Diagnosing Gynecologic Disorders in Women

Diagnosing gynecologic disorders starts with obtaining a gynecologic history through interview. This then may be followed by performing one or more of the different methods of diagnosing.

The different methods of diagnosing gynecologic disorders include screening tests, sonohysterography, ultrasonography, laparoscopy, loop electrical excision procedure or LEEP, hysterosalpingography, hysteroscopy, endocervical curettage, dilation and curettage, colposcopy, and biopsy

Screening tests are done to find out gynecologic abnormalities. An example of screening test is cytology testing like the Papanicolaou test.
Sonohysterography is done before ultrasonography. In this method, fluid is inserted to the uterus through the vagina in order to stretch it so that abnormalities like cyst and myoma can be easily seen. This is done by using a very thin tube called catheter.
Ultrasonography is a painless method used to see abnormalities in the organs of the pelvic area. The method can detect fibroids, cysts, myoma, and similar other conditions. Ultrasonography utilizes sound waves. A device is inserted into the vagina, which sends off high-frequency sound waves reflecting the condition of the organ being examined. The reflection is displayed in a monitor.
Laparoscopy is a method used to detect gynecological disorders. It uses a viewing tube called laparoscope that is inserted through an incision in the pelvic area. This viewing tube is utilized to examine the condition of the ovaries, cervix, or fallopian tubes.
Loop Electrical Excision Procedure (LEEP). This method of detecting gynecologic disorder uses a thin wire loop in order to obtain tissue samples for examination.
Hysterosalpingography is usually done to determine the cause of infertility and other disorders. A radiopaque dye is inserted through the cervix and then X-rays are taken.
Hysteroscopy is a procedure done in order to see the actual site of bleeding and other defects as well as to get sample for biopsy. It uses a viewing tube called hysteroscope, which is inserted through the vagina.
Endocervical curettage is a method used to obtain a sample tissue for examination. A curet or a small scoop-shaped and sharp instrument that scrapes off a tiny amount of tissue is inserted into the cervical canal. The tissue is then examined under a microscope.
Dilation and curettage is a method used principally to treat a woman who had partial miscarriage and then also determine abnormalities of the uterine lining. A speculum is first used to open the walls of the vagina. After that, a curette will be inserted to obtain a tissue in the uterine lining.
Colposcopy is a method used to determine signs of cancer and other disorders. It is done by first opening the vaginal walls using a speculum. Then, a binocular magnifying lens is inserted to inspect the cervix.
Biopsy is a process of obtaining a sample tissue that will then be examined under a microscope. Usually a biopsy goes together with colposcopy since colposcopy tells which area is likely to have disorder. This is done in order to determine abnormalities in the reproductive system of a woman. A biopsy can be done in the vagina, cervix, uterus, and vulva.