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What is OB-GYN? Who are OB-GYN doctors?

OB-GYN is an abbreviation for the field of obstetrics and gynecology. Obstetrics is a broad and diverse branch of medicine that focuses on women's overall health during maternity. Gynecology focuses on diseases of the women's body and their reproductive organs. 

Obstetrician-gynecologists or OB-GYNs are healthcare providers who specialize in women's healthcare. They possess special skills, knowledge, and professional capability in the surgical and medical care of the women's reproductive system and associated disorders. Some OB-GYN doctors can also provide general healthcare, like primary care doctors. They also deliver babies and provide postpartum care.

What is the education and training of OB-GYNs?

OB-GYNs take at least 12 years of education and training. They complete a bachelor's degree and enroll in medical school. Since medical schools are competitive, they must pass the medical college admission test (MCAT). They also complete prerequisite chemistry, advanced math, biology, social science, and physics courses. 

OB-GYNs spend four years in medical school learning about various practice fields, including pediatrics, family practice, obstetrics, internal medicine, surgery, gynecology, and psychiatry. Upon completing medical school, they get a degree in either Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) or a Doctor of Medicine (MD). OB-GYNs then complete an internship and residency program in hospital-based obstetrics and gynecology. Usually, the internship is for one year, and the residency program lasts four years.

Upon completing the residency program, MDs pass the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE). DOs can either take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Exam (COMLEX) or USMLE to obtain a license. Many pass a state exam to obtain a permit from the state where they intend to practice. After meeting the training and educational requirements, they receive certification from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG). Some OB-GYNs pursue two to four years of fellowship training in obstetrics and gynecology.

What are some OB-GYN subspecialties?

OB-GYNs, like other physicians, may choose to specialize in a particular area of medicine. This requires that the OB-GYN spend at least a year studying the specific medical field in which they want to specialize. This period is known as a fellowship. After completing an OB-GYN fellowship, the doctor must pass a board certification exam to get complete accreditation in that medical subspecialty. Some of the fellowship options for OB-GYN include:

• Gynecologic oncology: This specialization (commonly abbreviated as OB-GYN) allows a gynecologist to specialize in cancer of the female reproductive tract. Gynecologist oncology professionals perform surgery on gynecologic cancer tumors, monitor chemotherapy, and work with other healthcare professionals, such as radiation doctors, to help manage cancer patients.

• Maternal and fetal medicine: This specialization (also known as MFM) focuses on giving medical care to pregnant mothers. OB-GYNs who specialize in maternal and fetal medicine provide care to women who are pregnant at high risk or who have pregnancy difficulties. They also offer treatment to mothers who are expecting more than one baby.

• Reproductive endocrinology and infertility - OB-GYNs in this specialization focus on providing reproductive healthcare to women who are having difficulty getting pregnant. This involves the treatment of endocrine problems that may impair female reproductive fertility.

What gynecological conditions do OB-GYNs treat?

Women may experience sexual and reproductive health issues that can cause uncomfortable symptoms and complications if left untreated. Some of the most common ones include: 

• Menstrual disorders: These include irregular periods, heavy bleeding, painful periods, and absence of periods.
• Vaginal infections: Bacteria, fungi, or viruses can cause various vaginal infections, for example, bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and sexually transmitted infections. 
• Endometriosis: It is a condition where the uterine tissue lining grows outside the uterus, causing pain, discomfort, and difficulty getting pregnant.
• Fibroids: These are benign uterine growths that can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods, and pelvic pain.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): It is a hormonal disorder characterized by irregular periods, ovarian cysts, and excessive androgens. 
• Infertility: It occurs when a woman cannot conceive despite having unprotected sex for a year or more. 
• Reproductive cancers: These include cancers that occur in organs, including the cervix, ovaries, uterus, vagina, vulva, and breasts. 

What are the common complications of pregnancy? 

Medical conditions during pregnancy can affect the mother's or baby's health. Some of the most occurring pregnancy complications include:

• Ectopic pregnancy: Usually, the egg attaches to the uterine lining after fertilization with the sperm. However, it is known as ectopic pregnancy when it implants outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tube. It can cause pelvic pain and life-threatening bleeding.
• Miscarriage: Losing pregnancy before the 20th week is known as a miscarriage. Common symptoms include spotting, intense cramping, and feelings of sadness. 
• Preterm labor: A pregnancy usually lasts around 40 weeks. When labor starts before you complete 37 weeks of pregnancy, it may result in premature birth, which can be risky for your baby. It may subject them to physical and mental disabilities. 
• Preeclampsia: This is a severe condition that can occur in the second or third pregnancy trimester and cause high blood pressure. It also leads to protein in the urine, indicating kidney damage. These symptoms can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby.
• Gestational diabetes: When diabetes develops for the first time during pregnancy, it is known as gestational diabetes. High blood sugar levels can harm the mother and baby. 

What to expect at an OB-GYN visit?

Usually, your appointment will begin with a general health examination. The nurse will weigh and take your blood pressure. Additionally, you might undergo a urine and blood test. Then, before the physical examination, the OB-GYN will ask you general questions about your personal and family health history. They will then begin examining you.

First, they will check the vagina for any abnormalities. They will then examine reproduction organs from the inside. They may use a speculum (a device that holds the vagina open) to investigate the inside of your cervix (lowest region of the uterus) and vagina. They may also look at the cervix and vaginal walls.

If you are over 21 years old, you can expect a pap test during the pelvic exam from your OB-GYN. They remove a sample of cells from your cervix using a small brush. Those cells are sent to a lab and checked for cervical cancer and other abnormalities. If you have been sexually active, they may test you for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). They may also perform a rectovaginal exam and put a gloved finger after lubrication into your rectum. They may also look for lumps and other abnormalities in your breast.

What is a pelvic exam?

A pelvic exam evaluates the health of your reproductive organs. When you visit an OB-GYN near you, they may perform a pelvic exam as part of a routine checkup. However, not everyone needs the exam every year. Some doctors only recommend it for specific causes, such as vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, or other symptoms.

This exam usually just takes a few minutes. An OB-GYN examines your vulva, vagina, cervix, ovaries, uterus, rectum, and pelvis for any abnormal changes. A Pap test, which detects cervical cancer, is usually carried out during a pelvic exam.

A pelvic exam can help identify ovarian cysts, some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), uterine growths, and early-stage cancer. The exam is also often performed during pregnancy at the first prenatal care appointment. If you have a history of reproductive system disorders, your doctor may advise you to get regular pelvic checks.

It can also assist in identifying the cause of symptoms such as pelvic pain, skin changes, unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding, uncomfortable sex, or urinary issues. You may also require additional tests or therapy.

How to find the best OB-GYN near you in Bethlehem?

You can live better, happier, and longer by addressing disease and other health issues early. You should discuss any health concerns, including those relating to your reproductive health, and undergo vital health examinations. OB-GYNs are the best medical professionals to treat issues related to reproductive health. However, finding an OB-GYN to address your problems can be challenging, delaying your visit. Zocdoc aims to connect patients with the best provider possible.

With a Zocdoc account, you can search for providers based on your symptoms, preferred date, location, and insurance plan. On Zocdoc, you can also use in-built filters to refine the search to locate providers depending on their languages, genders, affiliations with hospitals, and whether or not they treat children. Zocdoc displays details of each provider, like qualifications, affiliations, honors, certifications, experience, areas of expertise, and licensure.

Zocdoc also displays reviews and ratings by actual patients. You can always check it out to choose the top-rated OB-GYN near you. Zocdoc enables you to book virtual and in-person appointments with the provider of your choice. Based on the doctor's availability, you can book appointments in real-time, the next day, and during weekends.

All the appointments on Zocdoc are safe, secure, and 100% free.

OB-GYN health statistics in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

The American Cancer Society estimated around 12,220 new breast cancer cases in Pennsylvania in 2022. Additionally, about 1,900 deaths can occur due to breast cancer. The breast cancer death rate from 2015-2019 was nearly 20.8%. OB-GYNs receive training in treating breast cancer; hence, they can help you detect symptoms early on and get the proper treatment.

According to The Burden of Cancer in Pennsylvania Report 2019 by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, there were 535 cases of cervical cancer detected, a rate of nearly 7.8 cases per 100,000 Pennsylvanian women in 2016. Cervical cancer accounted for 1.4% of all invasive cancer types diagnosed in Pennsylvania females. Furthermore, 164 fatalities were associated with cervical cancer in 2016, resulting in 2.0 deaths per 100,000 Pennsylvanian women. OB-GYNs detect cervical cancer with the pap test and ensure quality care and successful recovery of cervical cancer patients. 

The American Cancer Society statistics estimated around 880 new ovarian cancer cases in Pennsylvania in 2022. Additionally, there are about 590 estimated deaths from ovarian cancer. The death rate in 2015-2019 from ovarian cancer was nearly 6.8%. OB-GYNs, female health experts, can perform surgeries on the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes where the tumor is present.

Sources 

Healthline[1]

Healthline[2]

American College of Surgeons

Verywell Health

Mayo Clinic[1]

Mayo Clinic[2]

Mayo Clinic[3]

Mayo Clinic[4]

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

WebMD

MedlinePlus

American Cancer Society

Pennsylvania Department of Health

Cleveland Clinic

University of Medicine and Health Sciences

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.