Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) Services | Meet The Best Gynaecologistsin Penang
Obstetrics and gynaecology are two surgical medical specialties dealing with female reproductive health. Obstetrics deals with the care of pregnant women and childbirth, while gynaecology covers the health of the female reproductive system for non-pregnant women. At Gleneagles Hospital Penang, our O&G specialists cover both areas of specialties, including childbirth and delivery, as well as women’s general health of the female reproductive system.
Common Gynaecological Conditions and Symptoms in Women's Health
A female's internal reproductive organs are the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
The uterus is a pear-shaped organ with thick muscular walls, located in the pelvis between the bladder and rectum.
It consists of three layers:
- The outer peritoneal layer
- The middle muscular layer
- The innermost lining, called the endometrium
Each month, the endometrium thickens in preparation for potential pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, it is shed during menstruation.
The muscular walls of the uterus can stretch to accommodate a growing fetus during pregnancy. During labor, these muscles contract to help push the baby out through the cervix and vagina.
Common Uterine Conditions
These conditions can affect the female reproductive system and lead to symptoms that may require medical attention.
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that extends into the vagina, sometimes called the "neck of the uterus". The cervical is, an opening in the cervix, expands during childbirth to allow the baby to pass through the vaginal canal.
The cervix produces mucus that aids in the movement of sperm and changes in consistency during the menstrual cycle to support fertility.
The cervix is also where routine Pap smears are performed to detect abnormal cells that may indicate cancer.
Conditions Related to the Cervix
- Cervical cancer
- Cervical polyps
- Cervical infections
- Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN)
The vagina is a muscular tube that connects the external genitals (vulva) to the cervix. It is approximately 7cm to 9cm in length. The vaginal opening is located between the urethra and the anus. The vagina is often referred to as the birth canal as it provides the passage for childbirth.
Conditions Related to the Vagina
The ovaries are a pair of oval-shaped organs located in the pelvis, on either side of the uterus.They produce, store, and release eggs (ovum) during ovulation. The ovaries also produce hormones like oestrogen and progesterone, which help regulate the menstrual cycle and maintain reproductive health.
Conditions Related to Ovaries
- Ovarian cysts
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Ovarian cancer
- Ovarian torsion
The fallopian tubes (uterine tubes) connect the ovaries to the uterus and are about 10cm long. They consist of three parts: infundibulum, ampulla, and isthmus. The fimbriae at the infundibulum help sweep the egg into the tube, where fertilisation typically occurs in the ampulla.
The lining contains ciliated and secretory cells that help move the egg toward the uterus and nourish sperm and embryos.
Conditions Related to the Fallopian Tubes
Our Specialised Gynaecological Treatments and Procedures
Our services include advanced procedures such as:
- Fenton's procedure
- Anterior and posterior colporrhaphy (repair)
- Vaginal hysterectomy
- Sacrospinous fixation for vault prolapses
- Tension-free vaginal tape
- obturator (TVT-o) for stress incontinence
- Colposuspension
- Cosmetic vaginal surgery including labial reduction
- Fistula repair
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces recovery time and scarring. It examines the abdomen and pelvis to identify conditions like endometriosis. During the procedure, a laparoscope, a small tube with a camera and light, is inserted through tiny incisions in the skin to provide a clear view of the internal organs.
We offer:
- Diagnostic laparoscopy
- Level 2 and 3 laparoscopy including removal of ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, removal of ovarian masses, division of adhesions, treatment of endometriosis
- Laparoscopic myomectomy
- Laparoscopic hysterectomy
- Laparoscopic Excision of rectovaginal nodules for endometriosis
Colposcopy and vulvoscopy are medical procedures used to examine a woman’s cervix, vagina, and vulva. A colposcope is used during colposcopy to closely inspect the cervix for signs of pre-cancerous conditions, especially if a Pap test shows abnormal cell growth. Vulvoscopy is used to evaluate the vulva for abnormalities such as lesions or genital warts. These procedures help in early detection and diagnosis, supporting proactive women's health care.
The common types of colposcopy procedures:
- Basic Colposcopy: A visual examination of the cervix, vagina, and vulva using a colposcope to identify abnormalities.
- Colposcopy and biopsy: Involves taking a tissue sample during colposcopy to check for pre-cancerous or abnormal cells.
- Large loop excision of transformation zone (LLETZ / LEEP): A procedure used to remove abnormal tissue from the cervix under general anaesthetic to treat pre-cancerous changes.
A hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to look inside your womb (uterus) using a narrow telescope with a light and camera, known as a hysteroscope. This instrument is gently passed through the vagina and cervix, providing a clear view of the inside of the uterus, without the need for incisions.
Hysteroscopy is commonly used to investigate various gynaecological symptoms, including:
- Diagnostic hysteroscopy and currettage
- Endometrial ablation for heavy bleeding
- Hysteroscopic resection of the endometrium for heavy bleeding
- Hysteroscopic resection of fibroids
- Hysteroscopic resection/division of uterine septum
Prenatal and maternity services
Our prenatal care services ensure the health and wellness of expectant mothers and their babies. We provide:
- Pre-conception care and pregnancy diagnosis
- Routine antenatal screening programme
- Antenatal care
- Specialised investigations
- Cardiotocography
- Ultrasound scanning/Fetal medicine
- Epidural anaesthesia
- Parentcraft classes
- External cephalic version
- Normal delivery
- Caesarean section
- Postpartum care
- Contraception
For expectant mothers and their developing babies, antenatal care involves medical and midwifery attention. Good antenatal care allows the mother to care for herself as well as her unborn or newborn child. Medical advice, good nutrition as well as exercise, res and avoiding unwanted risks advocate for a successful pregnancy.
Minor and open Gynaecological services and procedures
We offer a range of minor and open procedures to manage gynaecological oncology and other conditions affecting the female reproductive organs:
- Surgical management of vulval and vaginal cysts/lesions
- Bartholin's abscess/cysts
- Cervical cerclage
- Abdominal Hysterectomy +/- removal of ovaries
- Ovarian cystectomy
- Difibulation (correction of FGM)
Experience Exceptional Care at Gleneagles for Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Gleneagles Hospital Penang's expert team of gynaecologists and consultant obstetricians is committed to providing comprehensive care. Whether you need routine pelvic exams, specialised treatments for ovarian cysts, menstrual problems, or advanced procedures like laparoscopic surgery, we prioritise your health and well-being every step of the way. Our services also include family planning and the management of cancer diseases such as gynaecological oncology.
Meet Our Expert Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) Specialists
If you are experiencing discomfort, irregularities, or concerns related to your reproductive health, our experienced team is here to provide personalised care. Schedule an appointment with our gynaecologists and obstetricians to discuss your condition and explore tailored treatment options.