What is reproductive medicine?

The arrival of refined technologies including ultrasound assessment of the pelvic organs (pelvic ultrasound), hormone tests, laser, embryology, and sophisticated hormonal treatment have changed the direction of the speciality from its surgical origins ever towards a more medical approach. Just as obstetrics and gynaecology became too large a discipline to remain within general surgery, so in turn there has been a need for sub-specialisation. Reproductive medicine focuses on medical, as opposed to surgical, treatment of gynaecological problems. Hormones are the major, but by no means the only, component of treatment.

Reproductive medicine includes the medical treatment of menstrual (period) problems (Chapters 6, 7, 8 and 24), infertility (Chapters 9-11), premenstrual tension (Chapter 25) and the menopause (Chapters 26-8). The other sub-specialities include feto-maternal medicine (high-risk obstetrics), oncology (malignancy - Chapter 32) and uro-gynaecology (bladder problems amenable to gynaecological intervention Chapters 29 and 30).

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