The Facts of Life: Examining Reproductive Health
Female Anatomy
Gynecological Health
Obstetric and Gynecological Instrumentation
| The fields of obstetrics and gynecology emerged as distinct specialties in American medicine in the latter half of the nineteenth century. During this period, obstetrics, traditionally the domain of female midwives, was gradually appropriated by males. The use of special instruments by male practitioners advanced this transition. For example, while midwives usually allowed childbirth to take its course, male physicians began to use obstetrical forceps to hasten a delivery. Physicians promoted the view that only men had the strength and expertise to operate such instruments.
Like obstetricians, gynecologists also made use of instruments. Although the vaginal speculum had been used as early as classical Rome (c. 1st century C.E.), it was not common in gynecological examinations until the late nineteenth century. Extreme modesty prevailed throughout the 1800s, and visual examinations were considered improper. Thus, male physicians performed examinations of clothed women by touch only - they rarely set eyes on their female patients' bodies. Medical students were instructed to fix their eyes upon the ceiling while conducting a female examination. However, new understanding of human disease and anatomy required the physician to view the organs themselves in order to diagnose gynecological disorders. Thus, the speculum gradually came into wider use. |
8. Surgical and gynecological instruments found at Pompeii
circa first century C.E. |
James Marion Sims (1813 to 1883)
Sims laid the basis for the specialization of gynecology. While practicing in Alabama, he restored the health of a young slave girl who suffered from a vesicovaginal fistula (an opening between the vagina and urinary bladder), which was considered hopeless at the time. He later wrote "Introducing the bent handle of a spoon I saw everything, as no man had ever seen before. The fistula was as plain as the nose on a man's face." Sims also devised a new type of speculum and developed new surgical techniques.
9.James Marion Sims
(1813 to 1883) |
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Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common. Twenty percent of all women will have at least one such infection each year. Men can get UTIs as well, but are 25% less likely than women to be affected.
The infection is caused by bacteria entering the body through the urethra and traveling up into the bladder. The bacteria settles and breeds, causing symptoms to strike quickly, usually without any warning. Painful and frequent urination are the most common symptoms, although some people experience back and side pain as well. For most women, a short course of antibiotics will cure UTIs, although many are plagued with recurring infections.
Information on a gynecological exam.
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