What is an OB-GYN?
An OB-GYN (obstetrician-gynecologist) is a specialized healthcare professional who treats female reproductive health issues. They treat various health issues such as chronic pain, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pregnancy complications, and childbirth. OB-GYNs also provide general medical services to women and run preventive screenings to detect problems immediately.
To become a professional gynecologist and obstetrician, one must graduate from medical school. The education of an OB-GYN begins with a four-year college degree. After that, the candidates must attend medical school for four years to become a medical doctor. Upon completing medical school, an OB-GYN must complete a four-year-long residency program in obstetrics and gynecology to gain experience in the field. During this period, they learn about prenatal care, childbirth, gynecologic surgery, contraception, infertility, and gynecologic malignancies. They also train in diagnosing and treating obstetric, gynecologic, and reproductive disorders.
Following residency, OB-GYNs may pursue a fellowship in a specialty field of gynecology, such as endocrinology or maternal-fetal medicine. This additional training can take anywhere from 1 to 3 years to complete. After completing their education and training, an OB-GYN can take the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology exam and become a certified specialist.
What are the subspecialties of obstetrics-gynecology?
An OB-GYN can choose to specialize in any of the numerous subspecialties of obstetrics-gynecology. They may become:
- Reproductive endocrinologists are infertility specialists who help diagnose problems associated with infertility and provide treatment plans. Apart from this, they may suggest an in-vitro fertilization procedure if required.
- Gynecologic oncologists focus on cancer treatments and treat cancers of the ovaries, cervix, and other reproductive organs.
- Female pelvic specialists specialize in reconstructive surgeries and primarily deal with disorders related to the reproductive organ and pelvic floor structure.
- Maternal-fetal medicine specialists are experts with specialization in treating high-risk pregnancies and handling complications of high-risk vaginal deliveries.
What conditions do OB-GYNs treat?
An obstetrician-gynecologist may treat the following common conditions:
- Endometriosis can occur when the endometrium (a tissue that usually lies inside the uterus) grows outside the uterus in the tissue lining the pelvis, ovaries, or fallopian tubes. In this painful condition, the endometrium becomes trapped, which, otherwise, in a normal process, should thicken, break down, and exit the body in the form of blood during a menstrual period. Symptoms involve painful periods, pain during sex, and pain during bowel movements or urination. Some people may have little to no pain or no symptoms at all. Some patients find out they have this condition only when they can't get pregnant or after they undergo surgery for another issue.
- Preeclampsia is one of the many complications that can occur during pregnancy. It typically begins after or at 20 weeks of pregnancy. It involves having high blood pressure, headaches, changes in vision, shortness of breath, and high levels of protein in the urine (which could be a sign of kidney damage). The condition may become life-threatening for the mother and the baby if left untreated. Attending prenatal visits is essential so your OB-GYN can monitor your blood pressure. You can also go to an emergency room if you experience symptoms associated with preeclampsia.
- Ovarian cysts: The ovaries grow follicles each month. Follicles then produce estrogen and progesterone hormones and release an egg during ovulation. When a normal follicle grows, it becomes a functional cyst. These rarely cause any pain and usually disappear on their own. Ovarian cysts that become twisted or rupture (burst open) can cause severe pain. The treatment of a cyst depends on the patient's age and the size of the cyst. In cases where an ovarian cyst is large, causes extreme pain, and does not look like a functional cyst, your OB-GYN may recommend surgical removal of the cyst.
- Female Infertility: Infertility in females may occur due to many causes. These may include the presence of uterine or cervical abnormalities, endometriosis, fallopian tube damage, or certain reproductive cancers. Couples facing infertility issues can opt for assisted reproductive technology like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), which helps conceive a child or prevent genetic problems. In this procedure, mature eggs produced by a woman's ovaries are collected and fertilized by sperm in a lab.
What types of procedures do OB-GYNs perform?
OB-GYNs train to perform several kinds of surgeries for both outpatients and inpatients. They also help to manage women's health during childbirth, pregnancy, and postpartum. Some examples of procedures performed by them include:
- Biopsies
- Dilation and curettage
- Tube ligation for sterilization
- Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
- Laser surgery
- Myomectomy (removal of fibroids)
- Vaginal delivery
- In-vitro fertilization
- Cesarean delivery
- Forceps and vacuum deliveries
- Amniocentesis to detect abnormalities
- Pelvic exams
- Mammography
- Clinical breast examination
- Cancer screening
What happens during a pelvic exam?
A pelvic exam is a standard procedure that helps evaluate the health of the reproductive organs. It might be recommended if you experience symptoms like pelvic pain or unusual vaginal discharge, though it isn't always required annually. The exam itself is typically quick, lasting just a few minutes, and involves checking the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, ovaries, rectum, and pelvis.
Getting ready for the exam: No special preparation is needed, but scheduling your appointment may be more comfortable when you're not menstruating. Emptying your bladder beforehand can also make the experience easier. If you have any questions or concerns, jot them down and bring them to discuss with your healthcare provider.
What happens during the exam: You'll be asked to change into a gown and given a sheet for privacy. Before the pelvic exam begins, your provider might check your heart, lungs, abdomen, back, and breasts. A medical chaperone, such as a nurse, may be present, but you can also request one or bring someone you trust for support.
Steps of the pelvic exam:
- External exam: The provider examines the external genital area (vulva) for irritation, sores, swelling, or other abnormalities.
- Internal exam: A speculum, which may be warmed for comfort, is inserted into the vagina to gently open the walls, allowing the doctor to view the cervix and vaginal canal. While you may feel pressure, relaxation can help reduce discomfort. Let your doctor know immediately if you feel pain.
- Pap smear (if needed): If a Pap smear is part of the visit, a small brush or spatula collects cells from the cervix. Afterward, the speculum will be carefully removed.
- Manual exam: Since reproductive organs aren't visible externally, your doctor will assess them by touch. A gloved, lubricated finger (or two) is inserted into the vagina while the other hand presses gently on your lower abdomen to check for any issues. An OB-GYN near you evaluates the condition of the uterus and your ovaries during a pelvic exam. Sometimes, the specialist may include a rectal exam to assess for any abnormalities. Throughout the process, your doctor will explain each step to help you feel informed and at ease.
What happens after the exam: After completion, you can get dressed, and your provider will review any findings. If additional tests or follow-ups are necessary, they'll guide you on the next steps.
When should you see an OB-GYN?
The OB-GYN is one of the most critical healthcare providers for improving women's health. OB-GYNs train to provide women with comprehensive care and screenings for various issues and conditions that specifically affect them.
It is essential to start seeing an OB-GYN for regular check-ups and screenings by age 21 or sooner if you are sexually active. Ideally, young girls should start consulting with an OB-GYN when their adolescence begins, between the ages of 13 and 15. It allows the doctor to understand the body and provide the best care.
Additionally, you should seek an OB-GYN if you experience any of the following:
- Abnormal menstrual cycles
- Trouble conceiving
- Pelvic pain
- Vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Any changes to your breasts
- Any other gynecological issues that are out of the ordinary for you
If you are pregnant, you should begin seeing an OB-GYN immediately. It will ensure that you and your baby receive the best care throughout pregnancy. Additionally, it is important to keep seeing your OB-GYN regularly throughout your pregnancy to monitor your health and that of the baby.
What can you expect during a visit to an OB-GYN?
During your first visit, the OB-GYN will ask you about the health issues you are experiencing. They may run screening tests based on general consultation to diagnose the problem. A gynecologist may also ask about reproductive health history and perform pelvic and breast examinations. If you feel uncomfortable sharing these details or taking the exams with a male doctor, visiting a female OB-GYN near you is always an option.
Depending on the clinical report, they provide appropriate treatment to cure your problem. OB-GYNs also perform routine checks such as measuring your weight, checking your blood pressure, and testing your urine samples to check for gestational diabetes and preeclampsia when a patient visits during pregnancy.
Things to remember while visiting an OB-GYN
Keep this list of essential things in mind when visiting an OB-GYN:
- Be truthful and share all the pertinent details of your reproductive health issues with your doctors. It helps your physician diagnose your problem effectively and treat you properly.
- Do not try to cover bodily odor around the reproductive organ with perfumes. It can lead to skin irritation and various other complications.
- Please speak to your OB-GYN about your pregnancy complications and ask them any questions that come to your mind.
- Your OB-GYN can treat your condition in multiple ways. So, do not omit to mention any symptoms.
Tips to have a healthy pregnancy
OB-GYNs differ from gynecologists due to their additional expertise in obstetrics, i.e., caring for pregnant women. Here are some tips they may suggest to promote a healthy pregnancy:
- Planning: Preparing well for pregnancy comes with many benefits. It allows both you and your healthcare provider to guarantee the effective management of any pre-existing health conditions like hypertension. If necessary, the OB-GYN can assist you in switching to safe medications during pregnancy. An unexpected pregnancy, in contrast, raises the chances of fetal exposure to modifiable risks like drugs or alcohol.
- Taking prenatal vitamins: Continue taking prenatal vitamins during pregnancy until the postpartum period. They provide essential nutrients that support fetal development, like folic acid. Also, starting early with them can help with morning sickness symptoms. If you have trouble swallowing them, opt for gummy versions that are available over the counter.
- Getting requisite vaccinations: Ensure you have received all your shots before trying to conceive, as some live vaccines are not administered during pregnancy. These include MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and varicella. Advised immunizations are Tdap, influenza, COVID-19, and even the monkeypox vaccines. They help lower the risk of infections and consequences. Tdap, or tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, is often given between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. It protects the baby against whooping cough at birth.
- Establishing prenatal care: Schedule and attend regular prenatal check-ups with an OB-GYN or healthcare provider. These appointments help monitor the baby's development and address any concerns timely.
- Staying active during pregnancy: With your healthcare provider's approval, engage in regular, moderate-intensity exercise. Walking, aerobics, dancing, yoga, and stationary cycling can help maintain fitness and reduce discomfort.
- Avoiding harmful substances: Refrain from smoking, drug abuse, and drinking alcohol during pregnancy. If you are addicted, it is essential to notify your doctor. They can assist you in managing it.
How can you find the best OB-GYN near you in Germantown, Tennessee?
Choosing the right OB-GYN is paramount for women's health. They ensure individualized care and emotional support, creating a foundation for lifelong reproductive and general well-being. But how do you find such a specialist? The answer is simple - Zocdoc!
If you have been looking for the best OB-GYN in Germantown, Zocdoc is here to help you. Its user-friendly interface enables you to find the right practitioner. Just visit the Zocdoc website and type in the details of your location and the specialty you need care in. Once your search results appear, you can read the practitioners' complete profiles and learn about their certification, experience, specialty, and appointment timings. You can also narrow the list by gender if you prefer seeing a female gynecologist. With this tailored list, you can select the best doctor to help you maintain your reproductive health.
With Zocdoc, you can choose an OB-GYN near you within your network. To select your insurance plan, you may add a photo of your insurance card to your Zocdoc account. Note you can only upload an image of your medical insurance card. Dental and vision are excluded. Zocdoc will then scan the image of your card and show you a plan that matches best. However, it is not mandatory to upload your medical insurance card. You can add your insurance information manually by picking from the list of insurance carriers and plans on the website. Contact Zocdoc's service team if you need help uploading your medical insurance card. You can also go through Zocdoc's patient help center for more insurance-related information.
Zocdoc also provides verified reviews and ratings from previous patients that help you make an informed decision. Once you have decided, you can schedule an in-person or virtual consultation via Zocdoc.
Finding an OB-GYN near you through Zocdoc is safe, easy, and free!
Statistics on pregnancies and OB-GYNs in Tennessee
According to the 2022 data from the National Center for Health Statistics, the fertility rate in Tennessee was roughly 59.3 per 1,000 women aged between 15 and 44. Furthermore, according to a Tennessee Department of Health estimate, about 98 Tennessee women died during pregnancy or due to pregnancy-related complications in 2020. During the same year, the mortality ratio of pregnancy-related complications was nearly 58.5 deaths per 100,000 live births.
According to 2018 figures from the American Association of Medical Colleges, Tennessee had roughly 855 obstetrics and gynecology providers, including around 441 women OB-GYNs.
Sources
Tennessee Department of Health
American Association of Medical Colleges
WebMD[1]
WebMD[2]
Medical News Today
Healthline
Piedmont Healthcare
Mayo Clinic[1]
Mayo Clinic[2]
Mayo Clinic[3]
Mayo Clinic[4]
Mayo Clinic[5]
Mayo Clinic[6]
Mayo Clinic[7]
Mayo Clinic[8]
