Who is an OB-GYN?
Obstetrics constitutes a medical field focused on the healthcare and surgical attention provided to women throughout pregnancy, encompassing prenatal and postnatal care, fertility interventions, and childbirth. On the other hand, gynecology is a specialty that tends to women's reproductive health and its associated diseases. It addresses the complete reproductive system, encompassing the uterus, vagina, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, along with matters concerning the breasts.
An obstetrician-gynecologist or OB-GYN is a healthcare professional with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) who comprises both specialties and provides primary, acute, specialty, and preventive care for women. They conduct routine well-woman exams, perform surgeries, order diagnostic tests, prescribe medication, or collaborate with other healthcare professionals. They specialize in minor or major surgery for both inpatient and outpatient procedures, such as dilation and curettage, tubal ligation for female sterilization, and the removal of the uterus (hysterectomy). Women should consider seeing an OB-GYN when changes to their reproductive system occur, like the first menstrual cycle for girls, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause.
Which conditions do OB-GYNs treat?
Reproductive, fertility, and pregnancy-related issues have various causes, such as environmental conditions, genetic factors, poor diet, hormonal imbalances, and bad lifestyle habits like bad sexual hygiene, smoking, or excess consumption of alcohol. Some common conditions treated by OB-GYNs include:
- Ovarian cysts: They develop in or on the surface of ovaries and may contain a watery or mucous-like material. Ovarian cysts that rupture can cause severe pain. The ovaries grow follicles monthly, producing estrogen and progesterone hormones and releasing an egg during ovulation. When a normal follicle grows, it becomes a functional cyst, which is generally harmless, doesn't cause pain, and disappears without treatment.
- Infertility: Hormonal disorders like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), abnormalities in the uterus or cervix, damage to the fallopian tubes, or certain reproductive cancers can cause female infertility. Infertile couples can opt for assisted reproductive technology like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), which helps conceive a child or prevent genetic problems. Before beginning IVF, an OB-GYN may conduct several screening tests.
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): Bacteria, viruses, or parasites may pass from one person to another through the blood, semen, or vaginal and bodily fluids, leading to STDs. They can be passed nonsexually, too, from a mother to an infant via blood transfusion or shared needles. Common STDs include gonorrhea, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), chlamydia, and genital herpes. Sores on the genitals, odorous vaginal discharge, pain during intercourse, and lower abdominal pain are some signs of an STD.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a prevalent yet significant health condition arising from deficiencies within women's endocrine system, resulting in hormonal imbalances. Due to hormonal changes, PCOS can cause irregular periods, acne, and unwanted hair growth. For women trying to conceive, PCOS can be a significant challenge as it affects fertility and makes conception more difficult. If you are suffering from PCOS and wish to have children, look for the best OB-GYN near you for pregnancy. They can suggest treatments to regulate your menstrual cycle and enhance fertility. These may involve medications or techniques like ovulation tracking.
What is the difference between an OB-GYN and a fertility specialist, and whom should you consult?
If you are planning to start a family, there are several medical professionals you can consult depending on your needs or concerns. While most people typically begin with an OB-GYN, they may not be able to carry out some of the procedures that a fertility specialist can perform.
An OB-GYN has expertise in female reproductive health and deals with gynecological problems such as heavy or irregular bleeding and abnormal discharge. If you are trying to conceive, an OB-GYN can help you estimate your fertile days, advise on a healthy diet and lifestyle, and recommend essential vitamins such as folic acid.
A fertility specialist is a specialized doctor within the field of OB-GYN. They are also called reproductive endocrinologists. After completing their OB-GYN training, a fertility doctor undergoes an additional three to five years of education in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. With this advanced training, they can perform fertility treatments and offer comprehensive reproductive care.
Fertility doctors treat and manage both male and female reproductive systems. If you are having trouble getting pregnant or experiencing other fertility issues, consulting a fertility specialist is important. They can offer guidance and suggest treatments to help you conceive. After conceiving with the help of a fertility specialist, you can then receive prenatal care from your OB-GYN.
For conditions like PCOS and Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD), an OB-GYN near you can often provide treatment. However, if you suffer from these conditions and want to conceive, seeing a fertility specialist is recommended.
Your OB-GYN might also refer you to a fertility doctor if,
- You are 35 or older and haven't been able to conceive after six months of trying
- You are under 35 and haven’t conceived after a year of trying
If you have had more than one miscarriage, it is important to consult a fertility specialist for specialized care.
How does COVID-19 affect pregnant women?
Women may experience changes to their immune systems during pregnancy, making them more vulnerable to respiratory viruses. Research has shown that pregnant women are more prone to viruses like COVID-19. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while the overall risk of contracting the virus COVID-19 during pregnancy is low, women who are pregnant or were recently pregnant are at an increased risk of complications and becoming very sick from it.
Pregnant women with COVID-19 may give premature birth or be at an increased risk of problems after pregnancy, such as stillbirth, pregnancy loss, and other complications that may affect the baby's health. Older women with pre-existing conditions like gestational diabetes may also be at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID. Individuals experiencing severe cases might require an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or ventilation and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) – an advanced life support technique. It is especially crucial for individuals facing life-threatening heart or lung problems.
To prevent exposure to COVID-19, pregnant women must get vaccinated, wear masks, and practice proper social distancing. Vaccination can protect both - the mother and the baby against hospitalization, severe illness, and even death.
Prioritizing prenatal care: Tailoring a healthy pregnancy journey
Prenatal care is indispensable to a healthy pregnancy, and its importance cannot be emphasized enough. Recognizing the unique and changing needs of pregnancy, women who think they might be pregnant should act quickly and schedule an appointment with the nearest trusted OB-GYN for prenatal care. The first step is to start a personalized prenatal care plan tailored to address your specific health needs, concerns, and goals.
During prenatal visits to a healthcare provider, a holistic approach typically involves a physical examination, weight monitoring, and urine sample collection. Additional measures like blood tests and imaging, such as ultrasound exams, might be conducted depending on the pregnancy stage. These appointments also encompass conversations about both the mother's and the fetus's health and opportunities to address any inquiries related to the pregnancy.
With regular prenatal care, women can significantly reduce the risk of pregnancy complications and make informed decisions about fetal and infant care. Furthermore, it's vital to mention that women should exercise caution when taking any medication during pregnancy, as these substances can potentially impact the developing fetus. Consulting an OB-GYN before taking any medication is essential to ensure the safety of both mother and fetus.
Find the best OB-GYN near you in Fort Worth, TX
Women should see an OB-GYN annually and get a well-woman exam. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that girls should have their first OB-GYN visit between ages 13 and 15. During these visits, the OB-GYN can assess the risk of reproductive system diseases or abnormalities and guide on preventive care through routine exams. Sexually active women must also get regularly tested for STDs. Additionally, women considering starting a family can discuss birth control, contraception, or family planning options with their OB-GYN.
If you are looking for a qualified OB-GYN in Fort Worth, Texas, and need to address your health concerns immediately, Zocdoc has got you covered. With Zocdoc, you can avoid waiting long hours at a hospital or physician's office and book a video consultation or an in-person appointment with the best OB-GYN nearby within minutes.
Go to the Zocdoc website and enter your condition or symptoms, location, and insurance plan to receive a list of the best providers matching your criteria. Each listed specialist's profile displays their medical background, including their specialties, clinical experience, conditions patients see them for, certifications, awards, and licensures. Additionally, each doctor's profile mentions their office location, distance, languages spoken, hospital affiliation, and insurance plans accepted. You can further access verified reviews and ratings to make a more informed decision and instantly schedule an appointment with an OB-GYN near you based on your convenience.
All bookings on Zocdoc are easy, free, and secure!
Women's health and disease statistics for Texas
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2023, Texas employed nearly 910 obstetricians and gynecologists, ranking it fifth among the employment level of OB-GYN in the United States, following California, New York, Florida, and Georgia.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), an estimated 23,290 new cases of breast cancer, around 1,680 ovarian cancer, about 1,450 cervical cancer, and approximately 4,790 uterine corpus cancers will be reported in Texas in 2024. The incidence rates for thyroid cancer between 2014 and 2018 were higher in women (17.5%) than in men (6.3%).
As per a report published by the Guttmacher Institute in 2017, approximately 20.3% of women in Texas aged 18-49 who used condoms as their primary contraceptive were at risk of unintended pregnancy. Additionally, almost 6.2% used an IUD (Intrauterine Device), and nearly 13.2% used pills as their primary method of contraception.
Sources
Healthline
Mayo Clinic[1]
Mayo Clinic[2]
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Mayo Clinic [6]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Yale Medicine
Johns Hopkins Medicine
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
American Cancer Society
Guttmacher Institute
UNICEF
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
The Fertility Center of Las Vegas
Midwest Fertility Specialists
