Who is an OB-GYN?
An OB-GYN is a doctor who specializes and trains in caring for the female reproductive system against diseases and disorders. They attend to conditions related to a woman's health, menstruation, menopause, and even childbirth. Offering care through all these different biological phases that a woman goes through is the prime functionality of an OB-GYN. They also act as primary care doctors for women and even perform preventive screening tests and regular medical services to ensure their best health.
OB-GYN is an acronym comprising two different specialties: obstetrics and gynecology. An obstetrician is a physician who cares for women and newborns during pregnancy and childbirth. Meanwhile, visiting a gynecologist can help treat conditions affecting the female reproductive system. An OB-GYN practices both these specialties simultaneously to offer complete service to female patients from puberty to menopause. They work in different environments like hospitals, clinics, and surgical care centers.
What are the education requirements for an OB-GYN?
The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) sets out the training and education requirements of an OB-GYN. They must graduate from an approved medical school. Following this, they complete a four-year residency program authorized by the American Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). They must then undergo clinical rotations to gain exposure to obstetrics, gynecology, reproductive endocrinology, ultrasonography, and gynecologic oncology.
To get board certification, all OB-GYNs undergo a two-step certification process as suggested by the ABOG. One must complete the first step while graduating, and the graduate can attend the second step only upon successfully clearing the first step. The second step is a three-hour oral examination under the supervision of specialized examiners at ABOG.
What does an OB-GYN do?
OB-GYNs identify, treat, diagnose, and prevent conditions affecting female reproductive organs. Some of their responsibilities include:
- Conducting physical examinations and interviewing patients to know their health status
- Treating and diagnosing health conditions related to reproductive care
- Prescribing medications as and when necessary
- Performing in-office procedures, treating urinary tract dysfunctions, managing breast-related diseases, and performing a diagnostic pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound
- Performing operative procedures like cesarean sections, etc.
- Removing excessive growth like ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids and performing surgeries for pelvic organ injuries
- Conducting pap tests, STI tests, and others to identify underlying medical conditions
- Offer fertility and infertility treatments
- Provide counseling sessions and sex education
- Offering advice on breast health management and breast exams
- Performing other tasks, including filling prescriptions, treating common ailments, screening mental health issues, and performing blood work.
- Referring patients to corresponding specialists when the need arises
Subspecialties within OB-GYN
These subspecialties allow OB-GYNs to focus on specific aspects of women's reproductive health and provide specialized care. Some of these include:
- Maternal-fetal medicine: Maternal-fetal medicine specialists, also called perinatologists, focus on managing high-risk pregnancies, fetal anomalies, and underlying complex maternal health conditions. They also provide specialized care for unborn babies with potential health issues.
- Gynecologic oncologists specialize in diagnosing and treating gynecological cancers, including ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers. They perform surgical procedures and coordinate treatment plans, usually working closely with medical and radiation oncologists.
- Reproductive endocrinology: Reproductive endocrinologists (REs) are experts in treating endocrine disorders affecting the reproductive system. They help patients with fertility issues, menstrual irregularities, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and other hormonal imbalances.
- Female reconstructive pelvic surgery: Also known as urogynecologists, these specialists diagnose and treat pelvic floor disorders in women. These include urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. They may use non-surgical and surgical approaches to address these issues.
- Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery: Physicians in this sub-specialty use minimally invasive techniques to treat complex benign gynecologic conditions. They treat conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, and more.
- Pediatric and adolescent gynecology: These gynecologists focus on the health needs of girls, adolescents, and young adults. They are skilled at creating a secure and supportive environment for all patients and offer both office-based and surgical care.
- Family planning: Specialists in family planning provide contraception counseling, family planning services, and abortion care. They help women make informed choices about their reproductive decisions.
- Breast disease: These physicians have extensive training in comprehensive breast care and are experts in surgical care for benign and malignant breast conditions.
- Global women's health: These doctors deliver thorough generalist treatment within global resources, outreach, and policy creation. They strive to increase local and national understanding of global health issues. Moreover, they work on system development and curate sustainable training and curricula in other countries.
When should you consult an OB-GYN near you?
You can consult an OB-GYN if you face any of the following circumstances:
- When you fear any sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- When you encounter pregnancy-related issues
- When you experience abnormal pain during sexual intercourse
- When you are facing conditions that are related to urine discharge
- When you suspect infertility
- When you need advice on sexual and reproductive health
How to prepare for your OB-GYN visit?
What happens at an OB-GYN appointment depends on the reason for the visit and your health. Generally, a first visit involves a chat with the doctor, who will take your personal and family medical history and try to understand your reproductive health goals. An honest account of your concerns and lifestyle will give the OB-GYN a good idea of your situation, and they can tell you what to expect in the future.
An annual gynecological checkup includes a physical exam, pelvic and breast exam, as well as immunizations based on your age and risk factors. You may also have to give blood or urine samples for screening tests. Regular visits can help you minimize health risks and maintain your health.
Whether you have an upcoming annual checkup or wish to see an OB-GYN for medical issues, keep the following points in mind for a smooth experience:
- Avoid scheduling an appointment during your period, especially if your visit involves a pelvic exam. Blood can interfere with the test results. Please confirm with your doctor before you visit.
- Hold off your bikini wax or other hair removal appointments until after your OB-GYN visit, as it can cause swelling and inflammation.
- If you feel embarrassed about vaginal discharge or odors, remember that it helps your OB-GYN understand the hormonal balance. Avoid douching.
- Avoid intercourse for two days before the appointment, especially if you have a pap test scheduled.
- Track your menstrual cycle using your phone, physical planner, or a tracking app.
- Bring your medical records so your doctor can get all the necessary information within one visit.
Draft a list of questions you want to address during the appointment. Remember that it is okay to feel nervous or embarrassed to ask specific questions or show certain areas of your body. Your OB-GYN is a trained healthcare professional who wants to help you clinically and non-judgmentally. If it makes you more comfortable, choose a female OB-GYN near you and bring a relative or friend to the clinic.
What should you expect during a pelvic exam?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends having annual pelvic exams starting at age 21. However, you can discuss the required frequency with your doctor. A pelvic exam involves the OB-GYN checking the female reproductive and sexual organs for signs of infections and illnesses. This can be part of an annual checkup or to investigate specific issues.
You don't need to do anything to prepare in advance. The doctor may ask if you need to use the bathroom to feel more comfortable during the exam. They will ask you to undress, wear a gown, and sit on the exam table. The doctor will first examine your vulva for signs of infection, swelling, or sores. Your physician will insert a lubricated speculum into the vagina to view the internal organs. They might perform a Pap smear to collect cells from the cervix to help check for abnormalities, such as cervical cancer, and may also take a sample of vaginal discharge for infection testing.
Next, the doctor will do a bimanual examination by placing two fingers inside the vagina and pressing on your pelvis with the other hand to feel the reproductive organs. They may also conduct a rectal exam to check for abnormalities behind the vaginal wall, uterus, and rectum. The exam usually takes around 10 minutes and may cause discomfort but not pain. Inform the doctor if you feel any pain.
Your physician will discuss the findings and answer any questions or concerns you may have. The OB-GYN maintains confidentiality for all personal information. After a Pap smear, the doctor will inform you of the results, and further testing may be requested if necessary.
Pelvic exams during pregnancy check for abnormalities and infections and help assess the size of the pelvis and cervix. Early exams are followed by another at around 36 weeks to check for cervical changes. The OB-GYN will then perform exams as needed to determine labor status. Some studies point to a possible increased risk of infection with frequent exams during pregnancy.
Where can you find the best OB-GYNs near you in Brandon, Florida?
A woman's body goes through many mental, emotional, and physical changes from puberty to childbirth to menopause. Only a profound OB-GYN can provide her with the comprehensive healthcare she requires through all such phases of life. But when in need, where can you find the best OB-GYN in Brandon, Florida? We have that question answered for you – Zocdoc. It helps you find the desired OB-GYN, obstetrician, or gynecologist near you.
Zocdoc is a directory of medical physicians and doctors who are experts in their service fields. You can choose the healthcare practitioners listed to match your needs based on their specialty, gender, appointment date, insurance acceptance, and languages spoken. If you are unsure about your insurance coverage, the Zocdoc insurance tracker can help.
If you need help finding OB-GYNs who accept your insurance, our online patient help center can assist you. On Zocdoc, you can link your medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your account. However, you can only connect one insurance plan per appointment.
If you have multiple insurance plans, don't worry. Just add your secondary insurance information in the appointment notes. If your provider uses Zocdoc's intake forms, you can enter your secondary insurance details while filling out your forms online.
Each listed doctor's Zocdoc profile displays detailed information on their educational qualification, certification, awards, experience, expertise, location of practice, and patient reviews. These reviews are verified and help you understand and evaluate the services offered by the doctor. Additionally, you have the option to book an in-person consultation or a video-call consultation.
Locating a qualified OB-GYN, obstetrician, or gynecologist near you is now easier! Booking appointments with an OB-GYN near you on Zocdoc is simple, secure, and cost-free!
Maternal health-related statistics in Brandon, Florida
In 2018, Florida's estimated Pregnancy-Related Mortality Ratio (PRMR) was 16.3 per 1,00,000 live births. The ratio was lower than the 2009 ratio of 26.2 per 1,00,000 live births. Out of the recorded 36 pregnancy-related deaths in 2018, the major causes were cardiomyopathy at 19.4%, hemorrhage at 16.7%, thrombotic embolism and infection at 11.1% each, and cardiovascular diseases and hypertensive disorder at 8.3% each.
29 of the 36 pregnancy-related deaths occurred during the postpartum period. Moreover, 25% of postpartum deaths occurred before hospital discharge, and 55.6% occurred after discharge. The report also showed no records of maternal deaths in women less than 20 years of age. Women over 35 were more prone to maternal deaths, accounting for 38.9%.
The teen birth rate in Florida was 37.2 per 1,000 population in 2009. This decreased by 56.5% to 16.2 per 1,000 population in 2019. Similarly, the national teen birth rate dropped from 39.1 per 1,000 in 2009 to 16.6 per 1,000 in 2019. This accounts for a 57.5% decrease that may be due to growing awareness of contraceptive methods among teens while being sexually active. In addition, the percentage of repeat births in teen mothers in Florida decreased by 25.4%.
Sources
University of Illinois
University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Florida Health[1]
Florida Health[2]
Cleveland Clinic
WebMD
Medical News Today
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Health Central
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