Who is an OB-GYN?
Due to sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits, reproductive system-related problems are increasing alarmingly. Out of all these problems, infertility and hormonal imbalance are common in women. Therefore, women must visit a doctor regularly to address their reproductive health.
An OB-GYN (obstetrician-gynecologist) is a medical doctor specializing in women's health. Some common issues related to the reproductive system are irregular menstrual cycles, obesity due to hormonal imbalance, menopause, childbirth, and more. Let us explain more about OB-GYNs, what they do, and when to consult with them.
What is the education and qualification of an OB-GYN?
An OB-GYN is an expert in providing preventative care to women during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and childbirth. Besides this, these doctors offer a wide range of screening and general health services. To become a specialist OB-GYN, one must complete their bachelor's degree, followed by four years of medical school.
After medical school, OB-GYNs attend a residency training program focusing on gynecology and obstetrics. During their training, they learn about the various biological changes women experience and related issues or conditions. In residency training, under the supervision of senior OB-GYNs, these doctors gain practical knowledge by working in healthcare settings such as hospitals. These doctors mainly learn about screening tests, diagnosing, treating, preventing, and managing female reproductive system diseases.
After residency, some OB-GYNs opt for three years of additional fellowship training in an obstetrics-gynecology subspecialty. All OB-GYNs must clear the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and a state-specific examination for licensure. Some doctors also choose to get board-certified in their subspecialty by clearing a two-part examination conducted by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG).
What type of conditions do OB-GYNs treat?
OB-GYN can treat a wide range of female reproductive health conditions, such as:
- Abnormal bleeding during the menstrual cycle
- Urinary incontinence
- Genital itching
- Pelvic pain
- Endometriosis
- Vaginal infection or urinary tract infections
- Breast disorders
- Infertility
- Hormonal disorders
- Blisters and bumps on vaginal areas
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Pregnancy complications
- Cervical and other cancers
Additionally, OB-GYNs can diagnose and manage a variety of sexually transmitted diseases. They can also perform cesarean deliveries and provide postpartum pregnancy care.
What type of procedures do OB-GYNs perform?
An OB-GYN has special training in performing minor and major surgeries. Some of the examples of procedures performed by them are as follows:
- Biopsy
- Curettage and dilation
- Tubal ligation for sterilization
- Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
- Laser surgery
- Myomectomy (removal of fibroids)
- Vaginal deliveries
- In-vitro fertilization
- Amniocentesis to detect abnormalities and sex of the child
- Vacuum deliveries and more
Besides the above procedures, OB-GYNS can also perform regular preventative screening tests such as:
- Pam smears
- Pelvic examinations
- Mammographies
- Clinical breast examinations
- Cancer screenings
- Ultrasounds
- Sexually transmitted disease testing
Different types of OB-GYN specialists
An OB-GYN may receive additional training after the completion of residency to become a specialist in an obstetrics-gynecology subfield. Below are some of the subspecialties of OB-GYNs:
1.Maternal-fetal medicine: These specialists mainly care for risky pregnancies. Some complications these doctors deal with are:
- Low amount of amniotic fluids inside the womb
- Uncontrollable gestational diabetes
- Difficulty carrying the fetus to gestation
- Underperforming thyroid in a pregnant woman
- Thin uterus membrane
Typically, an OB-GYN performs regular screenings throughout the pregnancy and provides the necessary medical care to ensure successful delivery.
2.Reproductive endocrinology: These OB-GYNs specialize in fertility. They treat couples who cannot have a baby because of reproductive system complications. Some of the techniques used by these doctors are IUI (intrauterine insemination), IVF (in-vitro fertilization), and prescribing medication.
3.Gynecologic oncology: These specialists have expertise in treating cancers such as ovarian cancer, breast cancer, endometrial cancer (uterine cancer), and vulvar cancer. Besides this, they also perform surgeries to remove the tumor and provide chemotherapy to treat cancer. Sometimes, these oncologists work with oncologists and surgeons to ensure the best treatment plan.
4.Urogynecology: These OB-GYNs have a specialization in urinary issues in women. The most common urinary tract problems are incontinence, infection, and inflammation. Urogynecologists provide medication and other forms of treatment to treat such matters.
When should you visit an OB-GYN?
Preventive care is the best way to manage any reproductive health issues. Therefore, you must begin visiting an OB-GYN near you right after the beginning of your menstrual cycle. Moreover, a woman should undergo preventative screenings once per year.
Your OB-GYN may conduct several screening tests to evaluate your reproductive health or specified concerns during the visit. In addition to routine check-ups, you should visit an OB-GYN when you observe changes in your menstrual cycle or are expecting a baby. Moreover, if you are experiencing pain during intercourse, it may indicate an issue with your reproductive system.
What are some symptoms women should not ignore?
Certain symptoms might signal serious health issues; women should not ignore them. Recognizing these signs is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms such as breast swelling, abdominal bloating lasting more than a week, and unexplained shortness of breath should prompt a visit to a doctor.
Other concerning symptoms include persistent fatigue, chronic stomach problems like IBS, unexplained weight loss, vaginal bleeding after menopause, abnormal hair growth, and symptoms of a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Attention to these warning signs can lead to earlier intervention and better health outcomes.
What to expect during a pelvic examination?
Per the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), women should have yearly exams starting at age 21. Still, the healthcare provider is the best person to advise on the ideal exam frequency as it may vary from individual to individual.
During a pelvic exam, a doctor assesses various reproductive organs, including the uterus, vulva, vagina, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and adjacent organs like the bladder and rectum. These examinations serve several purposes, such as routine check-ups, monitoring reproductive health during pregnancy, identifying infections, and investigating pelvic or lower back pain. Doctors often use pelvic exams to screen for yeast infections, sexually transmitted infections, and bacterial vaginosis.
A pelvic exam accompanies other preventive screenings like breast examinations and Pap smears, aiming to detect breast abnormalities and cervical cancer indicators. The procedure doesn't require specific preparations, and patients can attend as scheduled. The exam may cause discomfort but is not painful and lasts 10 minutes.
It involves a visual inspection of the vulva, using an instrument called a speculum to examine the vagina and cervix, a Pap smear to check for cervical abnormalities, and a bimanual examination to assess the reproductive organs. The OB-GYN may also conduct a rectal exam for a comprehensive evaluation. After the exam, the healthcare provider discusses concerns and ensures privacy and confidentiality.
In the case of a Pap smear, they communicate the results and recommend further testing if needed. Pelvic exams are similarly performed during pregnancy to monitor reproductive health and assess pelvis size, cervix conditions, and the risk of complications like miscarriage or preterm labor. However, the frequency of these exams may vary, and potential risks, such as infections, should be considered.
How can you find the best OB-GYN near you in Brighton, New York?
Finding the right OB-GYN whom you can trust can be difficult. Therefore, if you are looking for an OB-GYN specialist in your location, Zocdoc can help. Zocdoc has a verified and comprehensive database of healthcare professionals in the U.S. Using the platform's simple navigation bar, you can effortlessly search for the top OB-GYNs near you.
To conduct a specific search, mention the type of healthcare professional you need, your symptoms, your insurance plan provider, and your location in the search bar. Then, within a few minutes, you can access a verified list of OB-GYNs based on your preferences and requirements.
Under each doctor's name, you can read their complete profile with detailed information regarding educational qualifications, areas of expertise, location, contact details, language preference, visiting hours, and more. Read their profile to know if the OB-GYN can address your problem. Then, once you shortlist the doctor you choose, read past patients' verified ratings and reviews below their profiles. Moreover, you can book your appointment directly from Zocdoc for free. Isn't that straightforward?
Booking appointments with an OB-GYN near you on Zocdoc is safe, easy, and 100% free!
Statistics about OB-GYNs in Brighton, New York
As of May 2021, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports around 21,570 active OB-GYNs in the United States. Out of this number, approximately 2,240 OB-GYNs are actively working in New York.
Due to unhealthy lifestyles, the risk of vaginal or ovarian cancer is increasing at an alarming rate across the globe. The Department of Health of New York State reported approximately 1,399 cases of ovarian cancer in 2019. As per the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, sexually transmitted infection cases are also increasing in New York. As of 2019, there are around 4,521 (females) cases of chlamydia recorded in New York.
Sources
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
New York State Department of Health
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Healthline[1]
Healthline[2]
Medical News Today[1]
Medical News Today[2]
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