Gynaecology – Page 5 – Women's Health by Dr Lee Say Fatt

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (Vaginal yeast infection)

October 31, 2020October 17, 2020 by Dr Lee Say Fatt

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is an infection of the vagina caused by a yeast-like fungus (usually Candida albicans). It is one of the commonest causes of vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina). An estimated 75 percent of all women will develop a yeast infection during their lifetime. Vaginal candidiasis infections are very common in pregnancy due to the increased levels of circulating oestrogen in the bloodstream.

CAUSES

The fungus Candida lives in small numbers in a healthy vagina, rectum and mouth without causing problems. When the vagina’s hormone and pH balance is disturbed, the organisms multiply and cause infections.

Benign ovarian cysts

June 15, 2021September 20, 2020 by Dr Lee Say Fatt

The ovaries are the female reproductive organs that contain eggs and will release them on a regular basis (usually monthly in the majority of the women). It also produces female and male hormones. An ovarian cyst is abnor¬mal growth in the ovary and can be either solid or cystic. It can be divided into either a benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) type. Benign or non-cancerous cysts do not invade neighboring tissue the way malignant cyst does. The exceptionally large ovarian cyst often turns out to be benign.

The term ovarian cyst refers to abnormal growth in the ovary that contains mainly fluid, although occasionally some solid component may be present as well.

Symptoms and signs

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)

September 23, 2020August 28, 2020 by Dr Lee Say Fatt

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is an x-ray examination that is used to evaluate the uterine cavity and to check for patency of the fallopian tubes (whether the tubes are blocked).

INDICATIONS (REASONS FOR PROCEDURE)

Infertility (difficulty in conceiving).
Confirm tubal and uterine abnormalities.
Recurrent miscarriages.
Follow-up to some surgical procedures.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS TO THE PROCEDURE

Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Pregnancy.
Recent curettage or active genital tract infection.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

August 9, 2020July 31, 2020 by Dr Lee Say Fatt

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) refers to a spectrum of clinical problems due to hormonal and metabolic imbalance, which can affect the reproductive and endocrine systems.

How Common?

PCOS affects 5-10% of all women of childbearing age regardless of race or nationality. It may begin during puberty and become more severe with time.

Hysteroscopy (diagnostic and operative)

June 25, 2024July 24, 2020 by Dr Lee Say Fatt

The hysteroscope is a small lighted telescope used for visual examination of the cervix and the uterus to help diagnose and treat abnormalities in the cervical canal or the uterine cavity. If it is used to look for the cause of the presenting problem, it is term as diagnostic hysteroscopy. If it involves some form of surgical procedures such as removal of growths (endometrial polyps or fibroids), removal of the lining or separation of adhesions, then it is called operative hysteroscopy. In many cases, both procedures are done concurrently – the so-called “see and treat” approach.

Reasons for the procedure

Evaluation and treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding.
To look for the displaced and removal of the intrauterine device (IUD).
Evaluation for infertility (difficulty in conceiving) or recurrent miscarriage.
Uterine polyps, fibroids or adhesions (which is called Ashermann’s syndrome).
Obstructed fallopian tubes.
Congenital malformations of the uterus

Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Obstetrics and Gynaecology

July 26, 2020July 18, 2020 by Dr Lee Say Fatt

Dr. William Morton demonstrated the first public administration of ether anaesthesia in the operating theatre of the Massachusetts General Hospital on the 16th October 1846
That day is remembered as a milestone in anaesthesia and celebrated as World Anaesthesia Day.
From that date onward, many progresses have been made in the field of anaesthesia, and more so specifically for the practice of obstetrics and gynaecology.

On the 16th August 1897, a German surgeon by the name of Dr. August Bier administered the first spinal anaesthetic. Spinal anaesthesia becomes one of the most popular methods of administering a patient pain free from surgery of the lower limbs, lower abdomen and Caesarean sections and is still widely used.

Combined oral contraceptives (COC) pills

July 24, 2020June 28, 2020 by Dr Lee Say Fatt

The reason for practicing contraception (or birth control) is to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. Most methods of contraception enable sexually active couples to temporarily avoid pregnancy. Permanent birth control is accomplished through sterilization. There are many types of birth control methods that are currently available. There is no perfect method at the moment. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Be sure you know and understand the different types of birth control available to you, the risks and benefits of each, and any side effects, so that you can make an informed choice.

Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN)

June 20, 2021June 20, 2020 by Dr Lee Say Fatt

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (or CIN) refers to the presence of abnormal cells seen on the cervical cytology smear. These abnormal cells are obtained from the lining of the outer cervix and can range from mild to severe changes. A diagnosis of CIN changes is not cancer. However, the severe form of dysplasia can be considered a precancerous condition and may eventually progress to cancer in several years if not treated.

The cervical cytology smear was previously referred to as Pap smear. Currently, the newer cervical cancer screening uses a liquid based cytology and the commonest one used are: Thin Prep or Sure-Path. These are better and more accurate compared to the conventional Pap smear test.