Who is an OB-GYN?
An OB-GYN is a doctor trained in a unique medical specialty that merges the expertise of two specialties. It combines an obstetrician's focused pregnancy or childbirth care and a gynecologist's expertise with general women's health care.
An OB-GYN provides medical health services in both these categories. Typically, an OB-GYN will look into issues like birth control, childbirth, the female reproductive system, and even menopause. Depending on the need or situation, an OB-GYN could perform pre-screening for cancer, conduct specific surgeries, and treat infections related to the reproductive system. They also specialize in treating common issues like urinary tract infections or other urinary problems.
When should one visit them?
As the specialty deals with private bodily areas, you can consider visiting a female gynecologist to feel comfortable. Most people may not know when to see an OB-GYN. Given below are a few instances when you can visit an OB-GYN near you:
- If you think you are pregnant or want to plan your pregnancy
- To get yourself tested for any STDs
- For any pregnancy-related complications
- If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort during sex
- Any pain during urination
- If you have any doubts related to sex, pregnancy, or your general reproductive health
Ideally, a girl should get her first consultation with an OB-GYN between ages 13 and 15. It helps tremendously in setting a friendly relationship between the patient and the doctor with whom they will be regularly in touch. A relationship developed at this stage can help ensure continuous care for the patient. Any problems or abnormalities diagnosed at this stage can be rectified or managed promptly.
The first pelvic exam, however, should be taken at the age of 21 years to diagnose any prevalent issues. One must visit an OB-GYN annually to ensure a timely check-up to diagnose or treat abnormalities. Early detection of problems can help resolve issues experienced with a change in age and lifestyle.
What are the qualifications of an OB-GYN?
All of the OB-GYNs who practice in the U.S. are certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. An OB-GYN's primary education and training process is similar to that of a doctor with any other specialty. It includes completing high school and college. Following this, aspirants must follow these steps:
- Medical school: The first two years focus on general education in medicine, including human anatomy and physiology. In the final two years, the students gain practical experience by working in a clinic or hospital under the supervision of senior doctors and experts.
- Residency: After completing medical school, a doctor may choose to work under the guidance of another senior doctor. This phase is called residency. It is during this phase that a doctor typically determines their specialty. An OB-GYN residency generally lasts for four years.
- Specialty examination: OB-GYNs must clear written and oral exams to pursue a specialty.
- Board certification: If a doctor decides to pursue other additional board certifications, they need to clear exams related to the same.
- Licensing: All doctors must meet the license requirements specific to the state where they plan to practice. This typically means that doctors must continually take education credits every year.
What are the subspecialties of an OB-GYN?
According to the American Board of Medical Specialities (ABMS), some OB-GYNs move on to specialize in a specific area. There are about six such areas or sub-specialties under OB-GYN:
- Critical care medicine
- Female pelvic medicine
- Hospice and palliative medicine
- Reproductive endocrinology and infertility
- Maternal-fetal medicine
- Gynecologic oncologists
Some standard procedures performed by OB-GYNs
Every year, millions of women undergo gynecological procedures or surgeries to address various aspects of reproductive health, such as the uterus, ovaries, cervix, or vagina.
Here are some of the common gynecological procedures performed by OB-GYNs:
- Cervical cryosurgery: Cryosurgery of the cervix, also known as cervical cryoablation, employs liquid nitrogen to address potentially problematic or abnormal cervical cells identified during a routine Pap smear. It is employed to treat precancerous tissue with the potential to develop into cancer and to manage irregular bleeding. This technique is considered a highly efficient gynecological treatment that involves freezing a segment of the cervix.
- Colposcopy: It is a diagnostic procedure that employs a colposcope—a magnifying instrument with illumination, to inspect the cervix, vagina, and vulva carefully. It is performed when abnormal cytology findings arise from a Pap test screening, allowing for a more detailed examination and assessment.
- Dilation and curettage (D&C): It is a procedure designed to extract tissue from the interior of the uterus. Healthcare professionals perform D&C for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes related to specific uterine conditions, such as excessive bleeding, or to clear the uterine lining following a miscarriage or abortion. During a dilation and curettage, your healthcare provider employs either small instruments or medication to expand (dilate) the narrow lower part of your uterus, known as the cervix. Subsequently, a surgical instrument called a curette, which may either be a sharp instrument or a suction device, is employed to remove uterine tissue.
- Hysterectomy: This is a procedure for the removal of the uterus. The removal of the uterus results in the inability to conceive and carry a pregnancy.
- Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP): The LEEP procedure utilizes an electrically heated wire loop to excise cells and tissue within a woman's lower genital region. It plays a role in both diagnosing and treating abnormal or cancerous conditions. The lower genital area encompasses the cervix and vagina.
- Pelvic laparoscopy: Pelvic laparoscopy serves a dual purpose, encompassing both diagnostic and therapeutic applications. This procedure is employed in cases of tubal ligation to block the fallopian tubes for contraception, remove gallbladder and hernia, and manage conditions like endometriosis and uterine fibroids.
- Ovarian cyst removal: Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs in a woman's ovaries. Those requiring cyst removal can opt for the minimally invasive procedure known as laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy.
Tips to select an OB-GYN for your pregnancy
You will see your OB-GYN multiple times before, during, and even after pregnancy. It is crucial to have a trusted healthcare professional who answers all your questions and concerns without judgment, anticipates and warns you about issues, and ensures you feel comfortable throughout your pregnancy.
While choosing an OB-GYN near you, consider the following essential factors:
- Check your insurance and finances: If you have a health insurance plan, look for in-network OB-GYNs in your area. It's advisable to call your doctor's office and ask if their practice accepts your insurance. You must also check which services your policy covers.
- Research a provider's credentials and specialties: For example, it may be beneficial for women with preexisting conditions to find an OB-GYN with experience in assessing risk factors and handling complications that arise during pregnancy.
- Learn about the doctor's reputation: Before choosing an OB-GYN, read and ask about them. Patient reviews and word of mouth are reliable sources and will help you decide. You can further request recommendations from your colleagues, peers, friends, and relatives.
- Is the chosen provider within accessible limits?: You may have to see your provider often, so having one near your home or workplace is ideal. If you plan to drive, check if your practice offers parking. You can also see if public transportation is more convenient.
- Check if OB-GYN's office provides emergency care: Your body will undergo many rapid changes during pregnancy, and you may also face a freak accident, so preparing for unusual symptoms or unexpected emergencies is vital. Inquire about your OB-GYN's usual hours and if they provide emergency/urgent care.
- Ask your doctor about virtual appointments: You may have questions that may not require an appointment, or you may not feel well enough to visit. Ask if your OB-GYN's practice has nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurse midwives, and other healthcare professionals who can answer your doubts. In some cases, your doctor may be away. Ask them which physician will be covering their appointments in their absence.
- Additional services offered: Check if your OB-GYN's practice provides other services like blood tests, ultrasounds, and other imaging or laboratory services.
- How referrals work: An OB-GYN may refer your case to a specialist. Ask about referrals and which medical specialists you will likely see during pregnancy.
- Delivery practices: Your delivery schedule can vary depending on the type of practice your OB-GYN has. In many group practices or hospitals, OB-GYNs have rotating schedules where doctors take turns performing deliveries. Therefore, the OB-GYN who delivers your baby may not necessarily be the one you have been consulting for prenatal care.
- Choose an OB-GYN who aligns with your personal beliefs: Understand their stance on pain management. For example, if they prefer giving epidurals during childbirth. The other factors can be if they are likely to embrace your birth plan, will perform a C-section as per your preference, how they feel about homebirths, etc.
- Do they listen to your concerns and prioritize your safety? Suppose you have experienced or are still experiencing domestic violence, sexual abuse, racism in the healthcare system, or trauma. In that case, you need an OB-GYN near you who is sensitive and trained in such issues and provides you with the appropriate resources.
Difference between a midwife and an OB-GYN
Both OB-GYNs and midwives provide quality pregnancy care and safely deliver babies, but key differences exist between them. While they work in the same field, their education, training, and credentials differ.
Like OB-GYNs, many midwives offer a range of women's health services, from annual exams and birth control to menopause care. However, they are best known for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. Midwives collaborate with other medical providers, such as OB-GYNs or family doctors, to provide additional support during pregnancy. Many women continue seeing their midwives for care after delivery.
There are three levels of midwifery credentials:
- Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM): A registered nurse (RN) with a master's or doctorate in nursing who holds certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board.
- Certified Midwife (CM): A non-nurse with a post-graduate degree in midwifery and certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board.
- Certified Professional Midwife (CPM): A specialist certified by the North American Registry of Midwives who has demonstrated expertise in midwifery care.
On the other hand, OB-GYNs are medical doctors who complete four years of medical school, a four-year residency, and an optional three-year fellowship, extensively training in women's reproductive health, pregnancy care, and childbirth. They also have surgical training, allowing them to perform Cesarean sections (C-sections) when necessary. While board certification is not required, it signifies a higher level of expertise.
One of the most important differences between OB-GYNs and midwives is their role in different birthing situations.
- High-risk vs. low-risk pregnancies: OB-GYNs manage high-risk pregnancies, such as those involving twins or preexisting conditions. Midwives handle low-risk pregnancies but can coordinate care with OB-GYNs if needed.
- Water births: Water births are common in hospital settings where OB-GYNs are the main primary care providers, but they are particularly prevalent in the field of midwifery. If you are considering working with a midwife, it is likely that water births are a key aspect of their expertise.
- C-sections: Midwives cannot perform C-sections, whether planned or emergency. OB-GYNs have the surgical training to perform them when necessary.
OB-GYNs almost always deliver babies in hospital-based birth centers, while midwives offer more flexibility.
- Home births: Midwives assist women with low-risk pregnancies who choose to give birth at home.
- Freestanding birth centers: These non-hospital facilities provide a home-like setting where midwives are the primary care providers.
- Hospital-based birth centers: Midwives work within hospitals, offering more pain management options and access to specialized care.
Find the best OB-GYN near you in Lafayette, California
The first step toward maintaining good reproductive health is finding the perfect OB-GYN who meets all your requirements. The best place to look for an OB-GYN in Lafayette, California, is Zocdoc.
Zocdoc is a search directory that offers you a list of relevant doctors based on your search query. You can search on Zocdoc using filter options that include your locality, zip code, the doctor's specialty, appointment slots, insurance carrier plan, or even your gender preference for a female gynecologist. Zocdoc uses this information to filter out multiple entries, showing you only those doctors who match your criteria – all of it within minutes!
If you are looking for an in-network OB-GYN, select your insurance carrier and plan from the drop-down menu on the Zocdoc website. If you cannot find your insurance plan listed on Zocdoc, you can upload a photo of your insurance card. Then, allow the portal to scan the image of your card and show you your likely plan. Note that this option is available only for medical, not dental or vision insurance cards. If you need assistance uploading your medical insurance card, contact Zocdoc's service team, available 365 days a year via email or chat, to help you resolve any issues or queries regarding the platform. You may also access
Zocdoc's patient help center for more insurance-related information.
To help you find the right OB-GYN further, Zocdoc provides a detailed profile of each doctor listed on the platform. This detailed profile includes information on the respective doctor's years of training and practice, expertise and education, additional certifications, and other relevant details. The profile also consists of a verified review section, which shows the experiences shared by past patients. This helps you choose the right OB-GYN via Zocdoc in just a couple of minutes.
Once you have shortlisted an OB-GYN near you, you book an online consultation or an in-person appointment with Zocdoc. The best part is that Zocdoc is not only an easy option for searching for an OB-GYN but is also completely free and secure!
OB-GYN statistics in Lafayette, California
As per a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023) report, approximately 3,120 OB-GYNs practice in California. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has projected a shortfall of 22,000 OB-GYNs by the year 2050 in California. If we were to look at gender-specific statistics in all of the United States, then about 85.2% of all OB-GYNs are women, while approximately 14.8% are men.
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 700 women die in the country yearly due to complications related to pregnancy or delivery. As per the CDC, the Delta period in COVID-19 was one of the worst periods for pregnant women, as there was a 41% higher risk of admission to an ICU, with an 83% higher risk of invasive ventilation or ECMO. The death risk was 3.3 times more than in other periods of COVID-19.
Sources
WebMD
Medical News Today
Globe Healer
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Doximity
Zippia
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Verywell Health
Boston Medical Center
Healthline
Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health
Sutter Health
HealthPartners
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