Average time it takes to be seen by a provider
Verified providers with a 4.8 average rating
In the business of finding quality care for patients
On average, patients who use Zocdoc can search for an OB-GYN in Bethesda, book an appointment, and see the OB-GYN within 24 hours. Same-day appointments are often available, you can search for real-time availability of OB-GYNs in Bethesda who accept your insurance and make an appointment online.
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a Bethesda OB-GYN who takes your insurance. Just choose your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. If you’re not sure which plan you have, you can use Zocdoc’s insurance checker to find out.
Zocdoc is a free online service that helps patients find OB-GYNs in Bethesda and book appointments instantly. You can search for Bethesda OB-GYNs by symptom or visit reason. Then, choose your insurance plan. Based on that information, you’ll see a list of providers who meet your search criteria, along with their available appointment slots.
When you search for Bethesda OB-GYNs on Zocdoc, you can filter your results by gender, in addition to other criteria. That way, you’ll only see OB-GYNs in Bethesda who match your preferences.
On Zocdoc, you can search specifically for Bethesda OB-GYNs with availability after 5 p.m.
You can use Zocdoc to find OB-GYNs in Bethesda who are highly rated by other patients. These ratings are based on verified reviews submitted by real patients. Every time a patient completes an appointment booked on Zocdoc, they’re invited to review their experience. Each review must comply with Zocdoc’s guidelines.
OB-GYNs in Bethesda on Zocdoc who see patients through online video visits will have a purple video icon on their profiles. You can also filter your search results to show only OB-GYNs who offer video visits.
Most insurers provide coverage for video visits at the same cost as in-person visits. You can search on Zocdoc specifically for OB-GYNs in Bethesda who accept your insurance for video visits by selecting your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. We recommend you check with your insurance carrier directly to confirm your coverage and out of pocket costs for video visits.
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for an OB-GYN who has appointments available before 10:00 am, or after 5:00 pm. Just choose the special hours filter at the top of our search page.
Zocdoc let's you see real-time availability for OB-GYNs in Bethesda. Many OB-GYNs offer appointments on Saturdays and Sundays.
Obstetricians-gynecologists, or OB-GYNs, diagnose and treat disorders related to female reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth. They also provide routine medical services and preventive screenings, such as pelvic exams, STI testing, and pap smears. Additionally, OB-GYNs can answer several questions about women's sexual health, pregnancy, and other topics. They can also perform cesarean sections, hysterectomies, and surgeries to remove growths such as fibroids and ovarian cysts.
To become an OB-GYN, one must undergo extensive medical education and hands-on clinical training. The journey begins with a four-year medical school program, where the first two years focus on subjects like anatomy and physiology. The final two years involve practical training, where students gain experience working alongside doctors in hospitals and clinics.
After earning a medical degree, aspiring OB-GYNs must complete a three-to-four-year residency program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). During this period, they choose their area of specialization within the field. Upon completing their residency, they must clear an American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology examination to become board-certified. Additionally, they must fulfill all state medical board requirements to obtain a medical license. To maintain their license, they must earn continuing medical education (CME) credits annually.
Obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) specialize in diverse healthcare services, with approximately 90 percent of OB-GYNs functioning as generalists. It implies that they engage in a broad spectrum of OB-GYN care. From addressing high-risk pregnancies to managing cancer and pelvic floor disorders, professionals collaborate to provide personalized healthcare solutions. However, many professionals choose to delve deeper into specific subspecialties.
These subspecialties encompass -
Several signs can warrant a trip to the OB-GYN's office. While the doctor may identify some symptoms as severe health problems, others might not be as intense. Nonetheless, these symptoms could signify underlying diseases that are affecting your well-being. As a result, it is essential to visit an OB-GYN near you if you notice any of the following signs -
OB-GYNs perform pelvic exams to diagnose disorders in the reproductive organs. It involves inspecting the vagina, cervix, fallopian tubes, vulva, ovaries, and uterus. There are no guidelines for the frequency of pelvic exams one should have. However, depending on your medical history, your OB-GYN will suggest how often you should get one. Besides regular checkups, you should get a pelvic exam if you experience unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge or have a family history of cancer and concerns about ovarian cancer, cysts, and sexually transmitted diseases.
During a pelvic exam, the doctor will first visually inspect the vagina to look for redness, irritation, discharge, or symptoms that might suggest sexually transmitted diseases such as sores. After this, they will insert a speculum to examine the pelvis. They can also perform a pap smear with a spatula. Then, the OB-GYN will take cells from the cervix to analyze and diagnose conditions such as cancer and sexually transmitted diseases.
Once the examination is complete, the OB-GYN will tell you if they found any abnormalities. Pap smears, however, may take a few days. Thus, they will prescribe medicines and follow-up visits for treatment.
Ensuring women's overall well-being involves prioritizing sexual and reproductive healthcare. Maintaining physical health and making informed choices regarding reproductive health is crucial. This includes adopting safe health practices, nurturing healthy intimate relationships, and making informed decisions about family planning.
Experts recommend regular visits to a gynecologist for health checkups. Proactively caring for one's health can help prevent serious issues and allow for early detection and treatment of potential problems.
In addition to seeking professional medical help when needed, a simple healthcare routine can contribute to maintaining a healthy reproductive system and prevent major issues.
Practice sexual responsibility by engaging in safe sex and making informed decisions about sexual activity. Regularly undergo STD testing and ensure that both you and your partner are safe from sexually transmitted diseases. Consistently use protection during sexual encounters, not only as contraception but also to prevent STD transmission.
Prioritize vaccination, especially for HPV and hepatitis B, to safeguard against potential infections that can result from sexual contact. Maintain feminine hygiene by washing the intimate area with mild soap and water to avoid pH imbalance and irritation. Avoid using harsh soaps that could lead to discomfort, necessitating medical attention.
Adopt a nutritious diet to support a healthy reproductive system. Pay attention to your food choices, especially if you are planning to conceive, and include essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, folic acid, and vitamin D. Incorporate leafy greens, fish, and protein sources while limiting your intake of high-cholesterol and saturated fat foods. Hydration and a balanced diet can also promote regular and healthy menstrual cycles.
A visit to an OB-GYN covers more than just routine exams, focusing on overall health. While you may not need Pap tests, pelvic exams, and breast exams at every appointment, the consultation includes reviewing personal and family medical history, lifestyle factors, and mental well-being.
The doctor may ask about diet, exercise, substance use, home safety, and work stress. Mental health screenings for anxiety and depression are common, with referrals provided if needed. Patients can discuss symptoms like unusual discharge, painful urination, or menstrual issues, and the doctor may suggest tests such as blood work or urine analysis.
The doctor will discuss fertility, preconception care, and reproductive health for those planning pregnancy, while those seeking contraception can explore birth control options. Perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopausal concerns, including osteoporosis and heart disease, are also addressed.
Physical exams are conducted based on age and medical history. These may include pelvic exams, cervical cancer screenings, and clinical breast exams. The doctor may perform additional health checks if necessary.
The OB-GYN also offers vaccinations and guidance on overall wellness. Open communication helps patients to ask questions and make informed healthcare decisions for their well-being.
OB-GYNs play a pivotal role in a woman's overall health. Right from an early age, when a woman gets her first menstrual cycle, OB-GYNs provide consultation, perform health screenings, and treat several diseases related to her reproductive health, such as endometriosis, ovarian cancer, and vaginal infections. They help you get through significant changes in your reproductive cycle, such as menarche, pregnancy, and menopause. Additionally, they suggest preventive measures to avoid sexually transmitted infections and ensure you have the tools to take care of your reproductive health.
However, finding an appointment with a qualified and knowledgeable OB-GYN can be difficult and time-consuming. Zocdoc is a platform that can help solve this problem. It gives you access to the best healthcare providers to cater to all your needs. Additionally, you can include your insurance carrier's name in the search if you have a health plan. The website will show you all the OB-GYNs who accept your health plan, and you can save on expenses by going for an in-network provider.
Our online patient support center can help you find OB-GYNs who accept your insurance. On Zocdoc, you can link your medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your account, but you can use only one plan per appointment.
You can add your secondary insurance details in the appointment notes if you have multiple insurance plans. Alternatively, if your healthcare provider utilizes Zocdoc's Intake forms, you can enter your secondary insurance information directly through the form.
The entire diagnosis and treatment process with an OB-GYN requires you to share your personal space and spend much time with them. Therefore, you must be comfortable with the doctor you are consulting. To help achieve this, each healthcare provider associated with Zocdoc has a unique profile where you can read about their educational qualifications, board certifications, clinical interests, expertise, experience, and fluent languages.
You can also access the user ratings and verified reviews of previous patients to find the best OB-GYN near you. Additionally, you can book an online appointment before an in-person meeting with your chosen doctor, depending on their availability. Your ideal doctor will accept your insurance, be available when required, and address all your healthcare-related queries.
When booking an appointment on Zocdoc, you must provide your insurance information or indicate that you will be paying out-of-pocket. Some providers require insurance details to confirm appointments, but if you don't have insurance or prefer not to use it, Zocdoc allows you to find other suitable providers. This ensures you can always access the care you need.
Booking appointments with Zocdoc is safe, quick, and free!
According to data from the National Cancer Institute, there were around 19,880 cases of ovarian cancer in the US in 2022. Additionally, about 12,810 women perished due to the condition. The institute estimates that 1.1% of women will eventually have ovarian cancer.
The same source documents that in 2019, around 233,565 women in the US were living with ovarian cancer. According to estimates, a woman with ovarian cancer has a 49.7% chance of surviving for at least five years. Reports suggest that 16.8% of ovarian cancers are diagnosed at the local stage before they can spread to other body parts. The survival rate of localized ovarian cancer is around 93.1%. Thus, the detection of cancer at its earliest stage is essential.
According to the American Cancer Society, 2022, there were around 360 new cases of ovarian cancer in Maryland. The report also states that there have been 240 deaths due to the condition.
University OB/GYN Associates[1]
The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.