Who is an OB-GYN?
A practitioner with unique skills, knowledge, and professional training in caring for the female reproductive system and its associated disorders is known as an OB-GYN. They can serve as a woman's primary physician or consultant to other doctors. Their areas of expertise include female health issues ranging from menstruation to menopause.
Fertility, birth control, pre and post-natal concerns, and pregnancy are all issues addressed by OB-GYNs. They are qualified to handle all stages of pregnancy, right from the prenatal period to post-natal care, including any pregnancy-related complications.
Common conditions an OB-GYN treats
OB-GYNs diagnose, treat, and provide preventive care for a wide range of medical conditions. However, here are some common ones:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): It is a common hormonal disorder that affects people during their reproductive years. It is usually characterized by irregular periods, excess androgen hormones, and multiple small cysts on the ovaries. PCOS can lead to weight gain, fertility issues, and other health problems like insulin resistance and acne.
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): Usually caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), STDs spread through sexual contact. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites are common reasons that may result in a wide range of symptoms, including genital sores, discharge, and discomfort. Condom use and regular testing are essential for prevention.
- Urinary incontinence: It is a condition where an individual involuntarily loses control over their bladder, resulting in urine leakage. It may occur due to weakened pelvic muscles, aging, or underlying health issues. Types include stress, urge, overflow, functional, and mixed incontinence.
- Unusual vaginal bleeding: It refers to any atypical vaginal bleeding that does not follow a regular menstrual pattern. It can manifest as heavy or prolonged periods, bleeding between periods, or postmenopausal bleeding. Causes can range from medical conditions and endocrine system factors to infections and cancer. Consult an OB-GYN near you for evaluation and diagnosis.
- Premature birth: Premature birth, or preterm birth, occurs when a baby is born before finishing 37 weeks of gestation. It can lead to health complications as the baby's organs may not be fully developed. Causes include multiple pregnancies, infections, and certain health conditions. Medical care is essential to support premature babies' survival and development.
- Ovarian cysts: Ovarian cysts are generally fluid-filled sacs that develop within or on the ovaries. They are common and often harmless. Most cysts resolve on their own, but some may require medical intervention or monitoring, especially if they become twisted or ruptured. These can cause severe symptoms like bloating, pressure, heaviness, fullness in your abdomen, and pelvic pain.
OB-GYN education and specialties
After medical school, an OB-GYN practitioner completes a four-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology. They then qualify for board certification by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG). OB-GYNs can subspecialize by enrolling in fellowship training.
While most OB-GYNs are general practitioners, some pursue a specialization in one or more subspecialties. These include:
- Maternal-fetal medicine: A practitioner who chooses this specialty gains skills in handling high-risk pregnancies and related medical conditions. If you have gestational diabetes, chronic high blood pressure, blood clotting disorders, or premature labor, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist may be able to help.
- Gynecologic oncology: Diagnosing and treating cancers of the female reproductive system comes under the purview of gynecologic oncologists. Cancers of the ovaries, uterus, vulva, and cervix are all gynecologic cancers.
- Infertility and reproductive endocrinology: OB-GYNs with this specialization can help with infertility issues and conditions affecting the glands or hormones of the endocrine system. If you have been wanting to get pregnant but have trouble conceiving, a specialist may be able to help with assisted reproduction procedures. Examples include in vitro fertilization, embryo transfer, zygote intrafallopian transfer, and gamete intrafallopian transfer.
- Female pelvic medicine and reproductive surgery: With this specialization, the practitioners can help women with urinary tract disorders and problems with the pelvic floor (the muscle and connective tissue located just below a woman's pelvis). Fecal or urinary incontinence, vaginal infections, bladder pain, overactive bladder, and pelvic organ prolapse are other conditions they may manage.
Difference between a gynecologist and an OB-GYN
Often, an OB-GYN is confused with a gynecologist. An OB-GYN has expertise in both gynecology and obstetrics. Unlike gynecologists, they can care for women during pregnancy and childbirth and deliver babies.
A gynecologist specializes only in one discipline (gynecology), which deals with non-pregnancy issues and focuses on a woman's overall reproductive health. Gynecologists can perform hysterectomies, tubal litigations, and screening tests. They can also advise on sexual matters, including contraceptives, sexual practices, and sexually transmitted diseases.
Reasons to see an OB-GYN
Visits to an OB-GYN can be a part of your routine healthcare check-ups. An OB-GYN can address issues or concerns regarding your reproductive organs, urological system, and gastrointestinal disorders. If you experience problems with your menstruation, contraception, pregnancy, or fertility, consulting a qualified OB-GYN is the best first step. They can advise you on the frequency of Pap smears, interpret the results, and suggest further testing or investigations if necessary.
You could ask your OB-GYN about HPV vaccination and its role in preventing cervical cancer. They can conduct screening tests for sexually transmitted diseases and breast cancer. An OB-GYN can help with your long-term healthcare goals also. For example, if you have gestational diabetes, they can suggest ways to help reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes in the future. They can check for early symptoms and warning signs if you are at risk for heart disease. They might refer you to a specialist if required.
Can OB-GYNs perform surgery?
Other than providing care at the time of labor and childbirth, OB-GYNs are trained to perform non-pregnancy procedures that concern the female reproductive system. These include minor diagnostic procedures that may be performed in an office or clinical setting, as well as complex procedures. Examples of some outpatient and inpatient procedures include laser surgery, laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy, hysterectomies (done laparoscopically, vaginally, or abdominally), and tubal ligation.
OB-GYNs are qualified to perform the following diagnostic and surgical procedures:
- Colposcopy: This diagnostic procedure may be used to closely examine the vulva, cervix, and vagina for disease. The procedure involves using a colposcope which is a unique magnifying instrument to check the cervix and vagina. In case your doctor finds suspicious tissue, it may be removed using a biopsy instrument and sent for lab testing. A typical colposcopy may take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes to complete. It is usually recommended after a pap test or pelvic exam reveals some abnormalities. A colposcopy can be helpful in diagnosing conditions such as genital warts, precancerous changes in the tissues of the cervix, vagina, or vulva, and cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix).
- Myomectomy: This procedure removes noncancerous growths called leiomyomas, simply known as uterine fibroids. These may appear in the uterus during childbearing years or even after. Many individuals with uterine fibroids may not show any symptoms. However, a myomectomy may be a necessary surgical option if the uterine fibroids are causing symptoms such as heavy or painful menses, pelvic pain, frequent urination, and longer periods that interfere with daily activities. The procedure involves removing fibroids and reconstructing the uterus, unlike a hysterectomy, where the uterus is removed.
- Dilation and Cutterage (D&C): A common gynecological procedure, D&C is typically performed to remove tissue from the inside of the uterus. D&C may be done to treat problems like heavy bleeding. It may also be done to clear the uterine lining after a miscarriage or abortion. During the procedure, an OB-GYN dilates the cervix, which is the lower and narrow part of the uterus, using either medication or a small instrument. This is followed by using a surgical instrument called a sharp instrument called a "curette" or suction device to remove uterine tissue. A D&C involves removing contents from the uterus, which may be done to prevent infection, stop heavy bleeding, remove a pregnancy tumor, remove cervical or uterine polyps, or clear out that remains in the uterus post heavy bleeding due to childbirth.
Choose an experienced OB-GYN near you in Beverly Hills, CA
Being regular about getting health screenings and check-ups can ensure you are in optimal reproductive health all through your life. An experienced OB-GYN can help you with this by providing the necessary medical care and guidance. Zocdoc assures you of a hassle-free experience when looking for a qualified OB-GYN nearby.
Our versatile platform lets you find the right specialist from the comfort of your home. As a first step, create a free account on Zocdoc and log in. You could then use our convenient filters to refine your search for doctors matching your criteria. Gender, location, and insurance coverage are some of the available options.
You can also upload a photo of your insurance card if you are not able to find your particular health plan listed on Zocdoc. Once you upload a photo, Zocdoc will scan the image of your card and show you your likely plan. Note this service is available only for medical insurance cards. Dental and vision are excluded. In case you are having trouble uploading your card, contact Zocdoc's service team. For more insurance-related information, check out Zocdoc's patient help center.
You can then relax while our advanced algorithm does all the work. It combs an extensive database of hundreds of doctors and specialists to get you the desired results. After you have the list of possible matches, click on individual profiles for more details about each practitioner. You can learn about their educational qualifications, board certification status, and areas of specialization.
Access our verified patient reviews and ratings to learn more about each OB-GYN. These reviews are updated regularly to help you make an informed choice. Once you pick a doctor, you can schedule a virtual session before setting up an in-person consultation. You may also find specialists available on weekends and outside regular business hours.
Locating the best OB-GYN near you is now easier! All bookings made on Zocdoc are simple, free, and secure!
Statistics on women's health in California
Figures from the March of Dimes show that in 2020, there were about 98,060 live births in Los Angeles County. For the same period, the fertility rate in the county was 46.7 per 1,000 women (aged 15 – 44). The fertility rate declined from nearly 51.5 in 2018 to 50.4 in 2019.
The pregnancy-related mortality rate (PRMR) in California declined to 12.8 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2019 from a high of 16.1 the previous year, according to the California Department of Public Health. Statistics indicate that the state's PRMR began to rise in 2013 and peaked in 2018.
Data collated through the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) Women's Health Survey 2020 shows that most women relied on office-based providers for birth control. One in five uninsured and low-income women obtained contraceptive care from publicly funded clinics. While around 68% of women of reproductive age have discussed contraception with their providers, doctors asked only about 28% about sexually transmitted infections. About 72% of women reported using more than one means of contraception in their lifetime.
Sources
WebMD
Healthline
March of Dimes
Kaiser Family Foundation
California Department of Public Health
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