Who is an OB-GYN?
An OB-GYN is a doctor with the specialties and expertise of a gynecologist and an obstetrician. They treat conditions related to female biological functions, such as menstruation, childbirth, and menopause. They can also assist with routine medical services and preventive screenings for specific health conditions.
Since OB-GYNs treat sensitive areas of the body, people are often apprehensive about visiting them. However, doctors recommend that girls make their first OB-GYN appointment at around 13 to 15 years old. The first visit usually does not include any examination or testing but focuses on a general understanding of the condition and getting brief information on family history.
Before an OB-GYN visit, you should avoid intercourse for at least 24 hours since it could affect the tissues or hamper test results. A typical visit includes a general health check-up, a weight check, and checking blood pressure. You may also need to undergo a blood or urine test in specific instances. The tests may only be called for if you visit for a particular treatment or an already prevailing condition.
What is obstetrics?
Obstetrics is the medical branch related explicitly to providing medical and surgical care before, during, or after pregnancy. It focuses on maintaining a woman's overall health during maternity.
Obstetricians help patients with the following:
- Pregnancy
- Childbirth
- Labor support
- Postpartum guidance
OB-GYNs can conduct visits, perform surgery, and assist with child delivery. They can provide their services individually or as part of larger medical groups and hospitals.
What is gynecology?
Gynecology is the medical branch focusing on women's bodies and their reproductive health. A gynecologist can diagnose, treat, and provide exceptional care for anything related to a woman's reproductive system.
They specialize in conditions related to :
- Vagina
- Uterus
- Ovarian Health
- Fallopian tubes
Gynecology also looks into complications or issues related to women's breasts, hence caring for all the problems associated with a woman's health right from puberty to adulthood. However, obstetrics focuses explicitly on pregnancy and treatment or guidance related to childbirth.
What are the educational qualifications of an OB-GYN?
To become an OB-GYN, aspirants must gain a bachelor's degree and complete four years of medical school training.
After medical school, they must complete four years of a residency focussed on training in both obstetrics and gynecology. During this period, they learn various aspects of reproductive issues and study the diagnoses, treatment, management, and prevention of health-related problems concerning women. During their residency, they train under the guidance and supervision of an attending doctor in a medical setting like a hospital to get an authentic feel of dealing with various conditions.
An OB-GYN must complete three additional years of training to specialize in a specific area. Specialization in some fields can also increase employment opportunities.
The final stage in an OB-GYN's training is passing a specialty board certification exam overseen by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. They must also take a maintenance exam every six years to maintain their certification.
What are the various OB-GYN subspecialties?
The American Board of Medical Specialties recognizes seven subspecialties for OB-GYNs:
- Gynecologic oncology: Focuses on treating gynecologic cancers through surgery, chemotherapy, and palliative care.
- Reproductive endocrinology and infertility: Addresses hormonal dysfunctions and fertility issues.
- Maternal-fetal medicine: Manages complications during pregnancy, treating both the mother and the baby.
- Critical care medicine: Focuses on treating critically ill and injured patients.
- Female pelvic medicine & reconstructive surgery: Specializes in treating pelvic floor disorders.
- Complex family planning: Involves managing challenging reproductive conditions, often requiring collaboration with other specialists to provide comprehensive care.
- Hospice and palliative medicine: Provides treatment for life-limiting illnesses, aiming to enhance patients' quality of life and alleviate suffering.
In addition to these recognized subspecialties, there are several non-recognized or non-boarded subspecialties:
- Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery: Includes procedures such as operative hysteroscopy, operative laparoscopy, and robotic surgery.
- Pediatric and adolescent gynecology: Treats common and complex gynecological issues in pediatric and adolescent populations.
- Menopausal and geriatric gynecology: Manages common and complex problems in menopausal and aging individuals.
What procedures can OB-GYNs perform?
OB-GYNs can perform a wide range of procedures, including surgical procedures. Here are a few examples of the procedures they can perform:
- Cesarean sections
- Vaginal delivery
- Hysterectomy
- Removal of growths, such as uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts
- Pap smears to test for cervical cancer
- Surgery to repair pelvic organ injuries
- STI tests
- Pelvic ultrasounds to examine pelvic organs and monitor pregnancy
- Infertility treatments and counseling
- Management of urinary tract issues
- Breast cancer screenings
- Breast health management
How frequently should I consult an OB-GYN during pregnancy?
You should consult an OB-GYN near you when you find out about your pregnancy. These healthcare providers care for mothers and their babies during pregnancy and several weeks after delivery.
You should see an OB-GYN for the first time seven to eight weeks following your last menstrual cycle and then monthly, bimonthly, and weekly as your due date approaches. Many practices schedule a postpartum visit with your OB-GYN six weeks after delivery to ensure no other complications have developed. Your prenatal treatment focuses on spotting potential problems via office visits, examinations, and lab tests. During pregnancy, you will undergo some of the following prenatal screenings, examinations, and routine lab tests:
- Pap smear
- Urinalysis
- Ultrasounds to assess the placenta and uterus
- Group B Streptococcus screen
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) and other blood panels
- Screenings for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Quad screening blood test for congenital disorders
- Glucose tolerance test
- Fetal assessments using a Doppler transducer and ultrasound
Your OB-GYN will monitor your bleeding, bowel, and bladder function and look for symptoms of blood clots or other postpartum issues after you give delivery. If your recovery is going well, they will discharge you in 1 to 4 days.
Depending on the medical complications related to your pregnancy, you will see your OB-GYN for a postpartum visit at two or six weeks. Your healthcare practitioner will do the following during this visit:
- Perform a pelvic and breast exam as needed
- Check if your uterus is back to its pre-pregnancy size
- Discuss bleeding and any other symptoms you've experienced during your recovery
- Discuss your postpartum depression and anxiety
- Assess whether you can resume routine tasks
- Discuss birth control methods and potential pregnancies
What is a pelvic exam?
A pelvic exam involves examining the female reproductive organs to check for signs of infection and illness. A doctor, usually a gynecologist or OB-GYN, examines the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
During a pelvic exam, the patient undresses, wears a gown, and lies on an exam table with feet on the footrests. The doctor presses on the lower abdomen, examines the vulva, and uses a speculum to view internal organs. They may perform a Pap smear and take vaginal discharge samples. A bimanual exam follows, and sometimes a rectal exam.
Pelvic exams during pregnancy detect abnormalities, assess the pelvic and cervical size, and manage complications. Typically, exams are done early in pregnancy and around 36 weeks. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends yearly exams starting at age 21, but individuals should discuss the frequency with their doctor. Pelvic exams are crucial for detecting infections and monitoring reproductive health, especially during pregnancy.
What happens during a wellness visit?
What happens during a general wellness visit (sometimes called a "well-woman" visit) depends on factors like your age, sexual history, and medical history.
Having your first wellness visit between ages 13 and 15 is a good idea. This visit may involve a discussion with your doctor about your health and a routine physical exam.
Your OB-GYN or nurse will check your height, weight, and blood pressure. You can discuss your period, especially if it is heavy, painful, or irregular. If you are under 18, you may also receive certain vaccines, like the HPV shot. A wellness visit also includes certain cancer-related tests and exams, depending on your age, medical history, and the timing of your last test.
As you age or if your health changes, your wellness visits will include additional tests and
exams. Talk with your doctor or nurse about which screenings are right for you. If you are dealing with abnormal bleeding, vaginal itching, unusual odors, or any pain or swelling, your doctor may recommend specific tests. If you are sexually active, you should consult your OB-GYN for STD testing. There is also a chance you may not need any tests at all.
Depending on your age and other factors, you will have HPV and/or Pap tests to check for early signs of cervical cancer. From age 25, you will likely start having clinical breast exams to help screen for breast cancer. When you turn 40, your doctor may include additional cancer screenings, such as mammograms, based on your family history and health risks.
Common things to consider discussing with your OB-GYN
During your annual wellness visit with an OB-GYN near you, you can discuss anything about your health. Here are some topics and questions to consider:
Topics to discuss:
- Family planning
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Pregnancy preparation
- Healthy eating habits
- Increasing physical activity
- Anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns
Common questions to ask:
- What screenings should I have annually?
- How do I perform a self-breast exam?
- Why are my periods so painful?
- What is the cause behind my irregular periods?
- Why does sex sometimes hurt?
- What can I do for my gynecological health until my next exam?
Finding the best OB-GYN near you in Glendale, AZ
Finding a trustworthy and experienced OB-GYN can take time and effort. However, Zocdoc can help you locate top-rated OB-GYNs in Glendale, Arizona, within a few minutes. The platform can also help you find a female gynecologist near you since they serve many of the same services as an OB-GYN.
Zocdoc is the perfect platform catering explicitly to finding ideal healthcare providers per your requirements. You can search by entering your location, symptoms, and preferred appointment date and receive a list of practitioners matching your criteria. You can choose the right OB-GYN or female gynecologist near you from the list by checking their detailed profiles, including their training information, years of experience, expertise area, certifications, etc. You may also filter the providers based on their gender, hospital affiliations, languages they speak, and insurance policies they accept.
If you need help finding OB-GYNs who accept your insurance, our online patient help center is here to help. On Zocdoc, you can link your medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your account. Please note that each appointment can only use one insurance plan. Additionally, if your provider uses Zocdoc's Intake forms, you can quickly enter your secondary insurance information.
To further help you make a more informed decision, Zocdoc provides you access to verified and authentic reviews and ratings from previous patients. Once you have picked the best OB-GYN or female gynecologist near you, depending on your situation and need, you can opt for an online consultation or an in-person visit.
Booking appointments with an OB-GYN near you with Zocdoc is easy, secure, and free!
OB-GYN statistics for Arizona
As per a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services report, approximately 50,850 OB-GYNs were active in the U.S. in 2018. Of these, around 950 were employed in Arizona that year. The report also showed that Arizona may see a 30% decline in OB-GYNs by 2030, implying the state may experience a deficit of doctors in this field.
According to America's Health Rankings, the United States faces a higher infant mortality rate than other developed countries. Further, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, its leading causes were congenital abnormalities, maternal pregnancy complications, low birthweight and preterm birth, unintentional injuries, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
In 2018-19, Arizona had an infant mortality rate of 5.6 deaths (before age 1) per 1,000 live births, at par with the national average. Data also showed that the infant mortality rate was higher amongst mothers aged 40-44 and 15-19 at around 8.8 and 8.9 infant deaths (before age 1) per 1,000 live births, respectively. The rate was lesser among women aged 30-39 and 20-29, with approximately 5 and 5.6 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, respectively.
Sources
Healthline
Arizona Center for Rural Health
Bureau of Health Workforce
America's Health Rankings
Cleveland Clinic
MedicalNewsToday[1]
MedicalNewsToday[2]
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
SSM Health
Planned Parenthood
