Gynaecology and Obstetrics
Gynecology is the medical practice dealing with the health of the female reproductive systems (vagina, uterus, and ovaries) and the breasts. The gynaecologist conducts regular preventive medical checkups, such as smear tests of the cervix (the mouth of the womb) and breast screening. He advises women of all ages on questions of contraception, infertility and problems with the climacteric (menopause).
Obstetrics is the field of study concentrated on pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. The obstetrician is concerned with everything to do with pregnancy. He advises and examines future mothers during this period of their lives and is generally responsible for what goes on during the birth.
As a medical specialty, obstetrics is combined with gynaecology under the discipline known as obstetrics and gynaecology (OB/GYN).
