Who is an OB-GYN?
A gynecologist is a physician who specializes in female reproductive health. Obstetricians treat women during pregnancy and immediately following delivery and are also trained to deliver babies.
An OB-GYN handles some of a woman's most crucial health issues, including menopause, childbirth, and birth control. Additionally, an OB-GYN can perform surgery for urinary tract or pelvic organ issues, screen for cancer, and diagnose and treat infections.
Education qualifications of an OB-GYN
The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) outlines the education and training prerequisites for OB-GYNs. The following standards are part of their educational framework:
- Graduation from an accredited medical school and the American Board of Internal Medicine certification.
- Completing an OB-GYN residency program, primarily in gynecology and obstetrics, is at least four years long and certified by the American Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).
- Passing the ABOG test for the selected specialty to become a board-certified physician.
Subspecialties in OB-GYN
Research shows that approximately 90% of OB-GYNs are generalists, meaning they provide a wide range of services. However, OB-GYNs may also choose to specialize in one or more different subspecialties, including the following:
- Reproductive endocrinology and infertility: These doctors can address problems with the glands and hormones of the body and may also treat infertility.
- Complex family planning: These OB-GYNs specialize in complex family planning, including pregnancy termination.
- Maternal-fetal medicine: These specialists can treat patients with high-risk pregnancies. They can also perform surgeries on the fetus to reduce mortality and morbidity.
- Female pelvic therapy and reconstructive surgery: These surgeons usually treat pelvic and urinary tract disorders. They can address urinary or fecal incontinence, overactive bladder, bladder pain, and pelvic organ prolapse.
- Gynecological oncology: These doctors can diagnose and treat cancers of the female reproductive organs.
- Hospice and palliative medicine: These doctors can care for patients with life-limiting illnesses. They optimize their quality of life to reduce suffering.
Differences between obstetrics and gynecology
OB-GYN encompasses two specialties: obstetrics and gynecology. A medical professional can either become qualified in both or choose one.
Obstetricians specialize in pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care. They are trained to diagnose and treat conditions that could affect pregnancy and prioritize the mother's and infant's health.
Obstetricians can also provide fertility treatments and care in neonatal intensive care units when a premature baby is delivered.
Generally, an OB-GYN will advise pregnant women on how to cope with common pregnancy conditions. They may also counsel pregnant women and share tips and best practices for a healthy pregnancy and childbirth.
Gynecologists, on the other hand, focus on the reproductive health of women from the time of the first period till post-menopause. They perform screenings such as pap smears, breast examinations, and pelvic exams, and procedures such as tubal ligations and hysterectomies.
Services provided by OB-GYN practitioners
OB-GYN specialists offer a wide range of medical services to support women's health throughout life, from adolescence to pregnancy, menopause, and beyond. They have expertise in surgical and non-surgical care and address diverse health needs through personalized treatment approaches. Here is a list of the primary services OB-GYNs near you can provide:
- Contraceptive counseling - OB-GYNs help patients explore various birth control methods by assessing their medical history, lifestyle, and preferences. Through individualized consultations, they ensure patients choose effective and suitable contraceptive options tailored to their unique needs.
- Fertility support - For those struggling to conceive, OB-GYN practitioners offer guidance on fertility awareness and provide recommendations on when to pursue further evaluation or treatment. They also facilitate referrals to fertility specialists if advanced care is required.
- Pelvic health care - OB-GYNs diagnose and treat issues such as pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, and urinary incontinence. By creating personalized care plans and collaborating with other specialists, they aim to improve patient’s quality of life and overall pelvic health.
- Prenatal and postnatal care - OB-GYNs deliver comprehensive care throughout pregnancy, from preconception counseling to postpartum support. They monitor maternal and fetal health, provide advice on nutrition, and address any issues that arise during and after pregnancy.
- Minimally invasive surgical procedures - Some OB-GYNs perform robotic-assisted surgeries, offering a less invasive option for procedures such as hysterectomies and fibroid removal. This advanced technique results in shorter recovery times, less pain, and minimal scarring.
- Preventive health screenings - Routine well-woman exams are a cornerstone of preventive care, including screenings for cancers, such as cervical and breast cancer, and discussions about factors that affect women’s overall health. These regular checkups help identify potential health issues early and promote long-term wellness.
The right time to see an OB-GYN
The American Congress of Obstetricians & Gynecologists recommends that girls have their first OB-GYN visit between 13 and 15 years old or when they start experiencing sexual activity. For other age groups, visits can be scheduled for a variety of issues, including abnormal vaginal bleeding, changes in the menstrual cycle, and more.
One of the most effective ways to stay fit is by practicing preventive care. Women who are healthy and not experiencing any reproductive health issues should have an annual preventive checkup. Your doctor may conduct evaluations, immunizations, or lab tests for specific diseases during this visit. The doctor will order tests depending on your age and health. Additionally, your doctor will perform a pelvic exam and may request further tests or screenings based on your individual needs.
It would be best to visit your OB-GYN whenever there are changes in your reproductive cycle, including your first menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause, in addition to your annual checkup.
These symptoms may indicate abnormal changes, such as:
- Changes in menstrual bleeding volume or frequency
- Unusual cramping
- Pain during urination
- Pain during intercourse
Consider the age and reproductive goals when visiting your OB-GYN. If you're sexually active, your OB-GYN can provide birth control, safe sex tips, advice on preventing or treating STIs or HIV, HPV vaccination, treatment and prevention of pain during sex, abnormal vaginal discharge, and urinary tract infections.
Suppose you are pregnant or planning to be. In that case, your OB-GYN can help with prenatal care, infertility treatment, genetic testing, diet advice, labor and birth options, breastfeeding advice, and postpartum depression.
If you experience pain, cramps, or irregular bleeding during menstruation, consult an OB-GYN for advice on managing symptoms, evaluating cysts and fibroids, addressing pelvic support problems, and getting help with mood swings and premenstrual syndrome.
If you have experienced or are experiencing menopause, your OB-GYN may help with low libido, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, bone loss, incontinence, and hormone replacement therapy.
Some women choose to see an OB-GYN instead of a primary care physician. However, not all OB-GYNs are comfortable serving as primary care physicians. It is essential to discuss with your doctor if they are the right fit for your general health needs.
For those of other age groups, you can visit an OB-GYN if you have been experiencing any of the following issues:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Changes in the menstrual cycle
- Severe cramping
- Genital dryness or itching
- Urinary tract infections
- Breast pain or abscess
- Hormonal imbalance
- Infertility
- Pain during intercourse
What can you expect when you visit an OB-GYN near you?
Your session will usually begin with a general health examination. The nurse will measure your blood pressure and weight. Additionally, you might undergo a urine and blood test.
Next will be a physical examination. When you enter the examination room, the nurse will request you to remove your clothes and provide a front-open robe and a sheet to cover your lap.
Your OB-GYN will likely begin by inquiring about your general health history and that of your family members. A nurse or another medical expert may join the OB-GYN in the room for the pelvic exam that will follow.
First, the doctor will check the outside of your vagina, including the vulva area and vaginal opening, for any anomalies. They will then perform an inside examination of your reproductive organs. The gynecologist will use a speculum to inspect the interior of your vagina and cervix. During this test, your feet will be in stirrups, and you must keep your knees bent and apart. This exam might seem uncomfortable, but it shouldn't hurt.
A Pap test is a pelvic exam for a woman over 21. The OB-GYN near you will take a sample from your cervix using a little brush, which they will then send to a laboratory to investigate for abnormalities such as cervical cancer, the human papillomavirus (HPV), and other diseases.
The doctor may also test you for STDs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis if you are sexually active. The OB-GYN takes a tissue swab during the pelvic exam or draws blood to test for STDs.
The OB-GYN will perform an internal bimanual exam by inserting one or two fingers with gloves on into your vagina and the other hand on top of the lower portion of your abdomen to feel your cervix, fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries. If necessary, your doctor might also perform a rectovaginal exam. The OB-GYN does this by inserting one gloved finger into your rectum.
Additionally, your OB-GYN should examine your breasts to look for lumps or other abnormalities.
Tips for a healthy vagina
Maintaining your vagina's overall health is essential. It also helps you keep any infections at bay. Here are some simple methods you can use to ensure your vagina is healthy:
- Avoid douching: Douching reduces some beneficial bacteria, altering the pH and increasing susceptibility to infections.
- Keep your pubic hair: There are numerous benefits to keeping pubic hair. It prevents other bacteria from growing and removes sweat and friction-related problems from occurring. Less hair removal also means fewer cuts, scrapes, ingrown hair, and less itching as the hair grows back.
- Be mindful of ingredients in lubes: Lubrication is good for sex but may have some ingredients that are very unhealthy for your body. To maintain the proper pH level of your vagina, avoid lubricants with glycerine and petroleum.
- Remember to pee after sex: Peeing after sex substantially eliminates the risk of having UTIs.
- Wear breathable underwear: To limit the amount of wetness and growth of bacteria in your vagina, wear cotton underwear.
How do you find a top-rated OB-GYN near you in Fairfax, Virginia?
Finding a trustworthy OB-GYN whom you can consult throughout your pregnancy is crucial. Even if you are not pregnant, being consistent with one doctor is good. This helps you and the doctor better understand your medical needs. Thus, finding someone you can trust and feel at ease with is vital. And this is where you can trust Zocdoc and find a female gynecologist near you in Fairfax, Virginia. Zocdoc allows you to search and book an appointment with a doctor of your choice at your convenience.
Start your search by registering for free on the Zocdoc platform. Next, enter the specifics of your location or your symptoms. You can also use your insurance plan or provider details to search for an in-network professional. After pressing enter, a list of medical professionals in your vicinity will appear.
Look through the list and click on a professional to learn more about them. In the profile section, you can read about their training, certifications, work history, and areas of specialization. You may also review past patients' reviews and ratings, doctors' accolades, accreditations, languages they speak, whether or not they treat children, etc.
After narrowing down your list of professionals, you can make an informed choice by reviewing all the relevant details provided on Zocdoc. Once you've decided on an OB-GYN, you can schedule a face-to-face or an online appointment.
Also, if you cannot find your specific insurance plan on Zocdoc, you can upload an image of your insurance card. Zocdoc will then scan your card and display an insurance plan that matches it. Note that this service only applies to medical insurance cards. Vision and dental insurance are excluded. If you need help uploading your medical insurance card, contact Zocdoc's service team via email or chat, available 365 days to answer all your queries regarding the platform. For other insurance-related questions, please reach out to Zocdoc's patient help center.
On Zocdoc, scheduling an appointment with a female OB-GYN near you is secure, simple, and cost-free.
Women's health and fertility statistics in Fairfax, Virginia
According to statistics by the non-profit organization March of Dimes, there were almost 12,063 live births in Fairfax County, Virginia, in 2023. The fertility rate per 1,000 women between 15 and 44 years during the same year was around 53.7.
According to the 2025 estimates by the American Cancer Society, Virginia will have about 8,250 new breast cancer cases, 1,750 uterine corpus tumor cases, 520 ovarian cancer cases, and 290 cervical cancer cases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the teen birth rate in Virginia in 2022 was 11.2 births per 1,000 women from 15 to 19 years old. During the same year, the infant mortality rate in the state was 6.21 deaths per 1,000 live births.
Sources
Healthline
Wooster Community Hospital
March of Dimes
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
WebMD
American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
American Cancer Society
St. George’s University
Wooster Community Hospital
Mayo Clinic
