Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBGYN)

What is Obstetrics & Gynaecology?

Obstetrics and gynaecology or OBGYN are medical specialties that focus on women's health or female reproductive medicine. Obstetrics is dedicated to providing care to pregnant women, with the goal of ensuring that both mother and baby receive the best prenatal care possible.

Gynaecology, on the other hand, is focused on diagnosing and treating issues related to the female reproductive system. This includes disorders of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and vagina. In addition, a gynaecologist may address related problems that can impact the bowel, bladder, and urinary system, as these are closely interconnected with female reproductive organs. While gynaecologists are sometimes involved in delivering babies, obstetricians typically limit their practice from early pregnancy to childbirth.

Gynae-oncology is a subspecialty of obstetrics and gynaecology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of cancers affecting the female reproductive health. It involves the study and management of gynaecologic malignancies, including ovarian, uterine, cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers. By focusing on early detection, accurate diagnosis, and personalised treatment plans, gynae-oncologists aim to improve survival rates and enhance the quality of life for patients. 

Pregnancy is a common reason why women visit obstetrics and gynaecology clinics. Aside from pregnancy, you may consult an O&G specialist to discuss various issues, such as family planning, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and menstrual disorders. You are advised to consider seeing one if you have the following problems:

• An abnormal cervical screening test

• Heavy bleeding or bleeding after menopause

• Urinary incontinence

• Recurrent or persistent irritation of the vagina or vulva, discharge, itching, or pain

• Exhibiting symptoms of menopause

• Pelvic pain

Common Obstetric and Gynaecologic Conditions

Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) provides comprehensive care for women across all stages of life, starting with maternity care for normal pregnancy and childbirth, as well as the management of high-risk pregnancies. 

Beyond obstetrics, OBGYN specialists address a wide range of reproductive health issues, including menstrual problems, hormonal imbalances, and the transition through menopause.

Your OBGYN can treat a range of common women’s health conditions, including the following:

• Endometriosis

• Pelvic organ prolapses (POP)

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

• Polyps and cysts 

• Uterine fibroids

• Urinary incontinence

• Cervical cancer

• Endometrial cancer

• Ovarian cancer

• Uterine cancer

• Vaginal cancer

Obstetric and Gynaecologic Services

Obstetrics and Gynaecology offers a continuum of services ranging from routine screenings to complex surgical interventions.

Maternity Care

On the obstetrics side, comprehensive antenatal and postnatal care is provided at Prince Court Medical Centre. This includes regular check-ups, monitoring of foetal development, management of complications, and postpartum support for both mother and baby.

1. Antenatal Classes

Antenatal (or prenatal) classes are educational classes that prepare expectant parents for pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenting. They cover topics such as nutrition, exercise, labour techniques, pain management, breastfeeding, and newborn care.

2. Advanced Obstetric Services

To monitor foetal health, specialists utilise advanced obstetric techniques, including detailed ultrasound examinations and Doppler studies for high-risk pregnancies.

• First trimester screening combines ultrasound and blood tests to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities.

• Detailed fetal ultrasound offers a comprehensive evaluation of foetal anatomy and development.

• Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis are diagnostic procedures used to detect genetic abnormalities.

• Doppler studies are performed in high-risk pregnancies to assess blood flow to the foetus and monitor its well-being.
  
  

3. Labour and Maternity Services

Labor and maternity services include comprehensive care and support during labour, childbirth, and the immediate postpartum period. This covers monitoring, pain relief, delivery assistance, and postpartum care for a smooth and safe transition into parenthood.

Gynaecology Procedures

Gynaecological procedures offered at Prince Court Medical Centre include:

• Pap Smear: Also known as a Pap test or cervical cytology, this screening procedure detects abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

• Laparoscopic or Minimally Invasive Surgery: A surgical approach using small incisions and specialised instruments to treat gynaecological conditions, offering benefits such as shorter recovery, less pain, and reduced scarring.

• Colposcopy: A procedure that uses a colposcope to examine the cervix, vagina, and vulva, typically following abnormal Pap smear results. It may include a biopsy if suspicious areas are identified.

• Hysteroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to examine and treat issues within the uterus using a thin, lighted instrument called a hysteroscope

• Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus, performed for conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, or gynaecologic cancers.

• Myomectomy: Surgical removal of uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus, offering an alternative to hysterectomy for women seeking to retain fertility.

• Oophorectomy / Cystectomy: Surgical removal of one or both ovaries (oophorectomy) or removal of ovarian cysts while preserving the ovary (cystectomy).

• Vaginoplasty: A surgical procedure to reconstruct and tighten the vagina, typically addressing laxity caused by childbirth, ageing, or certain medical conditions

• Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT): Formerly known as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), this treatment alleviates menopause symptoms by replenishing declining levels of oestrogen and progesterone.

• Urogynaecology and Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation: Diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor disorders such as urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, with a focus on strengthening pelvic floor muscles and improving bladder and bowel control.

• Gynaecological Oncology: Comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of gynaecological cancers using surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.

One of the Best Hospitals for O&G Specialists in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Expertise and Specialisation

Prince Court Medical Centre offers exceptional care provided by dedicated obstetricians and gynaecologists who specialise in a wide range of obstetric and gynaecological conditions. Our team of highly qualified doctors has received training from prestigious universities in the United Kingdom, United States, and other countries. With their expertise, we deliver comprehensive and personalised care for routine and high-risk pregnancies, ensuring a smooth and satisfying experience for both patients and their families.

Specialised Neonatal Care and Post-Delivery Support for New Mothers

Throughout your pregnancy and delivery journey, you can have confidence in the knowledge that you and your baby are in excellent hands. We understand that hospitalisation can be stressful, particularly for new mothers, and we provide a calm and secure environment for bonding with your newborn. Our single-room stay is designed to meet your unique needs, offering dedicated amenities such as nursing chairs, baby cribs, and round-the-clock medical assistance.

We go above and beyond to ensure the best possible care for you and your baby. In addition to our standard nursery, we have a special care nursery (SCN) for newborns requiring extra attention, as well as a fully equipped Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to handle emergencies. Our highly skilled and experienced paediatric specialists and subspecialists are available 24/7 to attend to your baby's needs and our support continues even after delivery.

We have developed a comprehensive post-delivery guide to help you navigate the early days of parenthood. Our team will provide instruction on essential topics such as baby CPR, baby massage, proper feeding and bathing techniques, and ensuring your baby's safety in a car seat. Should you have any questions or concerns, our team is available 24/7 to provide emotional, mental, and wellness support throughout your journey.

Comprehensive Evaluation and Treatment of Gynaecological Issues

Aside from pregnancy care, we offer comprehensive evaluation and treatment for various gynaecological issues. These include vaginal tract infections, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, and cervical cancer. The field of gyne-oncology is another important aspect of our expertise. We cover cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, staging, treatment, and survivorship.

How We Care for You

• For early detection of cervical cancer, we utilise screening methods such as Pap smears and HPV testing.

• To diagnose and stage gynaecologic malignancies, we employ imaging techniques like ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans.

• Treatment approaches for gynaecologic oncology depend on factors such as the type and stage of cancer, as well as the patient's overall health and preferences. Our skilled surgeons commonly perform procedures like hysterectomy, oophorectomy, and lymph node dissection to remove tumours and assess disease extent.

• Additionally, we offer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy, either individually or in combination, to destroy cancer cells and prevent further spread.