Who is an OB-GYN?
OB-GYN comprises two closely related medical branches, where OB stands for obstetrics and GYN for gynecology. An obstetrician is a doctor who focuses on caring for women and their newborns during pregnancy. In comparison, a gynecologist is a medical professional with expertise in the female reproductive system. An OB-GYN or obstetrician-gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in female health. The female body performs many vital functions, such as menstruation, hormonal secretion, childbirth, and menopause. If a problem arises in the functioning or structure of these systems, an OB-GYN can provide the care and treatment plan.
An OB-GYN near you receives comprehensive and specific clinical training in obstetrics and gynecology. They provide many services, including preventive care, pap smears, STI testing, pelvic exams, ultrasounds, and blood work. Their primary responsibilities also include answering patients' questions about pregnancy, sex, reproductive health, infertility, and other sensitive and vital topics. See an OB-GYN at least once a year, as the health may change with age and over time.
What is obstetrics?
Obstetrics is a medical branch that focuses on medical and surgical related to the stages of pregnancy. An obstetrician provides care before, during, and after the baby's delivery. They focus on providing care to maintain the pregnant person's overall health during maternity. It mainly includes care during the following:
- Pregnancy
- Labor
- Childbirth
- Postpartum stages
OB-GYNs can work in various settings, such as private offices, hospitals, community welfare organizations, schools, or as part of a larger medical group.
What is gynecology?
Gynecology is a medical branch that deals with issues in the female body and the reproductive system. A doctor's responsibilities include providing diagnosis, treatment, preventive care, and counseling related to female reproductive health. They treat issues in the:
- Vagina
- Uterus
- Ovaries
- Fallopian tubes
OB-GYNs provide screenings for cancer and treat issues related to women's breasts. They can identify early warning signs of fatal disorders. They also treat various conditions starting from puberty and continuing through adulthood.
Education and training of an OB-GYN near you
Like all medical aspirants, OB-GYNs complete three years of bachelor's degrees in any science field. After which, they take admission exams to join a four-year medical school. The medical school comprises various internships, compulsory modules, clinical training, residency programs, and fellowships. During the residency program, a doctor learns to diagnose, treat, manage, and prevent various disorders. Some OB-GYNs also receive additional training in subspecialties such as maternal-fetal medicine (MFM).
With a maternal-fetal medicine specialization, OB-GYNs can care for pregnant people with chronic conditions or issues that put them at a higher risk. For example, a pregnant person with fibromyalgia may need extra oral medications and physical therapy during pregnancy or even menstruating. After graduating from medical school, OB-GYNs:
- Take an exam to earn certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine
- Complete the four or five-year residency program with a specific focus on obstetrics and gynecology
- Earn accreditation by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology in their desired specialty
OB-GYNs acquire a state license to practice after they meet all the requirements. It means they continue their education until they receive the necessary credits yearly. Some also choose to get additional qualifications in their specialty or general medicine. OB-GYNs teach at medical schools, conduct workshops for aspirants, publish research papers and academic publications, or speak at conferences.
Reasons to visit an OB-GYN near you
Women in good health and not facing any reproductive health concerns should schedule a preventive OB-GYN checkup annually.
During this visit, your physician may administer assessments, vaccinations, or lab tests related to specific conditions. The tests ordered often depend on your age group. Additionally, your doctor will conduct a pelvic examination. They might recommend further screenings or tests depending on your health and age.
Aside from your yearly checkup, it's essential to consult an OB-GYN when changes in your reproductive cycle manifest. These changes can be routine, anticipated shifts, or unexpected variations. Such changes include:
- Onset of your first menstrual cycle
- Pregnancy
- Perimenopause
- Menopause
However, these changes can also deviate from the norm, being irregular, uncommon, or unexpected. These abnormal variations comprise:
- Alterations in menstrual bleeding volume or frequency
- Uncommon cramping
- Pain during urination
- Pain during sexual intercourse
Your age and reproductive goals should be a consideration when deciding when to seek care from an OB/GYN near you.
For instance, if you're sexually active, reasons to visit an OB-GYN include:
- Birth control, contraception, or sterilization
- Guidance on practicing safe sex
- Information on preventing or treating sexually transmitted infections, including HIV
- Human papillomavirus vaccination
- Addressing and avoiding discomfort during sex
- Managing abnormal vaginal discharge
- Handling urinary tract infections
For women who are pregnant or wish to become pregnant, consulting an OB-GYN is crucial for:
- Assisting with pregnancy planning
- Providing prenatal care
- Offering infertility treatments
- Offering dietary advice
- Exploring labor and birthing options
- Conducting genetic testing and screenings
- Guiding breastfeeding
- Addressing postpartum depression
If you experience discomfort or challenges preceding or during menstruation, reach out to an OB-GYN near you for guidance regarding:
- Alleviating cramps
- Managing irregular or abnormal bleeding
- Coping with mood swings
- Addressing premenstrual syndrome concerns
- Managing cysts and fibroids
- Addressing pelvic support issues
For women navigating menopause or who have already undergone this transition, seeking assistance from an OB-GYN is beneficial for addressing the following:
- Decreased libido
- Vaginal dryness
- Hot flashes
- Managing bone loss
- Handling incontinence
- Hormone replacement therapy
Importance of postpartum care
Information from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests that people should receive postpartum care regularly. It is an ongoing process rather than a single session. It is beneficial if all women frequently visit their OB-GYNs or other healthcare providers within the first three weeks of postpartum.
A timely follow-up with your doctor is even more crucial if you have chronic medical conditions. Usually, the initial postpartum care sessions also follow long-term ongoing care. OB-GYNs offer individualized, women-centered care and provide the following assessments:
- Mood and emotional well-being
- Infant care
- Infant feeding
- Sexuality contraception
- Birth spacing
- Sleep and fatigue
- Physical recovery from pregnancy
- Chronic disease and pain management
- Overall health maintenance
The female body adapts to various life patterns during and after pregnancy, including social and psychological changes. The body is recovering from birth, adjusting hormones, and learning to feed and provide nutrients to the newborn baby. By visiting an OB-GYN regularly after giving birth, they may help you navigate the changes and challenges of motherhood.
What can you anticipate during an appointment with an OB-GYN near you?
When you visit an OB-GYN, your appointment will typically begin with a medical assistant checking your vital signs and gathering details about your medical and surgical history, allergies, and any medications you're currently taking.
Next, your doctor will ask if you have any specific concerns you'd like to discuss. They may also ask more in-depth questions about your health, family history, and personal experiences to understand your overall well-being better.
Some common topics that may come up during your visit include:
- Your general health and emotional well-being
- Any physical changes, like a lump in your breast
- Your menstrual cycle and any irregularities
- Pregnancy history, including past pregnancies and any complications
- Gynecological history, such as abnormal Pap smears, fibroids, ovarian cysts, history of cancer, sexually transmitted infections, endometriosis, or menopausal symptoms
- Pelvic pain or any changes in your vaginal or vulvar health
- Birth control options, fertility concerns, and reproductive planning
- Your sexual health, including different types of sexual activity and any history of sexual assault or abuse
- Any bowel or bladder issues you may be experiencing
If you're over 18, everything you discuss with your doctor is confidential. If you're under 18, your doctor will discuss what information can remain private.
Your doctor may recommend a physical exam depending on your concerns and medical history. This could include a pelvic exam, a breast exam (including a Pap smear for cervical cancer screening), or an ultrasound.
Your OB-GYN supports you, answers your questions, and ensures you receive the care you need.
4 FAQs on preparing for OB-GYN appointments
Are you going to meet an OB-GYN near you for the first time? Are you confused about what you should be doing before the appointment? Then, this guide will help you have a smooth consultation:
1. What should you avoid doing before meeting with your OB-GYN?
OB-GYN appointments usually involve a pelvic exam and, at times, a Pap smear. So, two days before you meet with your OB-GYN, you must ensure not to do anything that can change your vaginal flora and affect the accuracy of the results. You must not douche, have sex, use lubricants, apply powder or creams, or put anything else inside your vagina.
2. What time of your cycle should you schedule your OB-GYN appointment?
It is best to visit your OB-GYN in the middle of your cycle. Avoid scheduling it when your periods are going on, as it can make it difficult for the OB-GYN to conduct physical exams. Additionally, the blood can interfere with appropriate diagnosis, making the tests redundant. But if you have irregular periods, heavy bleeding, or any other menstrual irregularities, the OB-GYN may want to meet you during your period. It will help them diagnose the root cause behind the issues. In any case, you can call the provider's office and discuss the right time to schedule appointments.
3. Should you shave your pubic hair before the OB-GYN appointment?
Pubic hair is normal, and your OB-GYN will not judge you for it! So, you do not have to shave, wax, or use other hair removal methods before your appointment. OB-GYNs recommend that you skip pubic grooming, especially if it causes inflammation or swelling in that area. This will ensure that pelvic exams are not painful.
4. What should you carry to your first OB-GYN appointment?
If you visit a new OB-GYN, ensure you have all the necessary documents and information for a successful consultation. So, don't forget to carry the following things:
- Insurance card
- Medical records, including details of your health conditions, past surgeries, allergies, recent diagnostic tests
- Current medications and supplements you take regularly
- Information about your symptoms, lifestyle, diet, menstrual cycle, sexual practices
- List of questions you want to ask
How can you find the best OB-GYN near you in Hartsdale, NY?
Maternity, menstruation, menopause, and motherhood are all complex. During any of these stages, one may have health concerns or become easily overwhelmed when navigating the new changes in one's life. If you are confused about the female reproductive system or need guidance with medical procedures and treatment, you may find it beneficial to visit an OB-GYN near you. They perform medical functions like hysterectomies, removing growth from the ovary or urinary tracts, and conducting surgeries to repair pelvic organ injuries. You will find the best treatment and preventive care by discussing your medical needs with your doctor.
To find someone who can understand your medical situation and concerns, visit the Zocdoc website. You can make a free account by clicking the "sign-up" option. To narrow your search, you can enter various details on the homepage in the filter tab. For example, if you type "abnormal bleeding" and click on search, you will have a list of providers offering treatment for the symptom. Similarly, enter your condition if you already have a diagnosis, preferred date and location, specialty, and insurance carrier and plan.
Use our insurance detector feature if you need help finding your insurance plan. Go to your account settings and upload a clear picture of your insurance card. Zocdoc will scan it and show you your likely plan. Do not worry about the security of your personal information because we use the industry's best practices to protect all data. We understand figuring out insurance while booking appointments seems daunting. When you book an appointment on Zocdoc, you must either provide your insurance details or confirm that you're paying out-of-pocket. Some providers only accept appointments if you share your insurance information. If you don't have insurance or prefer not to use it, you can look for a different provider on Zocdoc. Hence, we have compiled more insurance-related information on our patient help center page for your reference.
You may also want to consider visiting the doctor's profile to read about their academic qualifications, medical background, research interests, location, insurance they accept, languages they speak, gender, and so on. Going through their profile can give you an idea about what to expect, and you can also check the verified reviews and ratings of the OB-GYN near you.
All bookings made on Zocdoc are simple, accessible, and secure!
OB-GYN statistics in New York
Based on the national employment statistics published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2021, around 21,570 obstetricians and gynecologists practiced in the United States. In New York, 2,240 OB-GYNs actively provided services. New York was ranked first with the highest number of practicing OB-GYNs. Among them, 15,640 doctors worked in physicians' offices, 1,060 worked in outpatient care centers, and 310 worked in colleges, universities, and professional schools.
According to the American Cancer Society, there were around 290,560 new breast cancer cases in the United States, and the estimated number of deaths was 43,780. In New York, there were an estimated 17,800 new female breast cancers and an estimated 2,460 deaths caused by breast cancer.
Many STD symptoms are usually invisible. If you are pregnant, it is essential to test for STDs as the disease can infect the baby in the womb. A 2020 STD Surveillance Report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention presented that nearly 97,722 adults in New York died of chlamydia, 42,517 died of gonorrhea, 3,022 died of primary and secondary syphilis, and around 30 people died of congenital syphilis.
Sources
St. George's University
Healthline
WebMD
Cleveland Clinic
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
American Cancer Society
HealthCentral
Levin’s Women’s Health & Wellness Center
NewYork-Presbyterian
