Who is an OB-GYN? What is their specialization?
An OB-GYN, short for obstetrician-gynecologist, is a medical professional specializing in female reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth. They are experts in two fields of study: obstetrics and gynecology.
Obstetrics is a branch of medicine that involves every aspect of pregnancy, including prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum.
Gynecology is the branch of medicine related to overall female reproductive health. It involves diagnosing and treating conditions of the female reproductive system and the breasts.
OB-GYN subspecialties
The American Board of Medical Specialties recognizes seven subspecialties in OB-GYN. These include:
- Critical care medicine: These specialists diagnose, treat, and support critically ill and injured patients.
- Complex family planning: An OB-GYN specializing in this field works with patients with complex medical conditions and consults with other medical professionals to ensure their patients receive the best reproductive care possible.
- Female pelvic medicine & reconstructive surgery: These physicians treat women with pelvic floor disorders medically and surgically.
- Gynecologic oncology: This OB-GYN subspecialty trains doctors in techniques for providing the best possible care to individuals with gynecologic cancers.
- Hospice and palliative medicine: These OB-GYNs work with patients with life-limiting medical issues to improve their quality of life.
- Maternal-fetal medicine: OB-GYNs who practice maternal-fetal medicine are experts in tackling health concerns for both the mother and the baby and assisting in managing pregnancy complications.
- Infertility and reproductive endocrinology: Reproductive endocrinologists are OB-GYNs who assess and treat fertility problems and hormonal dysfunctions.
What is the female reproductive system?
The female reproductive system comprises the following organs and structures:
- The uterus — commonly known as the womb, plays a role in your fertility, pregnancy, and menstruation. During menstruation, the uterine lining, composed of blood and tissue, sheds, while in pregnancy, the unborn baby develops and grows in the uterus until birth.
- Ovaries — a pair of oval-shaped glands on either side of the uterus that produces and stores the eggs and makes the two female hormones estrogen and progesterone.
- Fallopian tubes — a pair of tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.
- The cervix — is an organ situated at the lower portion of the uterus, right above the vagina. It produces cervical fluid to cleanse your vagina, help the sperm into the uterus, and stop bacteria and other substances from entering it.
- Vagina — is a flexible, muscular canal that is the passageway for menstrual blood, sperms, and childbirth.
Conditions treated by OB-GYNs
OB-GYNs are adept at evaluating and treating diverse conditions concerning the women's reproductive system. You may see an OB-GYN for various conditions, including the following:
- Cervical cancer: Cancer beginning in the cervix is known as cervical cancer. It occurs due to the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can pass from one person to another through skin-to-skin contact, often due to sexual activities. HPV infection is a common occurrence, but it is preventable with the HPV vaccination. OB-GYNs can detect it early with the help of recommended HPV testing guidelines and Pap smears. Some of the cervical cancer's symptoms include abnormal vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding during or after sex, and changes in bowel and bladder habits.
- Endometriosis: Some studies have shown that approximately 10% of reproductive-aged women have endometriosis. It is rarely found in girls before they get their first menstrual cycle. In this condition, tissue that resembles the tissue lining the uterus's inside is found outside of it. It often occurs in the pelvis or lower abdomen but can also appear in other body parts. Some of its symptoms include difficulty getting pregnant, pain during sexual intercourse, painful menstrual cycles, and lower abdominal pain. Moreover, some women may not experience any symptoms at all.
- Fibroids: Some studies estimate that seventy to eighty percent of women develop fibroids during their lifetime. It is a form of tumor comprised of fibrous connective tissues that grow in the uterus and smooth muscle cells. However, most fibroids are benign or noncancerous. Some may not even develop symptoms or require treatment. Since cancerous fibroids are rare, those experiencing no symptoms opt for observation rather than treatment. OB-GYNs can identify the scale of the issue and provide timely treatment.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Around 10% of women of reproductive age experience PCOS which may be inherited. PCOS is the most common hormone abnormality where the body produces an excess of androgen hormones. It is a sex hormone responsible for the growth and development of the reproductive system. PCOS may range from mild to severe, and its symptoms include infertility, polycystic ovaries, irregular uterine bleeding, insulin resistance, increased weight gain, and acne.
What is the ideal age for the first OB-GYN appointment, and why?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, you must visit the best OB-GYN near you at the age of 13-15 years and, after that, once yearly. At this stage, your doctor may discuss your menstrual health, hygiene, and sexual activities and give you related health tips. During your future visits, depending on your age, they will also conduct physical exams and screenings and administer vaccinations as a part of preventive care.
Apart from annual checkups, when else should you consult an OB-GYN?
You may require an appointment with an OB-GYN in the following situations related to your reproductive health:
- You are facing menstrual problems: Regular periods indicate your body is functioning well. Period problems such as painful cramps, severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS), heavy bleeding, prolonged menstrual periods, irregular periods, and absence of periods can indicate serious health issues such as fibroids, endometriosis, and PCOS. It would be ideal to meet with your OB-GYN to regularize your periods.
- You are experiencing other gynecological symptoms: You must watch out for any unusual changes in your body as they could indicate underlying conditions that require medical attention. Bleeding in between periods, frequent and urgent need to urinate, abnormal vaginal bleeding, a burning sensation when you urinate, bleeding after menopause, and pelvic pain are a few of these symptoms. Also, regularly monitor your vaginal area for itching, burning, swelling, redness, soreness, lumps in the genital area, unusual-looking or smelling vaginal discharge, or increased vaginal discharge.
- You have become sexually active: If you have recently become sexually active, an open and honest discussion about sex with an OB-GYN near you will be insightful. You can discuss at length methods of contraception, safe sex practices, and STI prevention. They may also recommend you get vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV), an infection that spreads via sexual contact.
- You are facing sexual problems: Lack of sexual desire, inability to achieve an orgasm, arousal difficulties, and pain during sex are all signs of female sexual dysfunction that can occur due to various physical and psychological factors. An OB-GYN can help diagnose the cause and recommend treatments to improve your experience and relationship with sex and your partner.
- You are going through or have attained menopause: The hormonal changes during menopause bring various physical and emotional changes in the body, such as low libido, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, bone loss, incontinence, anxiety, and depression. While these sudden and drastic changes may be hard to cope with, knowing your OB-GYN can offer support can be a relief.
What procedures do OB-GYNs perform?
OB-GYNs receive training in major or minor surgeries for outpatient and inpatient procedures. These can include:
- Laser surgery
- Dilation and curettage
- Biopsy
- Hysterectomy, or the removal of the uterus
- Tubal ligation for female sterilization
- Myomectomy or the removal of fibroids
An OB-GYN is also trained to care for patients during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. During this time, the different procedures which may be needed include:
- Vaginal delivery
- In vitro fertilization
- Cesarean delivery
- Forceps and vacuum deliveries
- Amniocentesis to determine sex and detect any abnormalities
OB-GYNs also perform preventive tests and screenings regularly. These can include:
- Pap smears
- Pelvic exams
- Clinical breast exams
- Cancer screenings
- Mammographies
How can an OB-GYN provide pregnancy assistance?
OB-GYN can assist you in both the pregnancy phase and infertility issues.
OB-GYN visits are crucial before, during, and after your pregnancy. Before you try getting pregnant, your OB-GYN will ensure your body is healthy to carry the pregnancy. When you are in the beginning stages of your pregnancy, they will advise you on your diet, exercise, medications, and more precautions for a healthy pregnancy. With your pregnancy progressing, you will have more frequent visits with them to monitor your and your baby's health. If you are facing any abnormal or bothersome symptoms such as heavy bleeding, cramping, or back pain, the OB-GYN is your best guide — report to them immediately. They will talk to you about labor and delivery when suitable. After they help you deliver your baby, they advise you about postpartum care and breastfeeding.
Talking to your OB-GYN
It would be best to ask questions during your yearly visit to the OB-GYN. Even if your questions appear personal or embarrassing, your doctor has heard them before. It is okay to ask about your periods, sex, or anything else concerning your reproductive health. You must remember that your OB-GYN can help with your reproductive health. Making annual appointments with them to discuss ongoing or new issues can go a long way in benefitting you.
What is the difference between an OB-GYN and a fertility specialist, and which should you consult?
Depending on your needs, many medical professionals can help you when you're ready to start a family. When it comes to conception, most people start with an OB-GYN. However, an OB-GYN cannot carry out some of the specialized operations that a fertility specialist can do during conception.
An obstetrician and gynecologist is an OB-GYN, whereas a fertility specialist is a reproductive endocrinologist. A fertility specialist specializes in treating female infertility and is well-versed in the male and female reproductive systems, including anatomy and physiology.
The fertility specialists have been trained to examine, analyze, and provide treatments related to fertility. Consultation with a fertility doctor is recommended if you are having difficulty conceiving or have fertility concerns.
An OB-GYN, on the other hand, is well-versed in the female reproductive system and specializes in prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care. They also deal with gynecological problems such as heavy bleeding, irregular bleeding, and abnormal discharge.
PCOS and PCOD can be managed with the help of your OB-GYN. However, if you want to conceive while dealing with these illnesses, you should see a reproductive specialist. Fertility doctors are a subspecialty of OB-GYN, where gynecologists study fertility for two to three years. Because of their advanced expertise, OB-GYNs can perform fertility treatments and provide complete reproductive care.
Your OB-GYN should refer you to a fertility expert if you are 35 or older and have not gotten pregnant after six months of trying. Similarly, if you're under 35 and haven't conceived after a year of trying, you should see a fertility specialist. Furthermore, having multiple miscarriages or having a condition that affects fertility might send you to a fertility specialist.
In a nutshell, if you want to get pregnant, see an OB-GYN. They will estimate your fertile days, counsel you on a healthy diet and lifestyle, and may recommend vital vitamins such as folic acid. If conception becomes difficult or there is a specific problem, you should consult a fertility expert about possible therapies.
Locate the best OB-GYN near you in Clermont, Florida
A woman's body undergoes various changes from puberty to adulthood — menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and more. Secondly, depending on many factors, the body becomes susceptible to certain gynecological conditions at different stages of life. You can ensure good sexual and reproductive health by investing in annual checkups with an OB-GYN. A well-functioning reproductive system is crucial for good physical and mental health.
If you are yet to find a trusted OB-GYN for yourself, you have landed on the right page — Zocdoc has listed some of the country's best OB-GYNs. Stay assured that you will find the right one for your needs in a few minutes. Zocdoc allows you to search for area-wise experts. So, type OB-GYN in the search bar, set the location to Clermont, Florida, and if applicable, add your insurance details to find in-network experts. You will receive the desired results immediately.
You can refine your search results by updating your Zocdoc account's insurance information to locate providers within your network. Alternatively, you may upload a photo of your health plan card on the Zocdoc app if you are not able to find your insurance plan. Check out Zocdoc’s patient help center for more insurance-related FAQs.
The number of providers may seem overwhelming, but Zocdoc filters will make your search easier. You can choose your reason for visit, date and time of consultation, gender, language, and other preferences to display only those experts who fit your selected categories. Other than in-person appointments, you can even find OB-GYNs for online consultations in the video visits section.
Next, clicking on the OB-GYN's name will open their profile page in a new tab. It will have all the crucial information you need to make an informed decision, like education, training, awards, expertise, etc. Scrolling until the end, you will find patient reviews that will give you first-hand knowledge about the expert. Any more queries will probably be resolved via the FAQs section.
You can book an appointment with the best OB-GYN near you by filling in the required details. Booking with Zocdoc is easy, secure, and 100% free.
Statistics on gynecological problems in Florida
According to the 2020 Florida Agency for Health Care Administration data, nearly 14,374 women aged 15-54 were hospitalized due to uterine fibroids. This number dropped steadily compared to the 20,428 uterine fibroids-related hospitalizations in 2010. In Lake County, 226 women of that age group were hospitalized, making their admission rate around 277.4 hospitalizations per 100,00 women, a bit higher than the rate of admission in Florida.
As per a 2019 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called 'Diagnoses of HIV Infection in the United States and Dependent Areas.' Around 23.7 Floridians were diagnosed with HIV per 100,000, making Florida one of the three states with the highest rates of HIV diagnoses. The 'Estimated HIV Incidence and Prevalence in the United States 2010–2016' is another report by the same organization stating that nearly 23% of the approximately 1.1 million Americans living with HIV are women.
Based on the 2020 STD Surveillance report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the state of Florida ranks tenth for syphilis in the US with 3,520 cases, meaning 16.4 affected persons per 100,000 population.
Sources
Healthline
WebMD
Cleveland Clinic
John Hopkins Medicine
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
FLHealthCHARTS
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
St. George’s University School of Medicine
The Fertility Center of Las Vegas
Midwest Fertility Specialists
UCLA Health[1]
UCLA Health[2]
UCLA Health[3]
UCLA Health[4]
