Hysteroscopic Surgery?

Hysteroscopic surgery is a procedure used to treat conditions inside the uterus, such as fibroids, polyps, adhesions, and septums. It involves inserting a thin tube with a light and camera through the vagina into the uterus. This allows the surgeon to view and treat the problem without any external incisions.

Conditions treated by hysteroscopic surgery include:

• Uterine fibroids
• Uterine polyps
• Endometrial ablation for heavy bleeding
• Septum removal in cases of congenital uterine anomalies

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Gynaecological Procedures

The primary benefits of laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery include:

• Smaller incisions, leading to less scarring
• Reduced pain and faster recovery time
• Shorter hospital stays, with many procedures being outpatient
• Lower risk of infection and other complications
• The ability to return to normal activities more quickly than with traditional surgery

These procedures offer a gentler and more efficient alternative to traditional open surgery, improving the patient experience and outcomes.

Why Choose Dr Kelly Loi for Your Minimally Invasive Gynaecological Surgery?

Dr Kelly Loi is a Senior Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist with extensive expertise in minimally invasive gynaecological surgeries. At the Health & Fertility Centre for Women, she provides personalised care and employs laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery and hysteroscopic surgery to treat a variety of conditions with minimal disruption to the patient’s body.

Dr Loi is a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (UK) and a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine (Singapore). She specialises in reproductive medicine, fertility, IVF, and minimally invasive surgery for gynaecological conditions. Her approach combines cutting-edge techniques and compassionate care to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Conclusion

Minimally invasive gynaecological procedures, such as laparoscopy and hysteroscopic surgery, are effective treatments for many common female health issues. These procedures offer shorter recovery times, less pain, and minimal scarring compared to traditional surgeries, making them an attractive option for women seeking solutions to conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, and infertility.

As early as ages 13 to 15, teenage girls should start seeing a gynaecologist. This will not only check and maintain your daughter’s reproductive health but also develops her relationship with her gynaecologist, helping your teen become comfortable sharing the most intimate and personal health information as she grows.

What Are Obstetrician-Gynaecologists and The Services They Provide?

An obstetrician-gynaecologist (OB-GYN) is a medical professional that specializes in women’s health. An OB-GYN provides a wide and comprehensive array of services, ranging from obstetrics to gynaecological care.

These doctors offer preventive care services such as pap smears, pelvic exams, ultrasounds, STI testing, and blood tests. They can address problems regarding reproductive health, infertility, pregnancy, sex, among other things.

How To Choose a Gynaecologist for Your Teen?

Choosing the right gynaecologist for teens is important to ensure a healthy reproductive system, and that it would remain that way. A good gynaecologist is board-certified that holds positive reviews from patients.

Aside from great skills, several years of experience and impressive credentials, the best gynaecologist in Singapore knows how to make her patients feel comfortable during their appointments, which leads to better relationships and outcomes.

You may also want to ask your daughter about her preferences, but remember to lead her to a reputable one.

Here are a few vital reasons why your teen should see a gynaecologist:

• To Get Overall Health Advice – A regular health check-up with a gynaecologist is part of a healthy lifestyle, sick or not. A gynaecologist for teens can provide helpful advice to maintain good health and educate your daughter about development stages. 

• To Discover Essential Womanhood Info – Several body changes start to happen during the teenage years. They may get their first period, start growing pubic hairs, and other bodily changes that can make them feel uncomfortable and develop many questions in their head. Your teen deserves the best Singapore gynae who can answer all her questions and address her issues.

• Discern Menstrual Issues – It may take up to 2 years for a girl to establish a regular menstrual cycle from the day it first starts. Some common menstrual concerns are irregular periods, heavy bleeding, pain, discharge, to name a few. All of which can potentially affect a girl’s health and fertility. Introducing your teen to a gynaecologist at an early age can help address these issues (if any) early enough.

• Learn About Pregnancy – During the teenage years, learning information about pregnancy from a medical professional is a good thing. Your daughter should be aware that she’s fertile enough to get pregnant but isn’t mature enough to handle such responsibility and that there’s a right time to engage in a consensual relationship.

• Relationships & Sexuality – Some teens can get involved in relationships and feel uncomfortable discussing such matters with their parents. It’s good that they have an expert by their side who they can open up to. A gynaecologist can discuss responsible sex, losing virginity, reproductive system function, and more. They can also inform your teen about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender.

• Yeast Infection – Yeast infection can result in something more serious if left untreated. If your teen has been experiencing symptoms like itchiness, burning sensation, soreness, and discharge, she must see a gynaecologist right away for proper treatment.

• Become Aware of Sexually Transmitted Diseases – Your daughter’s visit to a gynae clinic in Singapore can give her insight about sexually transmitted infections, so she’ll know how to protect herself from them.

• Pain or blood in urination – Experiencing pain or blood in urine can be a serious concern, which needs immediate medical attention. Consult a gynaecologist right away to help diagnose and treat the problem.

Final thoughts

Finding the right gynaecologist is worthwhile. As a parent, you can rest easy knowing that your daughter is well cared for. Since your teen will be sharing intimate and personal health information, her gynaecologist should essentially make her feel welcome and comfortable. Also, remember to choose a reputable and trusted gynaecologist for your teen.

Being pregnant is not easy. Pregnancy care is important for expectant mothers, starting from pregnancy, to birth delivery, and beyond. This helps the baby’s healthy growth and development, giving the newborn a well head start as s/he welcomes the world.

To ensure both mother and baby’s health, Singapore obstetrician and gynaecologist assists women until after birth, which lasts between 6 to 8 weeks.

Difference of Private & Public Hospital Pregnancy Care

Private Hospital

• The administration and waiting periods are relatively shorter compared to public hospitals.
• You can select your preferred gynaecologist or obstetrician, which is not always an option in public hospitals.
• Your Singapore obstetrician and gynae can address your concern with more time since they have fewer patients to deal with.
• The gynae clinic will help you process insurance claims in case you are covered. In public clinics, patients need to process all the paper works on their own.
• The gynae clinic facilities are more spacious and comfortable, sometimes even more luxurious.

Public Hospital

• Lower cost is the main benefit of having pregnancy care at public facilities. If you are a Singaporean citizen your medical bill may be even lower.
• Public hospitals are well-equipped when it comes to handling medical emergencies or complications.
• You are more likely to give natural birth than C-section, depending on the situation.
• Gynaecologists in public facilities do not encourage additional examinations when they are not necessary.

To help you get the best pregnancy care possible, here’s the list of gynae clinics known in providing the best pregnancy care:

1. Women Fertility & Fetal Centre

Women Fertility & Fetal Centre is a gynae clinic in Singapore that delivers a comprehensive range of diagnostic and treatment services in obstetrics & gynaecology as well as fertility. They offer different minimally and non-invasive techniques for prenatal screenings and postnatal care.

Head of the gynae clinic Dr Ann Tan, is one of the few trained obstetricians and gynaecologists accredited in both fetal medicine and reproductive medicine. She introduced First Trimester Pregnancy Screen or OSCAR in Singapore which allows women to screen their pregnancies in early stages. Dr Tan is also a recipient of many prestigious awards.

They offer the following pregnancy care services:

• Fetal Viability Scan and Dating Scan
• Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan
• First Trimester Pregnancy Screen or Oscar
• Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)       
• Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
• Amniocentesis
• Fetal Anomaly Screening Scan
• Cervical Length Assessment
• Assessment of Fetal Well-Being
• Scans in Labour And Delivery

To reach Women Fertility & Fetal Centre, you may refer to the contact details below:

Phone: 6734 8188
Address: 3 Mount Elizabeth #11-12 Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre Singapore 228510
Email: mail@dranntan.com
Website: -https://www.anntan.com.sg/

2. Health & Fertility – Centre for Women

Graduated from the Oxford Medical School, Dr Kelly Loi is a Singapore obstetrician and gynaecologist. She is an accredited IVF specialist by the Ministry of Health. Her gynae clinic Health & Fertility Centre for Women provides a range of comprehensive services in a safe and comfortable environment. Based on the patient’s unique needs, medical care from conception to motherhood and beyond is provided.

Dr Loi has developed a certain expertise in antenatal and obstetrics care, fertility treatment, IVF, and surgery. Being the medical director of the gynae clinic, she offers her patients a dedicated fertility, obstetrics & gynaecology services.

They offer the following pregnancy care services:

• Prepregnancy Health Screen
• Pregnancy Tests
• Pregnancy Screening
• Pregnancy Scanning and Pregnancy Care Singapore
• Delivery and Postnatal Care

To reach Health & Fertility Centre for Women, you may refer to the contact details below:

Phone: 6235 5066
Address: 3 Mount Elizabeth, #15-16 Medical Centre, Singapore 228510
Email: info@healthfertility.com.sg
Website: -https://www.healthfertility.com.sg/

3. GynaeMD Women’s Rejuvenation Clinic

Headed by Dr Christopher Ng, GynaeMD Women’s & Rejuvenation Clinic provides obstetrics & gynaecology as well as aesthetic services in a comfortable and compassionate setting. GynaeMD works hand in hand with their patients by empowering them with information on advancements in medical care. Patients’ decisions are heard and respected in ensuring their safety and achieving their overall health.

Dr Ng is a skilled Singapore obstetrician and gynaecologist. Despite his gender, he is one of the most sought after gynaecologist in Singapore. He was educated in Singapore and the United Kingdom. He obtained his degree in Medicine and Surgery at St Mary’s Hospital Medical School, Imperial College in London in 1995. As he returns in Singapore he became the President & Founding Member of the Overseas Medical Graduates Association of Singapore.

They offer the following pregnancy care services:

• Pregnancy Clinic
• OSCAR
• Non Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT)
• Amniocentesis & CVS
• Fetal Anomaly Scan
• Fetal Wellbeing Assessment
• 3D & 4D Scans
• Birth Plan & Delivery

To reach GynaeMD, you may refer to the contact details below: Phone: +65 6733 8810
Address: 1 Orchard Boulevard, #04-03A Camden Medical Centre, Singapore 248649
Email: gynaemd@singnet.com.sg
Website: https://www.gynaemd.com.sg/

4. Astra Women’s Specialist

Astra Women’s Specialist is an obstetrics & gynaecology clinic in Singapore that offers specialized care for women. With their 11 specialist clinics sprawled in the heartlands of the country, specialist care is made accessible for those who need it. They have a panel of 9 experienced Singapore obstetricians and gynaecologists dedicated to caring for your reproductive health, pregnancy, delivery birth, and even after birth.

Dr Cathryn Chan Weng Buen is one of their skilled obstetrician and gynaecologist. Her passion lies in reproductive medicine and infertility. Being an accredited IVF clinician at certain clinics, Dr Chan was the Singapore Gynae who supervised the first successful pregnancy using frozen oocyte and frozen testicular sperm in the year 2000. Apart from that, her fertility procedures have a credible success rate too.  

They offer the following pregnancy care services:

• Pre-pregnancy (Pre-conception) Check
• Non-invasive Antenatal Tests
• Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
• Amniocentesis
• Fetal Blood Sampling
• Foetal Surgery: Renal Shunt, Bladder Shunt, Pleural Shunt
• Post-natal Care

To reach Astra Women’s Specialist, you may refer to the contact details below:

Phone: +65 6353 3878
Address: 38 Irrawaddy Road #05-21/22 Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre Singapore 329563
Email: contact@smgwomenshealth.sg
Website: -https://www.astrawomenspecialists.com/

5. Dr Pamela Tan

Dr Pamela Tan is an obstetrician and gynae in Singapore. She was the formerly female Consultant in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, KK Women’s & Children’s Hospital. One of her doctoring philosophies is focused on building a relationship with her patients with warmth, professional, and well-advised care. She believes in pro-natural birthing and giving an optimal birthing experience as desired by her patients.

She acquired her undergraduate medical degree at the National University of Singapore and her post-graduate MRCOG in London at the Royal College of O&G. As a Singapore gynae, Dr Tan is an accredited specialist by the Ministry of Health with the Specialist Accreditation Board.

They offer the following pregnancy care services:

• Pre-conception health screening
• Antenatal care, intrapartum care and postnatal care
• Labour and delivery with individualised birth plans
• Assisted instrumental delivery with forceps and vacuum
• Vaginal birth after Caesarean (VBAC), assisted vaginal delivery of twins
• Caesarean section
• Management of medical disorders in pregnancy

To reach Dr Pamela Tan, you may refer to the contact details below:

Phone: + 65 6254 2878
Address: 339 Thomson Road # 03-02 Singapore 307677
Email: tlc.tmc@hotmail.sg
Website: -https://drpamelatan.com/

6. The Obstetrics & Gynaecology Centre

The Obstetrics & Gynaecology Centre is headed by Singapore obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Watt Wing Fong. The gynae clinic is dedicated in providing care to every woman’s unique needs. They offer a comprehensive range of obstetrics & gynaecology services. Dr Watt’s special interest lies in medical disorders in pregnancy and peripartum management.

They offer the following pregnancy care services:

• Viability Scan
• Dating Scan
• OSCAR (One Stop Clinic for the Assessment of Risk for Foetal Anomalies)
• Fetal Anomaly Screening
• Growth Scan
• Doppler Ultrasound Scan
• Post-Delivery Care

To reach The Obstetrics & Gynaecology Centre, you may refer to the contact details below: Phone: +65 6475 1158 or +65 6262 5490
Website: -https://togc.sg/

7. PK Women’s Specialist Clinic

Senior consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at PK Women’s Specialist Clinic, Dr Tan Poh Kok is a Ministry of Health and Singapore Medical Council accredited specialist. He provides a range of services in obstetrics & gynecology for women of all ages. Being a recipient of several awards proves his compassion and dedicated care to the patient. He gives advice and management of natural birth to family planning and everything in between.

They offer the following pregnancy care services:

• Pre-Pregnancy Check-up
• Antenatal tests for your pregnancy
• Nutrition during pregnancy
• Morning Sickness
• Labor and delivery

To reach PK Women’s Specialist Clinic, you may refer to the contact details below:

Phone: +65 6636 9909
Address: 2 Tai Thong Crescent #01-12 The Venue Residences/ Shoppes. Singapore 347836
Email: enquiry@pkwomensclinic.com
Website: -https://www.pkwomensclinic.com/

You and baby’s health is essentially important, seek for the best pregnancy care. Let the best doctor and the right gynae clinic handle your unique needs.  

When a couple cannot conceive after 12 months of having unprotected sex frequently, it is called infertility. 8 to 12 percent of couples experience this condition worldwide. The problem can be rooted in either party or both, but sometimes the cause remains unknown. Luckily, treatments are often available to increase the likelihood of getting pregnant.

Options for Infertility treatment depends on the cause of the couple’s infertility and their personal and current situation. Your gynaecologist will discuss the best treatment plan for you. It may include medications that influence the hormones and ovulation which is sometimes coordinated with minor surgeries.

Infertility Treatment for Women

• Stimulating ovulation with fertility drugs – Women who have ovulation problems can lead to infertility. In such cases, fertility drugs can help to prompt or regulate ovulation. They can also stimulate better or further eggs. Different types of this medicine are available, consult a specialist in gynaecology to know which one is best for you.
• Surgery to restore fertility – When infertility is caused by uterine problems, a gynaecologist may recommend surgery to help restore fertility. Hysteroscopic surgery can address conditions like endometrial polyps, a uterine septum, intrauterine scar tissue, and some fibroids. Laparoscopic or traditional surgery can be done by a skilled gynaecologist in cases like endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, and larger fibroids.
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI) – This fertility treatment is artificial insemination that involves placing healthy sperm directly into the uterus. The timing of the procedure depends on the woman’s ovulation or when the ovary releases one or more eggs to be fertilized. Your gynaecologist may also depend the timing with the fertility medications you are taking.

Infertility Treatment for Men

• Changing lifestyle factors – Switching to a healthy lifestyle can enhance fertility and increase the chance of conceiving. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking habits, minimizing or eliminating alcohol consumption, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and other factors. Also, work on improving the timing and regularity of intercourse.
• Medications – Male fertility medications can change men’s hormones and increase their sperm count aiming for successful a pregnancy. The testicular function may improve as well as sperm health. Singapore gynaecologist prescribes fertility pills that suits your condition. 
• Sperm Retrieval – This method applies to men who can’t ejaculate or those who have little to no sperm in their semen. Hence, sperm will be gathered from other parts of the reproductive tract. Some Singapore gynaecologist combines this technique with other procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for better chances of pregnancy.
• Surgery – Surgical procedures can be an option for some men to help restore fertility and sperm blockage. Gynaecologist can perform a varicocelectomy, a common surgical treatment for infertility that repairs varicoceles which may result in better sperm movement, concentration, and structure.

Assisted Reproductive Technology

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) is a general term for all fertility treatments that handle both egg and sperm. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most common and effective type of ART, others are gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), artificial insemination or IUI, ovulation induction (OI), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and so on.

ART can help couples that suffer from infertility. The success of this procedure depends on many factors including age, cause of infertility, type of ART, quality of egg and sperm, and the clinic and gynaecologist. However, it helped many couples to have children of their own.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process of fertilization that removes the egg from a woman’s body and mix it with sperm to make embryos in a laboratory dish, the embryos will then be placed into the uterus. Consult your gynaecologist to know if IVF is right for you.

Possible Complications of Infertility Treatment

• Multiple pregnancies – This is the most common consequence of infertility treatment. You may end up having twins, triplets, or more. The more fetuses you have, that more at risk you are of premature labor and delivery in a general sense. When babies are born prematurely they may be at risk of potential health and developmental issues. It is important to discuss this concern with your gynaecologist.
• Bleeding or infection – You may expose yourself to bleeding or infection, just like other invasive procedures but this rarely happens with ART or reproductive surgery.
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) – Excessive response of the ovaries when taking fertility medications or undergoing ART can result in pain and inflammation. You may experience mild to moderate abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea. Severe OHSS rarely happens, which can result in rapid weight gain and breathlessness. Call your gynaecologist immediately when this occurs.

Conceiving a child is a blessing. Make sure to visit a board-certified gynaecologist to address your infertility concern so you’ll get the right treatment plan tailored for your needs. It may also involve uncomfortable procedures, so it is best to get comfortable with the health care team of your choice.

For many women, having missed or late period can raise many questions in their head like: “Am I pregnant? Am I the next virgin Mary? How can I tell my parents?” and whatnot. Well, don’t get so nervous about being pregnant over your off scheduled period. In actuality, there are several possible culprits behind your delayed menstrual cycle besides pregnancy, ranging from hormonal imbalances to an indication of severe medical conditions, consult your gynaecologist first for an accurate diagnosis.

Missing a period is common, and they don’t always denote serious concerns, some of the reasons for a late period include:

1. Too Much Stress

Chronic stress can modify a woman’s period, making it delayed, more painful, longer, or shorter as well as missed period. It can interfere with your brain’s hypothalamus which is responsible for controlling your menstruation. Good thing, there are many ways to solve this issue, you can take regular exercise, get sufficient sleep, avoid the cause of your stress, or speak to your gynaecologist or a counselor.

2. Extreme or Excessive Exercise

Having regular exercise daily is healthy, however, extreme exercises can affect your pituitary and thyroid hormones which control the female reproductive process. This may be known to many athletes especially those who are experiencing strenuous training leading to missed periods for several months.

3. Adjustment in your sleep schedule

Frequent shifting schedules that mess with your body clock can alter your menstrual cycle. This often happens to women with irregular working shifts ranging from days to nights. Although this may not completely cause a missed period, your flow can be relatively unpredictable causing it to arrive sooner or later than anticipated. Similarly, jet lag causes an add up or lessen a few days to your period cycle. 

4. Change in your body weight (loss or gain)

A sudden and quick weight change –weight gain or weight loss can interfere with your hormone release and production resulting in missed periods. The weight changes may be due to disease, medication, or diet changes. Being obese, underweight, or having anorexia impacts a women’s menstrual cycle.

5. Breastfeeding

If you are breastfeeding after giving birth, a late period or missed period is totally normal. This is called lactational amenorrhea, a temporary postnatal infertility when a woman is fully breastfeeding, disrupting your monthly period. Your monthly cycle should return after a few months, consult a gynaecologist if not.

6. Recently started periods

Although the normal number of days for a woman’s menstruation cycle is 21 to 35 days. However, an irregular period is common and normal during 1 to 2 years for girls who had just started having periods, until the regular pattern begins. Also, for women who had missed periods for several years and starting again may not resume their regular monthly cycle right away.

7. Perimenopause and menopause

Perimenopause is the phase when your productive age is turning non-productive or the first stage of menopause. You may notice irregularities in your menstruation like infrequent, more frequent, heavy bleeding, or light bleeding. While menopause is the time in a woman’s life when her menstruation cycle stops as a normal process of aging.

8. Medications

Specific medications can result in a delayed or missed period as a side effect, which includes antidepressants, antipsychotics, thyroid medications, anticonvulsants, and some chemotherapy medications. Parallel to hormonal contraceptives, such as Depo-Provera, progesterone-only MiniPill, Mirena IUD, and Nexplanon may have the same effect on your cycle. Such cases can be worth a visit to your gynaecologist.

9. Birth control

One of the side effects of birth control pills are a missed period, which is welcome to some women. These hormones estrogen and progestin containing pills can prevent your ovaries to release eggs. Your regular cycle should return after 6 months of stopping the pill, otherwise, consult your gynaecologist. Implanted or injected contraceptives can also cause missed periods.

10. Acute Illness

Certain illnesses can lead you to a missed period, such as pneumonia, heart attack, kidney failure, or meningitis. These conditions can cause weight loss, nutritional insufficiency, and hormonal dysfunction causing you to miss your period until the illness is treated, or a few months after.

11. Diabetes and Thyroid dysfunction

Medical conditions like diabetes and overactive thyroid can also be a culprit of a missed or late period. For some reason, these diseases are the reason why ovulation is absent to women, leading to an early or late period. The causes vary depending on their medical history, consult a doctor or a gynaecologist for further testing and direct diagnosis.

12. Polycystic ovary syndromes (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndromes (PCOS) is a medical condition of reproductive hormonal imbalance resulting in the formation of cysts on the ovaries. PCOS causes irregular or stopped ovulation, which can mean irregular or stopped menstruation too, it is important to seek immediate attention to your gynaecologist for treatments. With PCOS, your menses may come every two weeks, every three to six months, or only once per year.

13. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection to your uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes that affects your menstrual cycle. It develops when bacteria penetrated the vagina, which usually begins with a sexually transmitted infection, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. If you suspect that this can be blamed for your missed or late period, call your gynaecologist.

14. Uterine fibroids

Another cause of a late period is uterine fibroids, a condition of growing abnormal but noncancerous muscle tissue on the uterus wall. This may not be fatal, but it can cause pelvic pain, irregular bleeding in the vagina, alteration in the menstrual cycle, frequent urination, and even constipation. You should bring this up to your gynaecologist for the best treatment.

15. Pituitary Tumor

In rare cases, prolactinoma (a type of pituitary tumor) secretes a high amount of prolactin which causes menstruation to get infrequent or to stop. Other symptoms of prolactinoma are headaches, vision problems, and breasts discharge even when they are not breastfeeding, consult your gynaecologist or health care provider for proper treatment.

If being pregnant is the last thing that you want to be, but you have a delayed cycle or missed period, you may breathe a sigh of relief for it may be a normal hormonal imbalance or see a gynaecologist if it’s an indication of an underlying medical condition known to gynaecology. A late period does not always mean that you’re pregnant.

We women can be picky with many things and for equally many reasons. It’s normal to set standards for things that matter to us, but most especially when it comes to our health. As women, we tend to be selective or particular on who to trust with regards to our reproductive health. It’s our private parts we’re talking about here after all! Getting the right gynaecologist is crucial, and so our selection process must be done with vigilance.

Here are five things you should consider when looking for a gynaecologist:

1. He or she comes highly recommended.

Even in today’s times where info is easily accessible with just one click, word-of-mouth referrals remain one of the best ways to find a reputable gynaecologist. You can narrow your search (and spend a lot of time and effort) by first asking your primary care doctor for a referral. Family and close friends are also good recommendation sources if you’re looking for someone who has already been tried and tested. When all else fails, the Internet is rife with a list of gynaecologists, complete with credentials and patient reviews.

2. He or she is experienced.

More than a medical professional’s written credentials, his or her experience in a chosen field serves as a better testament to his skill and credibility. When you’re reading through a potential gynaecologist’s credentials, make sure to check his or her years of practice in a chosen subspecialty or a particular procedure. Record-wise, you may also want to dig deeper and find out whether a professional has had any complaints and disciplinary actions in the past.

3. You feel comfortable with him or her.

Bedside manner and being able to communicate openly with your gynaecologist play important roles in your search. Judging by the nature of this particular medical branch, it’s important that you’re comfortable with sharing intimate issues about your body. In the same way, your choice should be someone you can trust and who can be honest with you, especially when it comes to your treatment options. Your comfortability during your appointments is more important than whether you prefer a male or female gynaecologist.

4. He or she is affiliated with a hospital you trust.

If possible, check whether your potential gynaecologist is affiliated with a well-known hospital, or at the very least a hospital you’ve had favorable experiences with. You can even check the institution’s history, ratings and reviews to better gauge its reliability and capability to help you. In a way, this aspect will help you be at ease if you trust your health provider enough. 

5. He or she accepts your insurance. 

Having insurance is a great means to have sufficient finances in times of medical emergencies. Medical charges can be quite expensive, so a top consideration when choosing your gynaecologist is whether he or she recognizes your health insurance. This will help narrow down your search, as well as help you save money.

Take away

As the old mantra goes, “Prevention is better than cure.” The same is true when it comes to your reproductive and sexual health. With this in mind, taking your time and effort to find the right gynaecologist can help you avoid conditions that can have long-term consequences on your health.