What Does A Gynaecologist Do?

16 Apr What Does A Gynaecologist Do?

Wanting to see someone regarding your gynaecological problem? Wondering who to see and how to see them? Here are some common considerations when deciding who to see.

What is a gynaecologist?

A gynaecologist is a specialist doctor who cares for women and specialises in preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases of women’s reproductive organs – such as problems with periods, contraception, abnormal pap test, menopause, infections and cancers of reproductive organs among others.

An obstetrician cares for women in pregnancy and childbirth. Obstetrics and gynaecology are combined to form a single medical specialisation. Obstetrician-gynaecologist has training in both areas before further training in an area of interest within the specialty.

Following completion of medical degree in the university (typically 6 years), junior doctors rotate through different specialties in the hospital system for a few years before embarking on a specialist or GP training. Obstetrics and Gynaecology is one of these specialties. The training takes a further 6 full-time years with examinations through the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) in Australia.

Are there different types of gynaecologists?

Following completion of specialist training, qualified obstetrician-gynaecologist (called Fellow of the RANZCOG) typically work in either both specialties, or one of the two specialties only. Gynaecologists focus their work solely in gynaecology, and no longer look after women in their pregnancy and childbirth.

Most gynaecologists are generalists who can deal with most gynaecological problems. Some gynaecologists have further training in fertility, some in prolapse and urinary incontinence, some in cancer of reproductive organs, others in minimally invasive gynaecology surgery. Obviously gynaecologists with specialist interest in certain area of the specialisation have higher volume of work and experience in that particular area.

Is my OB/ obstetrician a gynaecologist as well?

All Fellows of RANZCOG trained and qualified as obstetrician and gynaecologist. Most obstetricians do care for women with gynaecological problems too, many though are solely doing obstetrics and would refer women with gynaecological problems to their gynaecologist colleague.

Should I see my OB/obstetrician for my gynaecological problems?

Most women form special bonds with their obstetricians and many see them again after their childbirth and beyond for their gynaecological problems. Obstetrician-gynaecologist are qualified to diagnose, give advice, and treat many gynaecological conditions.

Many obstretrician-gynaecologists focus on obstetrics. Gynaecology and gynaecological surgery is a small part of their practice. This limits their exposure to the latest surgical advancement and ability to update their skills in this area.

Very few obstetrician-gynaecologists have advanced minimally invasive gynaecological surgery such as advanced laparoscopic or robotic surgery. Many conditions that require surgery in gynaecology can be performed through laparoscopy and therefore minimises pain and other complications, and allows quicker recovery.

If you have been offered traditional open surgery to treat complex conditions such as large ovarian cysts, enlarged uterus, large fibroids, it is worth asking for a second opinion. It is also worth asking your obstetrician-gynaecologist how often they perform a particular procedure.

Why Dr Kuswanto?

Dr Kuswanto is a fully qualified specialist gynaecologist who is a Fellow of RANZCOG.

Kent commenced his specialist training in one of Melbourne’s premier teaching women’s hospital – Mercy Hospital for Women. He then completed his advanced training and fellowship (Surgical Gynaecological Oncology) in another leading tertiary hospital – Monash Medical Centre. This extra training gave him valuable high volume experience and expertise in complex gynaecological pelvic surgery and advanced laparoscopic surgery including robotic surgery.

He focuses his practice to minimally invasive gynaecology surgery. Dr Kuswanto has extensive experience in treating women with a full range of gynaecological problems including abnormal heavy or irregular periods, ovarian cysts, fibroids, adenomyosis and endometriosis. Dr Kuswanto also has extensive experience in laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, hysterectomy, myomectomy, ovarian cyst removal & endometrial ablation procedures.

How do I see a gynaecologist?

You will normally need a referral from your GP to see a specialist/ gynaecologist. Depending on your preference and if you have private health insurance, you may be referred to a gynaecology clinic in a public hospital, or a private gynaecologist.

Fees are covered by Medicare in a public hospital (bulk-billed). In a private setting, fees are partially covered by Medicare (if you have a referral from your GP) depending on the services provided and insurance policy if you have private health insurance.

A referral is also a form of good communication between your GP and specialists as a correspondence is usually made after your visit.

All visits are by appointment only, unlike in GP practices where walk-ins are possible.