History

Our department, which started its education and academic structure as the Samsun Medical Faculty within Hacettepe University in 1973, has provided services under Ondokuz Mayıs University since 1975. The first students who studied at Hacettepe University began their education in the department affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine. It started offering services in a section of the Samsun Chest Diseases Hospital in 1978 when they reached the 5th and 6th grades. All classes of the Faculty of Medicine started their education in Samsun after 1982, and in 1986, they moved to their new buildings on the Kurupelit campus. The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology provides services in the Faculty of Medicine Hospital building's ground floor with the department and its secretary's office, Obstetrics and Gynecology outpatient clinics, Perinatology outpatient clinic, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Center, Delivery Room on the A floor, and Obstetrics and Gynecology inpatient ward on the 1st floor.

Services Provided

Our department offers a wide range of obstetrics and gynecology services, including:

• Obstetric examinations for women
• Antenatal check-ups and follow-up examinations for pregnant women
• Postpartum examinations
• Gynecological ultrasonography assessments
• Ultrasonographic evaluations for pregnant women
• Interventional procedures during pregnancy
• Tests for pregnant women
• Delivery services
• Pap tests (cervical smears)
• Colposcopy and biopsies
• Endometrial biopsies
• Laparoscopy
• Hysteroscopy
• Hysterosalpingography (HSG)
• All types of gynecological and obstetric surgeries

What to Know Before Your Gynecological Examination

Before your gynecological examination, there are a few essential considerations to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and accurate assessment:

• Avoid vaginal douching or the use of vaginal creams or suppositories before the examination, as they can affect the results of the examination and tests. It's also advisable to refrain from sexual intercourse before the appointment for the same reason.
• Empty your bladder (urinary bladder) before the examination. This will make the examination more comfortable.
• It is recommended not to wear tight-fitting clothing during the examination, as it can hinder the ultrasound and the examination process.
• Remember to bring any previous radiological images and test results with you to show to your doctor, along with your medical records.

Prenatal-Antenatal Examination:

Pregnancy is a crucial period during which various examinations are conducted from the beginning to the end, focusing on both maternal and fetal health. It is recommended that all women should have at least one check-up before getting pregnant. Additionally, women who realize they are pregnant should promptly visit our clinic to initiate their prenatal care as soon as possible. Pregnant women are scheduled for examinations at our maternity clinic at specific times determined by their attending physician. These examinations may include detailed ultrasonography, the 11-14 week combined test, nuchal translucency measurement, triple test, amniocentesis, Doppler, and NST (non-stress test).

Postnatal check-up:

It is advisable to make an appointment for a follow-up visit six weeks after the birth, whether it is a vaginal delivery or a cesarean section. This appointment is essential for diagnosing and treating some problems that can be seen after birth.

Ultrasonography:

In the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, ultrasonographic evaluations are performed as part of the routine examination of various gynecological diseases, follow-up of pregnant patients, and infertility treatment process. In our clinic, ultrasonographic evaluation of patients is performed with two different methods. Transabdominal ultrasonography is ultrasonography where imaging is performed through the abdominal skin. Transvaginal ultrasonography is performed through the vagina with a special probe.

What you need to know when coming for an ultrasound examination:

Ultrasonography is often performed with an outpatient examination, so you do not need to make any special preparations for the examination other than those described above unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Menstruation is not an obstacle for both ultrasound examinations.

Transabdominal ultrasonography: In patients who cannot undergo vaginal sonography, it is essential that the bladder is full as the examination will be performed through the abdomen. Patients may be asked to drink water to fill the bladder for this.

Transvaginal ultrasonography: This method is preferred over transabdominal ultrasonography for the diagnosis of many diseases due to its higher image quality. Unlike transabdominal ultrasonography, the bladder must be empty.

Ultrasonographic examinations of pregnant women:

During pregnancy, ultrasonography is one of the essential tests that has enabled early diagnosis of many problems in the follow-up of both normal pregnancies and problematic pregnancies. Ultrasonography in pregnant women can be considered as an examination of the baby in the womb. The first ultrasonography performed in early pregnancy is especially important because it determines the exact gestational week of the baby, and subsequent follow-up is evaluated based on this ultrasonographic evaluation. It can also be understood by ultrasonography whether the early pregnancy is a normal pregnancy or an ectopic pregnancy. During this examination, various body measurements of the baby are evaluated, the estimated weight of the baby is calculated, the amount of fluid is assessed, and it is determined whether the measures are compatible with the gestational week. Experienced physicians with advanced ultrasonographic techniques perform detailed examination and follow-up when necessary.

Pregnancy Tests:

The examination and ultrasonographic assessment of pregnant women have been described above. In addition, several additional tests are performed during a normal pregnancy.

Down Syndrome Tests:

Down syndrome (Mongolism) is a significant chromosomal disorder that can occur in approximately 1 in every 600-700 births, often associated with intellectual disability and various anomalies. Therefore, all pregnant women are recommended to be screened for Down syndrome. This screening is conducted in two ways:

1. Between weeks 11-14 of pregnancy, a combined test and ultrasonographic fetal nuchal translucency measurement.
   
2. Between weeks 16-18 of pregnancy, a triple test.
   

Your doctor, who is overseeing your care, will recommend the appropriate tests for you. If a high risk is identified in the 11-14 week combined test, further examination in the form of chorionic villus biopsy is recommended, while for the triple test, if a high risk is detected, amniocentesis is suggested. Things to know before undergoing the triple test: For the triple test, it is only necessary to give a blood sample, and you do not need to fast.

Glucose Challenge Tests (Oral glucose tolerance tests):

Between weeks 24-28 of pregnancy, a 50-gram glucose challenge test is conducted to screen for gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy). Your doctor will specify the timing of this test during your clinic visits. If the 50-gram glucose test result is abnormal, a 100-gram glucose challenge test is performed.

Things to know before undergoing the glucose challenge test:

During the glucose challenge tests, the patient is required to drink a solution containing concentrated sugar. Therefore, bringing a lemon with you is recommended to make the intake of this solution more palatable.

For the 50-gram glucose challenge test:

It is not necessary for the patient to fast. A light breakfast is sufficient. Blood is drawn from the patient one hour after consuming the sugary solution.

For the 100-gram glucose challenge test:

The patient needs to come in a fasting state without having breakfast. Initially, a fasting blood sugar level is checked, and then, after drinking the sugary solution, blood samples are taken at one-hour intervals, three times in total.

Amniocentesis:

Amniocentesis is mostly performed during the 16-18 weeks of pregnancy for the early diagnosis of various hereditary diseases and the early detection of Down syndrome in cases with abnormal screening results. Your doctor will inform you during your prenatal check-ups whether amniocentesis is necessary. During the procedure, a small amount of fluid is extracted from the uterus without touching the baby or the placenta by inserting a very thin needle through the mother's abdomen, and this fluid is then examined for the baby's chromosomes. You should also know your and your partner's blood types, as your doctor will inquire about them.

Things to know before undergoing amniocentesis:

You do not need to fast when coming for amniocentesis; a light breakfast is sufficient.

Childbirth:

Pregnant women should immediately seek the maternity ward in case of their water breaking, the onset of pain or contractions, decreased fetal movements, or any vaginal bleeding, regardless of the time.

Pap Test (Cervical Smear):

The Pap test involves collecting cells shed from the cervix (cervical cells) using a special brush and examining them under a microscope. This test screens and allows for the early diagnosis of cervical cancer, the most common type of cancer among women in our society. The Pap test should be performed for the first time three years after the onset of sexual activity and not beyond the age of 21. It needs to be repeated at regular intervals. When performed correctly, it is highly effective in preventing deaths related to cervical cancer. You do not need to make a separate appointment for this test. It is conducted during the outpatient clinic examination. In cases where the test results are abnormal, further evaluation is necessary.

Things to know before undergoing a Pap test: The Pap test is a test performed via the vaginal route, suitable for sexually active or non-virgo women. For the Pap test to be conducted, it is important not to engage in sexual activity or use vaginal creams or cleansers in the 24-48 hours prior to the test.

Colposcopy and Biopsies:

Colposcopy is a method that enlarges the cervix using a special microscope, allowing for the visualization of details that are not typically visible to the naked eye. Colposcopy is especially performed in cases where there are abnormal Pap test results. If suspicious areas are observed during colposcopy, it may be necessary to take biopsies (tissue samples) from these regions.

Endometrial Biopsy:

Endometrial biopsy is a sampling method used to reveal various conditions that may be present in the inner lining of the uterus. It is primarily conducted in cases where there is postmenopausal bleeding or abnormal bleeding complaints before menopause. Endometrial biopsy can be performed with general or local anesthesia based on the patient's preference.

Laparoscopy:

Laparoscopic procedures are widely used today for the diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions such as endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and chronic pelvic pain. With specialized camera systems, incisions of half a centimeter are made through the abdominal area, just below the navel and along the lower underwear line. All surgical procedures are performed using a specialized video system.

Hysteroscopy:

Hysteroscopy, like laparoscopy but with thinner camera systems, is a procedure for examining the cervix, the interior of the uterus, and the openings of the fallopian tubes. Hysteroscopy is ideally performed between the 6th and 12th days if the first day of bleeding is considered as the 1st day of menstruation.

Hysterosalpingography (HSG):

HSG is a test that allows the examination of the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes. After an examination conducted by a gynecologist and the introduction of a special radiopaque substance into the uterus, X-rays are taken several times. HSG procedures are typically conducted on Friday afternoons.

Things to know before undergoing HSG: For HSG, you should visit the Radiology Department with the special solution prescribed to you, which you will obtain from the gynecology clinic where you scheduled your HSG appointment. It is necessary not to be menstruating during HSG. If the first day of menstrual bleeding is considered as the 1st day, the test is suitable between the 6th and 12th days. There is no need to fast before the test.

Application Process:

Appointments for outpatient clinic examinations are scheduled via phone or online appointment for general outpatient clinic appointments, ensuring the most suitable and earliest available date.

Contact Information:

Outpatient Clinic Secretary: +90 362 312 19 19 - 2358 - 2343
Department Secretary: +90 362 312 19 19 - 2350
Ward Secretary: +90 362 312 19 19 - 2412
Perinatology Clinic: +90 362 312 19 19 - 4250
In Vitro Fertilization Center: +90 362 312 19 19 - 3980