Who is an OB-GYN?
An OB-GYN, or obstetrician-gynecologist, specializes in conditions affecting women's health and provides general health services like primary care physicians. The main areas of healthcare that OB-GYNs cater to include female reproductive health, menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. These experts also provide preventive screening tests for issues such as cervical and ovarian cancer.
Obstetrics is the field of study that includes medical and surgical care for women undergoing maternity care. This is the period before, during, and after giving birth, including pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and postpartum. In obstetrics, OB-GYNs take care of office visits, labor, and delivery.
Gynecology, on the other hand, is the field that encompasses women's general and reproductive health. OB-GYNs are experts at diagnosing, treating, and caring for problems related to the female reproductive system, which includes the vagina, ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes. They also study issues concerning women's breasts.
Education, training, and subspecialties of OB-GYNs
Before practicing as an OB-GYN, one must complete rigorous theoretical and practical training for 12-15 years. These include a 4-year pre-medical undergraduate degree, four years of medical school, another four years of medical residency, and an optional three years of further subspecialty training.
The subspecialties OB-GYNs can choose from include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Family planning - Related to different forms of contraceptive care and abortion.
- Pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery - Diagnostic and treatment (both surgical and non-surgical) of diseases of the pelvic floor, like pelvic organ prolapse and urinary or anal incontinence.
- Maternal and fetal medicine - Focuses on complications related to labor and childbirth.
- Gynecologic oncology - Diagnosis and treatment of different forms of cancer of the female reproductive system, such as cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancer.
- Urogynecology - Focuses on different urinary tract disorders.
- Fetal medicine and therapy - Treatment of fetal diseases and complications before childbirth.
- Reproductive endocrinology - Focuses on hormonal imbalances that affect the female reproductive system and cause complications regarding fertility, menopause, etc.
After completing their medical training, OB-GYNs must clear national and state certification exams to obtain a medical license. Following this, they can start practicing.
Common conditions that OB-GYNs treat
- Urinary incontinence: Urinary incontinence manifests as urine leakage ranging from a few drops to complete emptying of the bladder. It usually presents as a frequent urge to urinate, an urgency to urinate, having to wake up in the night to urinate (nocturia), pain during urination (dysuria), and leakage of urine during sleep (nocturnal enuresis). In women, urinary incontinence presents during periods of stress, such as following cardiovascular exercises (stress urinary incontinence), an urgency to urinate that can lead to leakage of urine while going to the bathroom (urgency urinary incontinence), or a mix of both. OB-GYNs treat urinary incontinence with non-surgical options such as medications, bladder training exercises, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and devices supporting the bladder. Surgical options include slings and stitches.
- Vaginal infections or vaginitis: Infection and swelling (vaginitis) in the vaginal wall usually present as itching, burning sensation, foul odor, and increased vaginal discharge. The typical causes of this include yeast infections, bacterial infections (bacterial vaginosis), parasitic infections (trichomoniasis), and vaginitis, which occurs due to a decrease in hormone levels during breastfeeding and post-menopause (atrophic vaginitis). The usual treatment for vaginitis includes gel and cream for vaginal application or oral medications.
- Endometriosis: The tissue lining the uterus is called the endometrium. When the lining of the uterus abnormally grows in the ovaries, urinary bladder, ureters, fallopian tubes, and rectum, it leads to a condition called endometriosis. Symptoms generally seen are pain during menstruation, intercourse, urination, and bowel movements. OB-GYNs treat endometriosis using drugs and surgery in rare cases.
- Chronic pelvic pain: Constant or intermittent pain that occurs in the pelvic region and lasts for more than six months is known as chronic pelvic pain. Common reasons why women experience chronic pelvic pain include painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea), infection in the reproductive organs (pelvic inflammatory disease), fibroids, urinary tract infections, and irritable bowel syndrome. OB-GYNs diagnose pelvic pain by performing a pelvic examination and prescribing antibiotics in suspected cases of infection.
Common procedures performed by OB-GYNs
- Pelvic examination: OB-GYNs perform a pelvic exam to inspect the status of women's reproductive organs. It is performed during pregnancy and even routinely to check for signs of fibroids, sexually transmitted infections, ovarian cysts, and cervical and ovarian cancer. A pelvic exam is always carried out before or after your period, as this helps visualize the vaginal tract better.
- Pap smear: A diagnostic test used for cervical cancer screening in women. During this test, the OB-GYN will ask you to lie on your back and place your legs in stirrups. A speculum is an instrument used to retract the vaginal walls. After this is done, the cervical samples are collected using a soft brush or a spatula.
- Dilatation and curettage (D&C): OB-GYNs perform D&C to scrape out uterine tissue from the uterus. This procedure is used for diagnosing uterine polyps, endometrial intraepithelial hyperplasia, and uterine cancer. It is also used for removing products of conception following an abortion or miscarriage, cervical or uterine polyps, molar pregnancy, and the remains of the placenta after delivery. D&C can sometimes lead to perforation in the uterus, formation of scar tissue in the uterine wall, infections, and damage to the cervix.
- Hysterectomy: A surgical procedure in which all or part of the uterus is removed. It is preferred in patients with severe endometriosis, large fibroid, cervical and ovarian cancer, uterine prolapse, chronic pelvic pain, and abnormal vaginal bleeding. Depending on the parts of the uterus removed, hysterectomy can be subtotal (only the upper portion of the uterus is removed) or total (the entire uterus and cervix is removed). Another subtype is radical hysterectomy, where the whole uterus, uterus-supporting structures, cervix, and upper portion of the vagina are removed. Depending on the approach used for the procedure, hysterectomy can be open or minimally invasive. Minimally invasive methods include vaginal, laparoscopic, and robot-assisted surgeries.
- Myomectomy: A procedure that removes uterine fibroids and rebuilds the uterine walls. This procedure is preferred in women who want to have future children and preserve their uterus and fertility. Risks associated with myomectomy include increased bleeding, formation of scar tissue, complications during future pregnancy and childbirth, and chances of cancer tissue spreading.
- Oophorectomy: A surgery for removing one or both ovaries. It may help reduce the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer and remove non-cancerous tumors or cysts from the ovary. The procedure can also aid with treating diseases like endometriosis and infections of the ovaries, such as pelvic inflammatory disease and tubo-ovarian abscess.
- Colposcopy: Quite similar to a pap smear, this diagnostic procedure is used to monitor the insides of the vagina, vulva, and cervix. A magnifying device, the colposcope, is inserted into the cervix to detect abnormal cell growth, infections, or inflammations.
- Cystoscopy: In this procedure, the practitioner inserts a narrow device into the urethra. It is recommended for women with bladder or urethra issues. The inserted tool has a camera attached and can collect tissue samples for further lab testing.
When should you visit an OB-GYN near you?
Even if you're healthy without reproductive health concerns, you should see an OB-GYN for a preventive checkup at least once a year. During such visits, your doctor may conduct evaluations, administer immunizations, or order lab tests, with tests tailored to your age group. A pelvic exam is standard; additional screenings may be recommended based on age and health.
You should also visit an OB-GYN if you experience changes in your reproductive cycle. These can be regular and expected, such as your first menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, or menopause. However, abnormal changes like increased menstrual bleeding, unusual cramps, and pain during urination or intercourse should also prompt a visit.
Consider your age and reproductive goals when planning them. For those who are sexually active, OB-GYNs offer guidance on birth control, safe sex, preventing STIs or HIV, HPV vaccination, and managing issues like abnormal discharge or UTIs.
If pregnancy is a goal, your OB-GYN can provide support with proper planning, prenatal care, infertility treatment, nutrition, birthing options, genetic testing, breastfeeding guidance, and postpartum depression.
For menstrual issues like severe cramps, irregular bleeding, mood swings, or premenstrual syndrome, your OB-GYN can offer advice and treatments for concerns such as cysts, fibroids, and pelvic support.
During or after menopause, the concerned doctor can help manage symptoms such as low libido, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, bone loss, incontinence, and hormone replacement therapy.
Some women may prefer an OB-GYN as their primary care physician, though not all OB-GYNs provide comprehensive primary care. Discuss your general health needs with your doctor to determine if they're the right fit.
Tips to help take care of women's reproductive health
Here are a few steps you can take to safeguard your reproductive health:
- Get treated for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
There are some efficient ways to reduce your chances of contracting STDs. One of the things you can do to ensure your reproductive health and wellness is to educate yourself about STDs, how to protect yourself from them, and how to get treated. If you think that you have an STD or have been exposed to one, seek immediate medical care from the best OB-GYN near you. You will also want your partner to get examined and treated if the results are positive.
Some STD symptoms include unusual discharge, foul-smelling discharge, burning and itching sensations, and vaginal pain. However, in some cases, an STD may not show any symptoms. Maintaining a consistent testing and screening program can help you protect yourself against STDs.
- Stop smoking and drinking alcohol.
Many reproductive health concerns can arise from smoking and alcohol intake. For example, most smokers and alcoholics encounter infertility and other problems. Quitting smoking and drinking will not only assist in enhancing fertility but will also result in numerous positive health changes.
- Always use contraception.
Contraception is the best method to plan pregnancies and ensure the health of both the mother and the baby. Preparing for your pregnancy will assist you in becoming the healthiest version of yourself, allowing your baby to grow strong. Experts suggest using intrauterine devices, or IUDs, as a long-term solution. You should also use condoms since they protect against sexually transmitted infections.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
You may develop fertility issues if your weight is not maintained well. Women who are underweight or overweight may experience ovulation issues and miscarriages. You should try maintaining your weight and striking a healthy balance to avoid reproductive health difficulties.
Locating the best OB-GYNs near you in Gaithersburg, Maryland
The female body is involved in many biological functions, and finding a good OB-GYN is crucial to maintaining women's health and preventing and diagnosing problems on time. The database at Zocdoc contains all the information for finding the best OB-GYNs practicing near you.
Zocdoc helps you filter the OB-GYNs and obtain a list curated to your needs based on your symptoms, current residence, date and time for an appointment, and type of medical insurance you own. With Zocdoc, you can book an in-person and online appointment a day in advance, on the same day, or even after 5 p.m., depending on the doctor's availability.
All OB-GYNs listed on Zocdoc have a detailed profile containing the doctors' training and qualifications, expertise and work experience, and license and affiliations. You can also find the place, days, and hours of practice, fluent languages, and the age group of patients they treat under the same. Detailed reviews from previous patients and ratings are also available to help you find the best OB-GYN near you.
Zocdoc also allows you to check if the OB-GYN of your choice accepts your insurance plan. You can instantly know if the doctor is in-network by choosing your insurance from a drop-down menu. If your insurance plan isn't on Zocdoc, try uploading a photo of your medical insurance card (note that this option is not available for vision or dental plans). We'll scan the image to identify and display your likely plan. If you encounter any issues uploading your card, our service team can help. For more insurance-related questions, please visit Zocdoc's patient help center.
All bookings with Zocdoc are fast, free, and secure!
OB-GYN statistics in Gaithersburg, Maryland
According to an Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics report published on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website, as of May 2023, Maryland had 210 licensed OB-GYNs practicing in government establishments. The location quotient for the state, which is the ratio between the concentration of OB-GYNs in Maryland and the national average, was 0.60, higher than the U.S. national average.
The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene published the Maryland Cancer Screening and Risk Behaviors Report in 2012. The report stated that 80% of women over 40 had mammograms in the past two years. It also mentioned that over the last three years, 86% of women aged over 18 had undergone a pap smear test for cervical cancer screening.
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2021, 194 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer in Maryland. The rate of cervical cancer per every 100,000 women was 5.7. The same report stated that breast and cervical cancer were among the top 10 cancers when comparing death rates. While 833 women died of breast cancer in 2021 in Maryland, taking the death rate to 19.3, 72 died due to cervical cancer, and the death rate was 2. Breast cancer is still among the leading causes of death today. Regular screening by your OB-GYN can significantly help reduce the caseload through early diagnosis and treatment.
Sources
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists[1]
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists[2]
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists[3]
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists[4]
Mayo Clinic[1]
Mayo Clinic[2]
Mayo Clinic[3]
Mayo Clinic[4]
WebMD
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Maryland Department of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Verywell Health[1]
Verywell Health[2]
Verywell Health[3]
University of Illinois College of Medicine
Cleveland Clinic
TopLine MD
Healthline
