What is OB-GYN?
Obstetrician-gynecologists, or OB-GYNs, specialize in reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth. Some offer a range of general health services, like a primary care doctor. In contrast, others focus primarily on the female reproductive system. They also provide routine medical checkups and preventive screenings for gynecologic cancers.
OB-GYN specialists can evaluate and treat various conditions—abnormal bleeding, breast-related disorders, endometriosis, genital itching, hormonal disorders, infertility, pelvic pain, and urinary tract or vaginal infections.
According to the AMA—American Medical Association, surgeries and other diagnostic procedures are a fundamental part of an OB-GYN's job. Some standard procedures include sonograms, cesarean sections, and pelvic laparoscopy.
What are the subspecialties of OB-GYN?
Data from the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) shows that while most OB-GYNs are generalists, some obtain board certification in a subspecialty. Recognized subspecialties outlined by the ABMS include:
- Critical care medicine focuses on diagnosing, treating, and supporting critically ill and injured patients.
- In complex family planning, an OB-GYN works with women with challenging conditions and consults with other professionals to ensure proper patient reproductive care.
- Female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery OB-GYNs provide treatment for pelvic floor disorders in women.
- Gynecologic oncologists are OB-GYNs trained to give the best possible treatment for gynecologic cancers.
- Hospice and palliative medicine OB-GYNs work with patients with life-limiting illnesses to optimize their quality of life and minimize suffering.
- Maternal-fetal medicine OB-GYNs focus on addressing health concerns for both the mother and baby. They also help manage complications that arise during pregnancy.
- Lastly, reproductive endocrinology and infertility OB-GYNs evaluate and treat fertility issues and hormonal dysfunctions.
What is the difference between an OB-GYN and a gynecologist?
There is a common misconception that OB-GYNs and gynecologists are the same. An OB-GYN specializes in obstetrics and gynecology, whereas a gynecologist only specializes in the latter. A gynecologist is a medical provider who deals with female reproductive health—from menarche to post-menopause.
A gynecologist can diagnose and treat any reproductive-related conditions, such as those related to the cervix, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, or vagina. They also recommend and perform screenings such as breast exams, pap smears, and pelvic exams. Furthermore, they can perform hysterectomies and tubal ligations. They are also ideal for getting advice on sexual intimacy, such as sexual hygiene, contraceptives, and protection against sexually transmitted diseases. You may visit a female gynecologist near you for routine checkups and physical examinations.
In short, a gynecologist can care for non-pregnancy issues related to female reproductive health. Hence, to provide comprehensive care to their patients, many physicians choose OB-GYN to address the full spectrum of their patient's healthcare needs.
What conditions are treated by OB-GYNs?
OB-GYNs are trained medical professionals specializing in conditions and illnesses concerning the female reproductive system. Their practice encompasses various aspects of gynecology and obstetrics, including hormonal imbalances, pregnancy, and menstrual disorders. Accordingly, OB-GYNs offer different treatment options, ranging from managing chronic diseases to performing surgeries.
Some common conditions treated by OB-GYNs include the following:
- Cervical cancer: Cancer developing in the cervix is known as cervical cancer. It occurs due to the human papillomavirus (HPV). You can contract the virus through skin-to-skin contact, often during sexual intercourse. Its symptoms include changes in bowel and bladder habits, abnormal vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, and irregular bleeding during or after sex.
- Endometriosis: Commonly occurring in the pelvis or lower abdomen, it is a disease where tissues lining the uterus occur outside the uterus. Its symptoms include difficulty getting pregnant, painful sexual intercourse, painful menstrual periods, and lower abdominal pain. Endometriosis can also occur anywhere in the body apart from the mentioned areas.
- Fibroids: A study has reported that 70 to 80 percent of women may develop fibroids during their lifetime. These are tumors of fibrous connective tissue and smooth muscle cells of the uterus. However, most fibroids are noncancerous, and cancerous fibroids are rare. Some symptoms include difficulty getting pregnant, lower back pain, frequent urination, heavy or prolonged periods, and pelvic pain.
- Infertility: Women may be unable to conceive a child if they are infertile. It can occur due to maternal age, ovulation disorder, tubal occlusion, fibroids, endometrial polyps, endometriosis, male factor infertility, and other unknown factors. OB-GYNs can help provide the necessary treatments, including in-vitro fertilization (IVF), insemination, and medications to induce ovulation and egg development. You can also visit an OB-GYN near you to get advice on becoming pregnant or getting tested for infertility.
Should girls visit an OB-GYN before turning 21?
The North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology recommends that women turning 21 get a pap test to screen for cervical cancer (regardless of sexual activity), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines suggest that young girls should have their first OB-GYN consultation between the ages of 13 and 15. In the United States, the average age around when girls get their first period or menstrual cycle is twelve years and nine months. Therefore, girls should have their first visit as early as thirteen. Preteens new to gynecologic care can also benefit from seeing a pediatric and adolescent gynecologist.
Teens and preteens must see a gynecologist before turning 21. Young women may not necessarily feel comfortable asking parents and other adults in their lives about periods, sex, and birth control. It often leads to young patients gathering misinformation from friends and believing everything they read online. Establishing a relationship with a trusted OB-GYN can help adolescents and teens express their medical concerns more openly. Gynecologists provide young patients with a setting where they receive accurate answers and advice to help them during their developmental stages and as they grow older and mature.
Visiting an OB-GYN before turning 21 can help you understand and discuss the following-
- You will learn about healthy lifestyles and how to feel good about yourself.
- You can discuss everything regarding your periodic cycle, i.e., if your periods are normal, how to relieve painful periods, find out why your periods are too heavy, and learn ways to deal with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
- Your OB-GYN can help you understand what being in a consensual relationship means. You can also openly discuss your sexuality and what it means to be a part of the LGBTQ community.
- Your OB-GYN will also teach you to lower your risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
What should you expect at your initial OB-GYN consultation?
An initial OB-GYN consultation generally helps girls understand their reproductive system. Women may also discuss everyday health concerns such as anxiety, stress, weight loss, and family planning. OB-GYNs ensure that patients are at ease and feel comfortable asking personal questions regarding their sexuality and sexual activity, including vaginal and oral sex, irregular periods, birth control, emotional issues, and physical body changes.
During your initial visit, your OB-GYN will first record your medical and family history to better understand the cause of your symptoms and risk for certain gynecologic conditions. They may also ask about your lifestyle, work, and home environment. It includes your eating and exercise habits, alcohol and drug use (including smoking or vaping), whether you have safe housing, or if there is any violence or abuse at home. After noting your basic health information, your gynecologist may ask you about the symptoms you have been experiencing. Describe to them in detail the duration and frequency of those symptoms.
You may visit a female gynecologist near you if you have specific personal issues you wish to discuss with a female provider. OB-GYNs also discuss timelines and biology with women who want to conceive in the future. It will help you understand how your fertility changes over time with age. Further, OB-GYNs are experts in guiding to-be mothers about precautions to be taken during pregnancy and ways to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Your OB-GYN may conduct a pelvic or external genital exam if you have problems such as excessive acne, abnormal bleeding, period pain, or pain during urination or intercourse. This examination typically lasts only a few minutes. It is part of a regular checkup where your gynecologist will check your vulva, vagina, cervix, ovaries, uterus, rectum, and pelvis for visible abnormalities. Your gynecologist may also recommend further diagnostic tests or bloodwork if required.
What is a pelvic exam, and why is it important for women's health?
A pelvic exam is a procedure where a doctor evaluates a woman's reproductive organs, including the vagina, cervix, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and vulva. This exam helps detect infections, cysts, and signs of cancer. Both public and private healthcare providers perform pelvic exams during routine checkups or when addressing specific health concerns.
There are no fixed rules on how often you should get a pelvic exam, but many doctors recommend an annual exam. Women should get their first pelvic exam at age 21 unless there is a medical reason to have one earlier, such as menstrual irregularities or birth control needs. Regular exams are crucial, especially for those experiencing unusual vaginal bleeding, a family history of cancer, or concerns about sexually transmitted diseases and ovarian cysts.
If it's your first pelvic exam, inform your doctor when booking the appointment. Schedule the exam on a day when you are not on your period unless the doctor needs to evaluate menstrual issues. Avoid vaginal intercourse, douching, or inserting anything into your vagina for at least 24 hours before the exam.
What happens during a pelvic exam?
The OB-GYN will ask you to undress and wear a robe. If the process includes a breast exam, you will need to remove your bra. You will then lie on an examination table with your legs in stirrups.
- Visual exam: The doctor checks the vulva and vagina for redness, sores, irritation, or discharge.
- Speculum exam: A plastic or metal speculum is inserted into the vagina to widen it, thus allowing the doctor to examine the cervix.
- Pap smear: The doctor collects cervical cells using a small spatula to screen for cancer or infections.
- Manual exam: The doctor inserts two gloved fingers into the vagina and presses the abdomen to find any abnormalities in the uterus and ovaries. The OB-GYN may also perform a rectal exam to assess tissues between the vagina and rectum.
After the exam, your doctor will share immediate findings, while Pap smear results may take a few days. If needed, the OB-GYN may recommend further tests or treatments.
Regular pelvic exams are vital for maintaining reproductive health and detecting potential health problems early.
How does the overturning of Roe vs. Wade affect the field of OB-GYN?
According to a fact sheet from the Association of American Medical Colleges, abortion is essential to women's healthcare. Hence, the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe vs. Wade will affect not only women but also OB-GYN residents and other medical trainees in all affected states. The Roe v. Wade overturning decision allows states to ban abortions before 12 weeks.
This overall criminalization of a facet of healthcare and its effect on medical education is unprecedented. It will have dramatic implications for OB-GYN residents by possibly limiting their access to required abortion training and other related reproductive procedures, such as managing miscarriages, excessive uterine bleeding, and endometrial biopsies. The lack of necessary training provided to residents will significantly affect the care they provide as, in many cases, these procedures are life-saving options for many patients.
Health concerns in jurisdictions with abortion restrictions will not just affect women seeking reproductive care. It may also prohibit pregnant women from accessing specific cancer therapies or prompt treatment for ectopic pregnancies, significantly lowering maternal morbidity and death rates.
How do you find the best OB-GYN near you in Lakewood?
Whether you are starting your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or planning to have a family in the future, an OB-GYN can evaluate and clarify all concerns about the changes in your body. They can also provide you with a care plan tailored to your needs. Furthermore, they can prescribe medication, offer contraception plans, and advise on diet and lifestyle. Zocdoc can help you find the best OB-GYN in Lakewood that accepts your insurance plan.
Perform a search mentioning your location (Lakewood, New Jersey), doctor specialty (OB-GYN), insurance plan, and desired appointment date. A comprehensive list of medical and healthcare professionals will appear based on your search criteria. If you wish to consult a female gynecologist near you, you can refine your search results by gender.
You can also find OB-GYNs in your vicinity within your insurance network by using Zocdoc's search filters. Alternatively, you can upload an image of your insurance card or update your insurance information on your Zocdoc account. If you need help with your insurance plan, use the Zocdoc insurance detector or check out insurance FAQs to learn more.
At Zocdoc, transparency is of utmost value. Hence, each OB-GYN's profile will include a brief introduction, educational qualifications, practice location, visit reasons, and, most importantly, patient reviews and ratings.
Furthermore, you can filter out your results by spoken languages, hospital affiliations, etc. Video appointments are also an option to go for before an in-person visit. You can book one by looking for a purple video icon on their profiles or filtering the video appointment selection.
Booking appointments with OB-GYNs near you on Zocdoc is 100% easy, free, and safe!
Statistics on women's health in Lakewood, New Jersey
The American Cancer Society has an estimated 8,410 new breast cancer cases, 2,280 uterine corpus tumor cases, 620 ovarian cancer cases, and 420 cervical cancer cases in New Jersey in 2022. The National Cancer Institute estimated that the incidence rate of breast cancer in Chautauqua County (Lakewood) was around 134.5 cases per 100,000 women between 2015 and 2019. Chautauqua County showed an approximate 0.1 decrease in the incidence rate according to the recent 5-year trend.
According to the Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Surveillance Report in 2020 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New Jersey recorded 31,649 cases or 356.3 per 100,000 population for chlamydia, ranking 43 in the country. For other STDs, the numbers were as follows: Rank 41 for gonorrhea with 10,060 cases; 29 for primary and secondary syphilis with 764 cases; and 28 for congenital syphilis with 24 cases.
Women's sexual health is a concern in New Jersey. Education and awareness are of critical importance.
Sources
Cancer Statistics Center
Association of American Medical Colleges
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Healthline[1]
Healthline[2]
National Cancer Institute
St. George's University
UMass Chan Medical School
Wooster Community Hospital
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists[1]
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists[2]
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists[3]
Nemours KidsHealth
Michigan Medicine
Houston Methodist
UChicago Medicine
UCLA Health[1]
UCLA Health[2]
UCLA Health[3]
UCLA Health[4]
UCLA Health[5]
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