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Who are obstetricians-gynecologists (OB-GYNs)?

Obstetricians-gynecologists, or OB-GYNs, are medically trained doctors with expertise in female reproductive health. They can diagnose and treat various general health issues and provide exceptional medical care for the female reproductive system. These specialists are experts in two branches: obstetrics and gynecology. 

Obstetrics deals with medical and surgical care during pregnancy. Gynecology, on the other hand, focuses on women's overall reproductive health. OB-GYNs are qualified and licensed to handle fertility treatment, pregnancy healthcare, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) care, and general postnatal care. 

What kind of education and training do OB-GYNs receive?

OB-GYNs undergo more than a decade of training before they can start practicing. Once they graduate from high school and college, they attend medical school. They focus on general medical studies, including anatomy and physiology, for the first two years. They spend time in clinics and hospitals in the final two years, learning under senior doctors. 

After completing medical school, doctors can start their residency, wherein they practice medicine under the supervision of a senior doctor. An OB-GYN residency typically lasts for around four years. Once they complete this training, these doctors can appear for specialty board examinations. 

What are the specialties of OB-GYNs?

OB-GYNs have various specialization options within their field. While the majority work as generalists, providing a broad spectrum of services, some focus on specific subspecialties:

• Reproductive endocrinology and infertility: These endocrinologists address infertility problems and hormonal imbalances. They offer treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and procedures like embryo transfers, helping those struggling to conceive.
• Maternal-fetal medicine: These specialists manage high-risk pregnancies and related medical conditions. They often oversee complex deliveries, such as breech births, and handle issues like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and blood clotting disorders during pregnancy.
• Gynecologic oncology: Gynecologic oncologists specialize in cancers of the female reproductive system, such as the uterus, ovaries, cervix, and vulva. They provide comprehensive cancer care and surgery if needed.
• Holistic and osteopathic approach: Some OB-GYNs adopt a holistic or osteopathic perspective, emphasizing natural or traditional remedies alongside conventional medical care. The American Osteopathic Association certifies osteopathic OB-GYNs. 
• Female pelvic medicine and reproductive surgery: Surgeons in this field focus on urinary tract disorders and pelvic floor issues. They treat pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and bladder pain. Additionally, they offer pelvic floor physical therapy and surgical interventions.

Each subspecialty requires additional training, expertise, and accreditation.

What are the different procedures performed by OB-GYNs?

OB-GYNs perform several procedures, such as:

• In vitro fertilization (IVF): This is a complex procedure used to help women with infertility or some genetic issues that may prevent them from getting pregnant. The process involves taking mature eggs from the ovaries and fertilizing them with sperm. They then transfer the fertilized egg into the uterus. An entire cycle of IVF takes around three weeks. It is one of the most effective forms of assisted reproduction. The procedure's success mainly depends on factors like age and the cause of infertility.
• Pelvic exams: OB-GYNs perform pelvic exams to evaluate your reproductive health. The procedure is a part of the regular checkup. The doctors prescribe pelvic exams to check for underlying conditions such as unusual vaginal discharge or pelvic pain. The doctor will check your cervix, vulva, vagina, uterus, ovaries, and pelvis. They can usually tell you if they see anything immediately after the exam. Pap results, however, may take some time. 
• Hysterectomy: Doctors perform an abdominal hysterectomy to remove the uterus from the lower abdomen through a small incision. The treatment is performed when a patient has a large uterus or certain diseases, such as cancer or a tumor, that require the doctor to examine the pelvic organs. A hysterectomy can involve removing one or both of the ovaries and fallopian tubes, as well as the entire uterus and cervix. OB-GYNs can perform the same by an incision in the vagina or laparoscopy in the lower abdomen.

Why should you see an OB-GYN?

OB-GYNs treat various common issues. These could be related to reproductive health or preventive care. Once you find a good practitioner, you should visit your OB-GYN near you at least once a year to ensure good health. The specialist will conduct evaluations and lab tests to screen different conditions during these visits.

In addition to your regular checkups, you must visit your OB-GYN if you notice changes in your reproductive system, such as the onset of menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause, or menopause.

Further, OB-GYNs can help you with any abnormality in your menstrual cycle. Suppose you notice changes in the frequency of menstrual bleeding or the volume or suffer from unusual cramping or pain during urination or intercourse, you must visit your OB-GYN. They can diagnose the underlying diseases that might be causing these issues. 

What should one expect during a visit to an OB-GYN?

Modern OB-GYN visits are comprehensive, encompassing more than reproductive exams. They focus on overall physical health and mental well-being, prioritizing holistic care. These doctors review personal and family medical histories to tailor healthcare. They also ask about lifestyle and habits like diet, exercise, substance use, and safety.

They also undertake mental health assessments to identify stress sources and coping strategies, with referrals to mental health professionals when necessary. Specific health concerns may prompt further evaluations or tests, and issues may be addressed promptly. Generally, conversations with OB-GYNs include pregnancy planning, birth control, menopause, and healthy aging. They will also discuss patient goals, fertility issues, and contraception methods.

They selectively recommend physical exams, including pelvic, cervical, and breast exams. Screening, vaccinations, and open, respectful communication are vital components of an OB-GYN visit. By addressing the patient's well-being during visits, they aim to provide the best care.

Understanding the pelvic exam procedure

A pelvic exam is a crucial part of OB-GYN care, which helps assess reproductive health, detect infections, and screen for conditions like cervical cancer. Here's what to expect during the procedure:

During the exam

Before starting, the OB-GYN or nurse practitioner will ask the patient to undress, wear a gown, and lie on the examination table while covering up with a sheet. They will then discuss any health concerns.

The patient will lie on their back, placing their feet in footrests while being encouraged to relax. The doctor will press on the lower abdomen to assess the internal organs. Next, they will ask the patient to move toward the table's edge and bend their knees.

The exam begins with an external inspection of the vulva to check for infections, swelling, or sores. Using a lubricated speculum, the doctor will gently widen the vaginal canal for better visibility of internal structures. If needed, they will collect a cervical cell sample for a Pap smear to screen for abnormalities and cervical cancer. A vaginal discharge sample may also be taken to test for infections.

Following that, the doctor will undertake a bimanual examination, which involves inserting two fingers into the vagina and pressing down on the pelvis to evaluate reproductive organs.

After the exam

The doctor will discuss any findings and address questions or concerns. Patients should communicate any discomfort experienced during the exam. The doctor will provide guidance based on the results if further testing is required. Additionally, one must not worry about privacy at the end of their exam, as medical professionals maintain confidentiality regarding all health information.

How to find the best OB-GYNs in Hollywood, California?

OB-GYNs play a pivotal role in a woman's reproductive health and, therefore, their overall health. However, finding an experienced OB-GYN appointment in a specific location can take much work and time. So, if you want to connect with a trustworthy OB-GYN near you in Hollywood, California, Zocdoc is the platform that can help you.

Zocdoc connects with your choice of healthcare professionals without much hassle. The website- and app-based platform provides open access to the best providers catering to your needs. Furthermore, you can include your insurance carrier's name in the search if you have a health plan. The website will show you all the in-network OB-GYNs so that you can save up on medical expenses. You can manually enter your insurance plan on the website/app and filter your search results. If this does not help you find your particular health plan, you can upload a photo of your insurance card. Once you upload a photo, Zocdoc will scan the image of your card and show you a plan that best matches your card. Note that this option is available for medical insurance cards only. Dental and vision are excluded. If you need help uploading your insurance card, contact Zocdoc's service team, available 365 days a year to answer all your queries. You can also visit Zocdoc's patient help center for answers to other insurance-related questions.

Zocdoc also has a profile for each of the associated healthcare providers. This section details their educational qualifications, board certifications, clinical interests, expertise, experience, languages they speak, and other relevant information. You can also access the user ratings and verified reviews left by past patients. Additionally, you can locate your nearest healthcare provider and schedule both online and in-person appointments. You can narrow down options using filters based on gender. Your ideal doctor will accept your insurance, be available when required, and have experience relevant to your healthcare-related queries.

Booking appointments with an OB-GYN near you with Zocdoc is quick, secure, and 100% free!

Prevalence of breast cancer in women in California and the US

Breast cancer is one of the most threatening healthcare problems for women in the US. According to the Breast Cancer Organisation, around 13% of women in the country will develop invasive breast cancer once in their lifetime. In 2022, it is estimated that there were around 287,850 new invasive breast cancer cases in the US. Family history plays a massive role in one's susceptibility to breast cancer. A woman's risk of cancer almost doubles if she has a close relative (like a mother, daughter, or sister) diagnosed with breast cancer.

Breast cancer is equally prevalent in the state of California. According to the Cancer Statistics Center, the American Cancer Society reported roughly 31,720 cases of breast cancer in California in 2022, and there have been around 4,690 deaths due to the condition. The report also states that about 68% of women above 45 in California had up-to-date mammography in 2018. 

Sources

Healthline

Medical News Today[1]

Medical News Today[2]

WebMD

Cleveland Clinic

Mayo Clinic(1)

Mayo Clinic(2)

Breast cancer Organization

American Cancer Society

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.