History of gynaecology in Malta

Abstract

Since gynaecological maladies, of certain types at least, follow childbirth, the history of gynaecology has always been closely associated with that of midwifery, but the specialty only moved ahead in the first half of the nineteenth century. The progress in obstetrics was dependent on the ability of man to analyze, deduce logically and profit by experience; while gynaecology was more dependent on scientific discoveries. Prior to the mid-nineteenth century, the specialty consisted of treating disorders of menstruation, displacements of the uterus, and pelvic aches and pains connected with so-called peri- and para-metritis. The treatment consisted mostly of clysters, blisters, setons, pessaries, and cervical cauterization. The term gynaecology was first used in 1847.