Gynaecology (or gynecology) refers to the surgical specialty dealing with health of the female reproductive system (uterus, vagina and ovaries). It literally means "the science of women" and is closely links to Obstetrics (the care of a woman during pregnancy and childbirth). Obstetrics and Gynaecology are often abbreviated to OB/GYN and are generally combined into a single medical speciality.

Female specific healthcare is geared to diagnose and treat concerns, diseases and injuries that are unique to women. Many of the primary concerns in this field relate to reproductive health, though there are several important concerns on the periphery of reproduction.

Also included in this field are a number of checkups and diagnostics that encourage detection of female-specific diseases and disorders before they become serious. In fact, diligence in early detection is the best way to prevent these problems from taking hold.

One of the most prevalent operations in this field is the hysterectomy, in which surgeons completely remove the uterus. Of course, this is an extreme operation that is only performed when specific cancers are threatening the patient. A hysterectomy is also administered during some gender realignment procedures.

A mastectomy is the surgical removal of one or both breasts, and it is sometimes necessary to prevent the development and spread of breast cancer. In rare cases, strong candidates for breast cancer (do to early warning signs and foreboding family history) will elect for a preemptive mastectomy to prevent a future onset of breast cancer.

Women who no longer wish to have children may consider a tubal ligation. In this process, the fallopian tubes are constricted, either by cauterization, scarring or synthetic inserts. A general anesthetic is administered for this procedure and a keyhole incision allows the insertion of laparoscopic tools.

As medical science continues to advance, surgical procedures become less invasive. However, many of the more serious female specific operations are invasive and adequate recovery time is an important consideration.