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# [[Obstetric ultrasonography|Abdominal ultrasound]] to give a low-power view of the pelvic organs.
# [[Gynecologic ultrasonography|Vaginal ultrasound]]. An ultrasound probe is passed into the vagina which allows a more detailed view of the cervix ovaries and uterus and its contents (such as a [[fetus]] [[polyp (medicine)|polyp]] [[Uterine fibroids|fibroid]] [[endometrium]] or collection of fluid).
# Blood tests. Levels of hormones such as [[estradiol]] [[luteinizing hormone]] [[follicle stimulating hormone]] and [[progesterone]] are measured as well as [[prolactin]]. Thyroid function may be
# Vaginal swabs: samples collected for [[
# [[Pap smear]]: Short for Papanicolau smear this test checks the cervix for abnormal changes in the cells called [[dysplasia]] caused by the [[Human Papilloma Virus]] (HPV) and may eventually lead to [[cervical cancer]] if left untreated. This term is often confused with the pelvic exam itself though a woman receiving a pelvic exam would usually only have a pap smear done if it was at her annual well-woman visit or another indicated interval.
# [[Colposcopy]]: This procedure is the recommended followup for most abnormal results obtained from a Pap smear. This in-office procedure uses a binocular microscope to look at the [[vulva]] vagina and cervix with a coating of [[acetic acid]] which makes abnormal (pre-cancerous) cells show up white. A [[biopsy]] may be taken for further testing and in the case of an abnormal Pap smear. An endocervical currettage (ECC) is usually performed at the same time as the colposcopy.
# [[Hysterosalpingography|Hysteroscopy]]: a small telescope is passed into the uterus using either direct visualization or aided by video. The telescope may be flexible or rigid. If the procedure is done in the office the patient may have the discomfort alleviated via [[Local anesthetic|local
# [[Laparoscopy]]: A small telescope and instruments are passed into the [[peritoneal cavity]] which is then insufflated with [[carbon dioxide]]. This is commonly used to diagnose [[endometriosis]] though increasingly procedures traditionally done through an abdominal incision are being accomplished entirely laparoscopically—including [[hysterectomy]].
# [[Magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI) and [[computed axial tomography]] (CAT) scans are rarely used. They can be helpful in [[
# Pelvic [[X-ray]] is rare. It can be used to delineate the uterine cavity with an injected dye ([[hysterosalpingography|hysterosalpingogram]] a frequent test ordered by fertility specialists) and to measure the [[pelvic girdle]] for assessment of a woman's likelihood of successful vaginal delivery.
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Occasionally gynaecologists will use drugs such as [[clomiphene]] (which stimulates ovulation) and most famously [[Hormonal contraception|hormonal contraceptives]] (which are also used for dysmenorrhoea).
Surgery, however, is the mainstay of gynaecological therapy. For historical reasons gynaecologists are not usually considered "surgeons"—this has always been the source of some controversy—though modern advancements in both fields have blurred many of the once rigid lines of distinction. The rise of sub-specialties within gynaecology which are primarily surgical in nature (for example urogynaecology and
Some of the more common operations that gynaecologists perform include:
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