Who is an OB-GYN?
OB-GYN is an acronym for two closely related specialists: obstetrician and gynecologist. An OB-GYN specializes in both these disciplines and can diagnose and treat illnesses and conditions of the women's reproductive system. OB-GYNs can provide preventive care and treatment to women with issues involving the breasts, uterus, cervix, ovaries, and other reproductive system parts. Furthermore, they also provide medical care during pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, childbirth, and post-delivery. OB-GYNs treat women from puberty through menopause and beyond.
They can screen for gynecologic cancers, provide contraceptive options for women, and perform primary surgeries. While some OB-GYNs practice general medicine, others focus on an OB-GYN specialty such as critical care medicine or complex family planning. They can provide routine annual exams, infection testing and treatment, and prenatal check-ups.
What kind of education and training do OB-GYNs receive?
Aspiring OB-GYNs must first graduate from high school with subjects such as biology, chemistry, and math. They must then enroll in a medical school where they study and train for four years. The first two years involve theoretical learning in classrooms and laboratories. During the following two years, they receive practical training in medical settings such as hospitals and clinics. They train to diagnose illnesses and treat patients under the proper guidance of experienced doctors and specialists.
They also do clinical rotations in different specialties to gain broad knowledge. Upon graduating from medical school, they earn a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) or a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.
After medical school, students are officially doctors. However, their training still needs to be completed. OB-GYNs must do a four-year residency training program in obstetrics and gynecology. Here, they do clinical rotations in various subspecialties. After completing the residency, OB-GYNs can begin practicing after clearing a stringent state-level licensure examination.
Some OB-GYNs prefer to specialize further in a specific field of study. Depending on the chosen subspecialty, they might take additional education and training lasting one to three years.
OB-GYNs can do fellowships in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, maternal and fetal medicine, and gynecologic oncology.
- Reproductive endocrinology and infertility deal with women who have difficulties getting pregnant. They also treat endocrinological conditions affecting reproductive infertility in women.
- Maternal and fetal medicine treats women with high-risk pregnancies or pregnancy complications. These specialists can also perform surgeries when a woman has twins or triplets.
- Gynecologic oncology deals with treating cancer of the female reproductive tract. These specialists work with other doctors and specialists and can oversee chemotherapy medications. They can perform surgery to remove cancer tumors.
Why should one visit an OB-GYN?
Every woman should visit an obstetrician and gynecologist near them once they turn 18 and every year afterward for an annual check-up or a well-woman exam. OB-GYNs can treat infertility, pelvic dysfunction disorders, sexually transmitted diseases, urinary issues, and pelvic pain. They can also treat vaginitis, menopausal health concerns, abnormal uterine bleeding, ovarian infections, and cancer.
One must visit an OB-GYN for pain during sex or sexual dysfunction, fibroids, breast lumps and diseases, endometriosis, or incontinence. They can perform medical procedures such as intrauterine device insertion and removal, insertion and removal of pessaries, Pap cancer smears, biopsy sampling, breast exams, and ultrasound health examinations.
Depending on the patient's age, OB-GYNs can provide information on STI testing and birth control, do mammograms, perform hysterectomies, surgically remove ovarian cysts, and repair pelvic organs.
Some other common surgeries performed by OB-GYNs include:
- Oophorectomy: A procedure to remove the ovaries.
- Endometrial ablation: Removal of the endometrial cavity lining to correct heavy periods or other disorders
- Pelvic support surgery: An operation that corrects organ prolapse
- Salpingectomy: Removal of the fallopian tubes
- Myomectomy: Removal of benign fibroids
What kind of questions can you ask an OB-GYN?
During a visit to an OB-GYN near you, questions will naturally vary depending on your current life stage and circumstances. Here are some inquiries you might want to ask based on different scenarios:
If you're already pregnant:
- Can I engage in physical exercise while pregnant, and if so, what is the recommended frequency and intensity?
- How can I prioritize and maintain good mental health throughout my pregnancy?
- Do I need to change my diet during pregnancy, and what should I focus on?
- How much weight gain is healthy for me during pregnancy?
- Are there any restrictions or considerations for air travel during pregnancy?
- Which foods, beverages, and activities should I avoid during pregnancy to ensure my baby's well-being?
If you're not pregnant but trying to conceive:
- Are the medications that I am currently on affecting my fertility?
- What is the best way to track my ovulation cycle to increase my probability of getting pregnant?
- When should I discontinue my current birth control method to optimize my chances of conceiving?
- Is genetic testing advisable, and when should I consider consulting a specialist?
- How long does it typically take to achieve pregnancy, and when should I be concerned about fertility issues?
- Should I adjust my exercise routine or lifestyle to enhance my fertility?
If you're not pregnant and not trying to conceive:
- I have concerns regarding specific pains or discomforts; can you provide insights?
- My menstrual cycle is irregular; is this normal, or should I be concerned?
- I experience painful periods; are there ways to alleviate the discomfort?
- I feel a decrease in my libido; what might be causing this?
- I am interested in exploring birth control options; what choices are available?
- I am experiencing discomfort during intercourse; can you help me understand why?
These questions tailored to your situation will help you have a more productive and informative discussion with your OB-GYN, ensuring you receive the guidance and care appropriate to your needs.
Five FAQs on preparing for annual well-woman exams
If you have scheduled your first well-woman exam with an OB-GYN near you, the next step is to learn how to prepare for it in the best possible way. Below, you can find all the do's and don'ts you must follow before your OB-GYN visit:
Should I avoid scheduling the well-woman exam during my periods?
Yes, OB-GYNs recommend visiting for the well-woman exam when you are not on your period for two main reasons. Firstly, the menstrual blood can make it challenging to perform the pelvic exam and interfere with the accuracy of the Pap smear results. Secondly, the breast exam can be painful and inaccurate as breasts are usually more tender and lumpy during periods. An exception to this is when you have menstrual irregularities such as heavy flow or irregular periods. In that case, the OB-GYN will want to examine you during your periods.
Do I need to remove pubic hair?
Pubic hair removal is a personal preference. However, OB-GYNs recommend keeping pelvic grooming for later. Waxing or shaving down there can cause inflammation and swelling, making the pelvic exam painful and uncomfortable.
How should I clean it down there before my well-woman exam?
While feminine hygiene is essential, please do not overdo it before your well-woman visit. Skip douche, soaps, vaginal creams, scents, or anything else down there, as it can change your vaginal flora. It can interfere with the accuracy of the test results and hide signs of infections or hormonal issues. Hence, it would be best to clean your vulva and vagina using plain warm water.
Can I have sex before the well-woman exam?
No, you must not have penetrative sex and use vaginal lubricants or spermicide at least 48 hours before your OB-GYN visit for the same reasons as discussed earlier. Sperm can alter the vaginal flora, and even if you're having protected sex, the friction can cause vaginal inflammation, making pelvic exams uncomfortable. Similarly, any products used during sex can also affect the test results.
What should I wear for the appointment?
Your OB-GYN will likely ask you to change into the hospital gown for the well-woman exam. So, it is best to present in loose, comfortable clothing that you can easily remove and wear back.
Role of an OB-GYN during pregnancy trimesters
OB-GYNs specialize in caring for expectant mothers and their unborn babies throughout pregnancy. Each trimester brings its own challenges and responsibilities. In such a scenario, an OB-GYN uses their expertise to detect potential health issues and offer guidance for optimal health and fetal development.
The first trimester
The first trimester marks the development of the fetus' major bodily systems. During this time, the fetus is especially vulnerable to factors that could affect the mother's health. An OB-GYN ensures that the mother receives the necessary nutrients and advises against substances that may harm fetal development.
An OB-GYN also helps first-time mothers navigate the changes that come with pregnancy, including common symptoms like morning sickness. They will clarify what changes are normal and what should raise concerns and be reported.
Prenatal consultations
You must schedule your first prenatal consultation once you confirm your pregnancy. These visits allow you and the OB-GYN to share essential information in a timely and organized manner.
Your OB-GYN will inquire about your medical history, health conditions, and lifestyle to identify potential risks requiring medical attention. They will also ask for your vaccination history to eliminate the risk of the fetus contracting infectious diseases. If needed, they may suggest some vaccines that may be missing.
Tests, such as physical exams, blood work, and STD testing, are also standard at this stage. While it may seem thorough, these tests help assess the mother's health and identify potential issues that could affect pregnancy. For example, knowing the blood Rh status is vital, as Rh incompatibility can lead to immune reactions that harm the fetus. Early detection and management can prevent complications.
Additionally, the OB-GYN will estimate your due date. While most births don't happen exactly on this date, it can help parents prepare for delivery.
The second trimester
During the second trimester, OB-GYNs monitor the fetus' growth and compare its size to reference values so prompt treatment can be initiated if discrepancies arise.
Prenatal visits during this period also allow expectant mothers to hear their baby's heartbeat. Sometimes, they may feel the baby's movements, a sign of healthy development.
OB-GYNs recommend various tests during this time, including blood tests or amniotic fluid samples, to check for potential developmental issues. You may also undergo tests for gestational diabetes and anemia.
The third trimester
In the third trimester, prenatal visits become more frequent. One crucial test during this trimester screens for group B streptococcus bacteria. If a woman tests positive, there's a risk of transmission during natural childbirth, so the OB-GYN may administer antibiotics during labor to reduce this risk.
As the pregnancy nears its end, the OB-GYN will check the baby's position. Most babies are head-first for easier delivery, but some may be in a breech position. If this happens, it could complicate a natural birth, and the OB-GYN will discuss options, which may include a C-section.
How can you find an OB-GYN near you in Lafayette, CO?
OB-GYNs treat a wide range of illnesses that can affect women of all ages. Their specialization focuses on the care of pregnant women and new mothers. Many OB-GYNs split their time between clinics and hospital units. They supervise childbirth, treat patients who need surgery, and visit patients treated in the hospital.
Finding a good obstetrician and gynecologist near you takes some time and effort. However, Zocdoc can help. The website has a massive database of qualified medical professionals with comprehensive profiles.
Register for a free Zocdoc account to get started. Next, input the illness or specialty, the time you require the appointment, your location, and your insurance policy. Based on your search criteria, Zocdoc will list in-network OB-GYNs.
If you do not have a health plan or do not wish to use it to book your appointment, you can choose the option "I'm paying for myself" from the drop-down menu. This way, you will receive a list of OB-GYNs near you who allow booking appointments with them without asking for your insurance information. Do you have any more insurance-related doubts or queries? Feel free to access our patient help center for more details!
Each OB-GYN's profile on Zocdoc mentions details such as their education and training, location, specialty, hospital affiliations, accreditations, certificates, honors, and—most importantly—patient evaluations. As a result, you may find all the information you require on a specific doctor in your area on a single platform.
Reading patient reviews on Zocdoc is the best approach to identifying the best OB-GYN for you. If you're looking for a female OB-GYN, you can filter the results by gender or determine their language.
Before an in-person visit, you can schedule a video appointment on Zocdoc to get to know your OB-GYN better. Look for a purple video symbol or use the filters to narrow down the available video appointments.
In addition to office hours, you can book an appointment before 10 a.m., after 5 p.m., or even on weekends, depending on the OB-GYN's availability. Booking appointments with an obstetrician and gynecologist near you on Zocdoc is easy, safe, and 100% free.
Statistics on OB-GYNs, chlamydia and high-risk HIV behavior in Colorado
As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2022, Colorado had 440 obstetricians and gynecologists per 100,000 population.
OB-GYNs can treat sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and also advise on avoiding high-risk HIV behaviors. In 2020, according to America's Health Rankings, there were 453.9 new chlamydia cases per 100,000 population in Colorado. Women (580.1 cases per 100,000 women) were more likely to be diagnosed with chlamydia than men (329.5 per 100,000 men).
Further, about 6% of adults in the state reported engaging in high-risk HIV behavior in 2020. It was higher than the national average of 5.6%. Men (6.4%) were likelier to engage in such behavior than women (5.6%). Most likely to engage in high-risk HIV behavior were those aged 18 to 44 (10.3%). The percentage was lower in those aged 45 to 64 (2.5%) and those 65 and above (0.7%).
Sources
St. George's University
Cleveland Clinic
University of Medicine and Health Sciences
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
America’s Health Rankings[1]
America’s Health Rankings[2]
The Mother Baby Center
HealthCentral
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Levin's Women's Health & Wellness Center
Wooster Community Hospital
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