Who are OB-GYNs?
Obstetricians-gynecologists, or OB-GYNs, are medical professionals who treat issues related to the female reproductive system. They offer various services, such as pap smears, STI tests, and fertility treatments, and manage common problems in women, such as anemia. The specialists also provide consultations about safe sex practices, pregnancy, birthing options, and how to manage menopausal symptoms.
OB-GYNs undergo rigorous training before they start practicing. After graduating from college, aspiring OB-GYNs join medical school. Here, they learn about human anatomy and physiology for the initial two years of medical school. During the last two years, they practice in clinics and hospitals under the supervision of a senior doctor. Once they complete medical school, the doctors join residency, where they can choose their specialty. OB-GYN specialty lasts for four years.
After completing residency, OB-GYNs take up specialty examinations accredited by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Doctors must meet the state's licensure requirements to practice in New York.
What are the conditions treated by OB-GYNs?
OB-GYNs treat several conditions related to the female reproductive system. Some of the common illnesses are:
- Pelvic pain: Chronic pelvic pain experienced by women can have multiple causes. The pain develops in the pelvic region, i.e., between your belly button and hip, and can last for months. The pain can either be dull or severe. You might feel pressure or heaviness in your pelvis and experience pain during intercourse while passing bowel or sitting for long periods. There can be several causes of pelvic pain. It can be due to long-term infection, fibroids in the uterus, painful bladder syndrome, or irritable bowel syndrome. If you experience pelvic pain for an extended period, it is best to seek a doctor's help.
- Endometriosis: Endometriosis is caused when endometrial-like tissue grows in the ovaries, bowel, and the tissue lining of the pelvis. The hormonal changes during your menstrual cycle inflame the endometrial-like tissue, causing tremendous pain. Some common symptoms include painful periods, infertility, pain during sexual intercourse, discomfort in bowel movements, and lower back pain, especially during the menstrual cycle. An OB-GYN can usually prescribe pain medications, hormone therapy, and hormonal contraceptives.
- Urinary tract infections or UTIs: These are caused by bacteria or fungi affecting the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Some common symptoms of UTIs that involve the urethra and bladder include a burning sensation while urinating, frequent urination, blood in the urine, pelvic pain in women, and a strong odor in the urine. UTIs that affect the kidneys show up as chills, fever, nausea, vomiting, and pain in the upper back and sides. Although UTI can affect anyone of any age, some people have a higher chance of contracting the disease. Older adults, people with diabetes, weakened immune systems, and pregnant women experience increased cases of UTIs. Doctors will diagnose UTIs through urine and physical examinations. They might prescribe antibiotics depending on the part of the affected urinary tract.
- Vaginal infections: Vaginitis, or vaginal infections, is the inflammation of the vagina due to the imbalance of yeast and bacteria or irritation from detergents, douches, fabric softeners, and vaginal sprays. Some common symptoms include discolored and smelly vaginal discharge, itching, burning and soreness around the vagina, burning sensation during urination, and painful sex. Vaginitis can be prevented by keeping the area dry and clean and avoiding tight underwear that holds heat and moisture.
What can you expect when you visit an OB-GYN?
Most people find OB-GYN visits anxiety-inducing. Knowing what to expect can help. The first step is to locate an OB-GYN near you that accepts new patients and meets your requirements. Finding a doctor you're comfortable with is essential since you will be discussing your reproductive health in detail with them.
The basics usually include sharing your medical history, including sexual and menstrual health. During the appointment, you will also need to disclose your family planning goals, your sexuality, and your gender. It will help zero in on the health issues you may face and affirm healthcare for all people equally while considering the diversity of bodies.
An OB-GYN can help you test for sexually transmitted diseases or infections. They can also conduct a breast or pelvic examination. During the breast exam, they might look for lumps, discharge, and skin changes. A pelvic exam involves the doctor examining the reproductive organs for abnormalities. These exams are usually done using their hands and include a visual inspection. If they find any issue, they may collect samples, including urine, skin lesions, etc.
Most doctors are also trained in trauma-informed care and can help you easily navigate the appointment. It is crucial to go through the meeting calmly and communicate your issues with the doctor transparently. It will ensure a productive and smooth diagnosis and treatment for you.
You can have a chaperone during your appointment to make the examination more comfortable. If you are not compatible with your provider, you can quickly look up another OB-GYN near you that is accepting new patients. Your health and comfort should be of the utmost importance.
Role of OB-GYNs during pregnancy
An OB-GYN is the first doctor you must see if you feel you are pregnant. They conduct pregnancy tests and ultrasounds to confirm your pregnancy. OB-GYNs also assess your and the developing baby's health to determine the most appropriate pregnancy care. They suggest proper vitamins and medications for the healthy growth and development of the fetus.
OB-GYNs even check for possible pregnancy complications and prescribe appropriate treatment to manage or control the conditions. They periodically examine your health, suggest best practices for a healthy pregnancy, check the size and position of the developing baby, measure its heart rate, and help you prepare for labor and childbirth.
What are the stages of pregnancy?
Early pregnancy care is crucial since a healthy pregnancy leads to a healthy baby. Prenatal care or pregnancy care can be divided into three trimesters:
- First trimester: The first 13 weeks from the start of the pregnancy is called the first trimester. It is the most crucial pregnancy period as the fetus's organ systems and body structure develop. Most congenital disabilities and miscarriages occur during this period. Periodic health check-ups at the OB-GYN are necessary for healthy fetus development during this period. OB-GYNs recommend monthly prenatal check-ups during this period.
- Second trimester: The second trimester is between the 13th and 27th weeks of pregnancy. It is usually called the golden period of pregnancy as most of the unpleasant experiences of the first trimester, such as nausea, frequent urination or incontinence, fatigue, or tiredness, almost disappear. You feel stronger and healthier. The fetus develops rapidly during this period, and by the 26th or 27th week, you begin to feel your baby move. OB-GYNs recommend monthly pregnancy check-ups during this period.
- Third trimester: It is the final leg of pregnancy, from the 28th week until childbirth or the 40th week. You may feel excited and anxious at the same time. As the baby grows, it exerts more pressure on your internal organs, such as the bladder and lungs. Therefore, you may have difficulty breathing, experience sleeping problems, and frequent urination. OB-GYNs recommend one pregnancy check-up every two weeks. After 38 weeks, specialists recommend check-ups every week until childbirth. See your OB-GYN doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms:
- Your 'water breaks,' or warm fluids flow out of the vagina
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe headache
- Sharp pain in your abdomen or back area
- Slurred speech or blurred vision
Different types of birth control
When it comes to birth control, there are various types and options to choose from:
- Permanent sterilization: It is a surgery that involves permanent sterilization for women. It blocks the fallopian tubes, making it impossible for the egg and sperm to meet. In other words, once you get this surgery, you can not get pregnant. It is for women who never want to have a child or do not want any more children. However, it does not provide protection from STIs.
- Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC): These are contraceptives that last for several years. Different types include IUD or IUS with and without hormone (copper) and implantable rods. All of these have some side effects. You can use them till you want to prevent conceiving and get them removed if you want to get pregnant. This, too, does not provide protection from STIs.
- Contraceptive injection/shot: It is a contraception shot that stops the ovaries from releasing eggs. It thickens the cervical mucus and keeps the sperm from getting to the egg. This shot is administered every 3 months by the healthcare provider. It has side effects like abdominal discomfort, fertility return delay, headaches, irregular bleeding or bleeding between periods, bone density loss, amenorrhea, and weight gain. If you decide to get pregnant, you can stop using this at any time. This, too, does not protect you against STIs.
- Short-acting hormonal contraceptives: Commonly known as combination oral contraceptives or "the pill," these prevent pregnancy by interfering with ovulation and thickening cervical mucus. If you use this method, you need to have the pill every day, whether or not you have sex. Some common side effects include breast tenderness, headache, nausea, and spotting or bleeding between periods. This, too, does not offer protection against STIs.
- Software application for contraception: You can use a medical software application (app) that helps prevent pregnancy by predicting fertile days. You will have to enter the required information, and it will suggest things like not having unprotected sex on fertile days and the best days to have it when the risk is low. This method does not provide protection against STIs.
- Others: Barrier contraceptives and emergency contraception (EC)
Everyone's body, lifestyle, and needs are different. What might work for one may not work for another. Hence, it is important to consult a specialist like an OB-GYN for personalized and appropriate advice.
How to find a top-rated OB-GYN near you in Howard Beach?
OB-GYNs are crucial for a woman's well-being. These specialists take care of all issues related to reproductive health and ensure that disease is prevented before it becomes severe. They can perform several procedures to identify disorders and maintain general health. OB-GYNs also provide consultation about essential topics in a woman's life, such as pregnancy, infertility, menopause, menarche, and safe sexual practices.
However, finding a qualified, experienced, knowledgeable OB-GYN in Howard Beach, New York, can take time and effort. Zocdoc is a platform that provides you with a solution to all your healthcare-related problems. It gives you access to the best medical and healthcare providers for all your needs. Using Zocdoc, you can save on expenses by going for an in-network provider. You can also pay through your health plan if you include your insurance carrier's name in the search box. The website will show you the best OB-GYNs accepting your health plan. Want to make this process simpler? Just add an image of your medical insurance card to your account, and we will help you select your insurance plan. However, this is entirely optional. You can also directly add your insurance information to your account by manually picking your plan from the list. For any insurance-related queries, visit Zocdoc's patient help center.
Good communication and comfort between you and your OB-GYN are imperative for effective treatment. Therefore, at Zocdoc, each healthcare professional has a unique profile where you can read about their educational qualifications, board certification, clinical interests, expertise, experience, and language. You can also access the user ratings and verified reviews to make an informed decision. Using Zocdoc, you can locate your nearest healthcare provider by conducting an area-specific search. The website will show you all the top-rated OB-GYNs near you accepting new patients.
All the appointment bookings with Zocdoc are safe, secure, and free of charge!
Prevalence of breast cancer in New York
Breast cancers are more common than one would imagine. As stated by the American Cancer Society, it is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the US. The rate of a woman dying from breast cancer is about one in forty (about 2.5%). The chances of developing breast cancer also differ between racial groups. Compared to other racial groups, women of African-American descent have a higher chance of developing breast cancer. However, the death rates of breast cancer have decreased over the years due to identifying breast cancer in the early stages through screening and better treatments. Currently, there are about 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
Breast cancer is equally present in New York. According to the statistics provided by the New York State Department of Health, around 15,606 women (141.2 out of every 100,000 women) had breast cancer in New York in 2020. It also says that about 2,387 women died of breast cancer during the same year.
Sources
Mayo Clinic[1]
Mayo Clinic[2]
Mayo Clinic[3]
Healthline
Healthline
Medical News Today
The University of California San Francisco
Fayetteville Woman’s Care
Healthdirect Australia
New York State Department of Health[1]
New York State Department of Health[2]
American Cancer Society
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
U.S. Food & Drug Administration
