The most important part of a gynaecological exam and consultation is the atmosphere in which the discussion is carried out. With both partners in the discussion equipped with knowledge.
The woman (the patient) the knowledge of her symptoms and how these symptoms and signs affect her quality of life and sometimes the quality of life of those dearest and nearest to her.
Her Gynaecologist should possess not only the knowledge of female anatomy and physiology but also have the ability to piece together the pieces of an evolving jigsaw to eventually come to a conclusion and institute management and hopefully cure.
The understanding of the human body is ever evolving and treatments that would have been acceptable for years quickly become obsolete. Current treatments may also have serious complications.Thus the gynaecologist needs to be up to date both with the literature and the interpretation thereof and how this applies to the individual patient.
With the growth of the internet and social media and special interest groups, information is widely available and most women have abundance of information to present during the consultation, most of which is relevant but may not apply to her particular circumstance.
The modern gynaecologist therefore should the ability to search this media at short notice and point out the relevance of the information and be able to guide the woman down the right path, allowing the woman to make an informed and educated decision about the course she wishes her management to take.
The gynaecologist also needs to possess the most up to date skills and in this day and age for the most part Minimal access surgery should be the norm where applicable. Minimal access surgery is associated with less pain, less blood loss, quicker recovery, and quicker return to normal activities.
The skill of Minimal access surgery should not however be looked at as a panacea for all, and procedures should not be carried out just because the surgeon “can” but should be carried out for the right reasons and because it what is required under the particular circumstance. “ Just because one has a hammer not all objects are nails”