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Women's health and well-being

Women face various unique health conditions, such as menstruation, menopause, lactation, or disorders of the female reproductive system. Maternal mortality accounts for more than a quarter of a million fatalities each year in industrialized countries, and there are considerable disparities between developing and developed countries. Women can have safe pregnancies if they get prenatal care early and regularly.

Many health issues affecting both sexes have a distinct impact on women. Per the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development:

• Heart attacks are more likely to prove fatal for women than for men.
• Women are more prone than men to display indicators of despair and anxiety. 
• Sexually transmitted infections can have more severe consequences for women than men. 
• Men, as compared to women, are less likely to develop osteoarthritis in their lifespan. 
• Urinary tract disorders are more common in women.

It includes the reproductive and sexual health of women, which may require medical care and lifestyle changes. Women should also have breast, cervical, and bone density screenings. Women and girls may also be disadvantaged due to prejudice or other sociocultural factors. As per the World Health Organization, women and girls, for example, are more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS than men.

Specialists who look after the well-being of women: OB-GYNs

Obstetrician-gynecologists, or OB-GYNs, are medical practitioners who provide comprehensive medical and surgical care to women. They specialize in preventing, identifying, diagnosing, and treating issues of the female reproductive system and associated disorders. Women visit OB-GYNs for procedures, screening tests, surgeries, or pregnancy and fertility consultations. Common health concerns include abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, and other gynecological issues. Other standard services that OB-GYNs provide are: 

• Hysterectomy: OB-GYNs perform this procedure to remove the uterus. A hysterectomy might be necessary if you have gynecologic cancer, fibroids, uterine prolapse, etc.

• Tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): Your OB-GYN may prescribe this test if they believe you may be infected with one or showing any related symptoms. 

• Preventative measures for cervical cancer: OB-GYNs perform this simple technique to prevent cervical cancer. This technique is called the LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure). It removes aberrant cells discovered during a PAP (Papanicolaou) test. 

• Cesarean section (C-section): There are cases when a vaginal birth may put the mother and child at risk. During such instances, OB-GYNs perform C-sections. During the procedure, a cut is made between the mother's uterus and abdomen to deliver the baby.

• Postpartum stress: Many mothers undergo behavioral changes after giving birth, like restlessness, anxiety, and emotional stress. OB-GYNs specialize in diagnosing and treating postpartum stress.

Candidates typically require a bachelor's or undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, like biology or chemistry. After passing competitive entrance examinations, the students subsequently complete medical school, which lasts four years. During their first two years of school, they learn anatomy, pathology, biology, infectious diseases, and immunology, to name a few subjects. They then complete clinical rotations during the next two years.

To begin practicing medicine, students must complete residency training in obstetrics or gynecology. It includes graduate medical programs approved by ACGME (Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education). At least three years are spent specializing in reproductive health care and ambulatory primary health care for women, including health maintenance, illness prevention, diagnosis, treatment, consultation, and referral.

Approximately 90% of OB/GYNs are generalists who enter practice after completing a four-year OB/GYN residency. Others complete fellowships in specialty fields or take genetics or pediatric and adolescent gynecology programs. Here are a few details of the four significant specialties:

• Gynecologic oncology: Gynecologic oncology deals with tumors of the female reproductive system. Physicians specializing in this field diagnose and treat issues of the cervix, ovary, uterus, vaginal, and vulva malignancies. Traditional radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical procedures help diagnose and treat patients. The gynecology oncology team members also recommend supportive treatments to assist cancer patients in coping with the emotional, psychological, physical, and sexual side effects of reproductive cancer. 

• Reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) is a surgical specialty of obstetrics and gynecology instructing reproductive medicine physicians, including hormonal function concerning reproduction and infertility. While most reproductive endocrinologists specialize in infertility treatment, they are also experts in evaluating and treating hormonal dysfunctions in males and females outside of infertility. OB-GYN specialists receive special training in residencies in obstetrics and gynecology. Later on, doctors pursue sub-specialty studies as fellowships in reproductive endocrinology. 

• Maternal-fetal medicine: A perinatologist, often known as a maternal-fetal specialist, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of fetal disorders. They look after pregnant women who have difficulties during their pregnancies or high-risk pregnancies. Perinatologists also care for babies that develop malformations before birth. In a developing newborn, they diagnose birth abnormalities, cardiac difficulties, and blood disorders and perform surgery, if necessary. 

• Pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery for females: These specialists provide medical care for women who suffer from pelvic floor diseases, such as urine incontinence, lower urinary tract disorders, pelvic organ prolapse, and childbirth-related injuries. They provide comprehensive supervision — including the preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic measures required for a patient suffering from various illnesses, complications, and effects resulting from pelvic floor abnormalities. 

Obstetrician vs. gynecologist: navigating women's health

Obstetricians and gynecologists play distinct yet interconnected roles in women's healthcare. An obstetrician guides women through pregnancy, from conception to postnatal care. They deliver babies, offer fertility treatments, and address complications like ectopic pregnancies or fetal distress. Obstetricians ensure a healthy pregnancy, even handling issues in the NICU for premature births. Additionally, they provide postpartum support, addressing concerns like postpartum depression.

On the other hand, a gynecologist focuses on a woman's reproductive health throughout her life. Gynecologists cover a broad spectrum, from managing conditions affecting the reproductive system to performing screenings like breast exams and pap smears. They conduct procedures such as hysterectomies, offer contraceptive guidance, and administer HPV shots for cancer prevention.

In essence, while obstetricians guide women through the unique journey of pregnancy, a gyno near you would provide comprehensive reproductive healthcare at every life stage. Both specialists contribute significantly to women's well-being, ensuring holistic care from adolescence to post-menopause.

Some friendly gynecological health tips

Balanced nutrition, rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, provides essential nutrients that support reproductive health and hormone regulation. Here are some more tips to help you maintain gynecological health and well-being:

• Annual checkup importance: It is crucial to schedule a yearly checkup, even if recent pap tests and HPV screenings show no issues. These checkups monitor changes in menstrual patterns, assess birth control effectiveness, and address lifestyle factors for your overall health.

• Personal care misconceptions: Unlike everyday worries, grooming preferences do not matter during gynecological exams. Your gyno focuses on your health, not aesthetics. It is advised to avoid douching as it disrupts the vagina's natural balance, potentially leading to infections.

• Discharge awareness: It is crucial to be aware of regular discharge. While an odorless and non-itchy release is usually standard, you must address any deviations. Providing detailed information about recent changes helps in accurate diagnosis and treatment.

• Painful periods: You do not need to tolerate period-related discomfort unnecessarily. Seeking professional advice ensures tailored solutions for individual needs. Consult an OB-GYN near you to obtain relief from period problems.

• IUD myths dispelled: Gynecologists highlight that intrauterine devices are suitable for women of all ages, dispelling misconceptions. Professional bodies advocate long-acting birth control for younger women.

• Judgment-free environment: Gynecologists assure patients of a non-judgmental atmosphere, prioritizing essential information for personalized care. They encourage open communication and underscore the importance of honesty for practical STD risk assessment and birth control recommendations.

What should you expect on your visit to an OB-GYN?

Typically, a general health check will be the first thing your provider will do. The nurse will check your weight and blood pressure. You might also go through a urine or blood test. 

Then comes a physical examination. When you enter the examination room, the nurse will ask you to change into a front-opening robe.

Your OB-GYN will ask about your family's medical history and overall health. An OB-GYN may be in the room with a nurse or other medical professional for the subsequent pelvic exam. 

The doctor will first look for abnormalities on the exterior of your vagina, including the vulva area and vaginal entrance. The doctor will then examine your reproductive system from the inside. Your feet will be in stirrups, and you will need to bend your knees to keep them apart as the gynecologist uses a speculum to look inside your vagina and cervix. You might feel nervous during the process. However, the exam shouldn't be painful. 

A Pap test occurs when a woman over 21 gets a pelvic exam. Your OB-GYN will collect a sample of cells from your cervix using a little brush. These cells will then get taken to a lab to check for anomalies like the human papillomavirus (HPV) and other diseases. 

If you have had sexual activity, the doctor might also test you for STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. The OB-GYN can do a blood test or a tissue sampling during the pelvic exam to check for STDs. 

To feel your cervix, fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries, the OB-GYN will next perform an internal bimanual exam. The doctor may insert one or two gloved fingers into your vagina while wearing gloves and place the other hand on top of the bottom part of your belly. Your doctor may also conduct a rectovaginal exam if necessary. The OB-GYN inserts one gloved finger into your rectum to perform this. 

Your OB-GYN will also check your breasts for lumps and other abnormalities.

Common health issues during pregnancy

Some common ailments that women experience during pregnancy include the following:

• Depression

It is a feeling of extreme sadness during pregnancy or after childbirth. Its symptoms include irritability and helplessness, intense sadness, thoughts of harming the developing baby or self, and appetite changes.

• Hypertension (High blood pressure) during pregnancy

Higher blood pressure is usually detected after or during the 20th week of pregnancy and generally goes away after childbirth. OB-GYNs closely monitor the health of the woman and the developing baby to avoid any health complications. 

• Anemia

If a woman has a lower-than-average count of healthy red blood cells in her blood, the condition is called anemia. The symptoms include looking pale, feeling weak or tired, shortness of breath, and fainting.

• Gestational diabetes

Higher levels of sugar in the blood during pregnancy can cause gestational diabetes. Extreme thirst, fatigue, or hunger; screening tests indicate higher blood sugar levels are some of the symptoms. 

• Miscarriage

It is a pregnancy loss due to natural causes before the 20th week of gestation. Approximately 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. It often occurs before the woman even knows that she is pregnant. Some symptoms include abdominal pain or cramping, vaginal bleeding or spotting, and tissue or fluid passing from the vagina.

Note: Early spotting in pregnancy does not always indicate a miscarriage. Contact the OB-GYN near you immediately if you experience vaginal bleeding during pregnancy.

• Preterm labor

Preterm labor is when a woman experiences labor pain before the 37 weeks of pregnancy. Its symptoms include Increased vaginal discharge, contractions, cramping, pelvic pressure, and back pain radiating to the abdomen.

• Fetal problems

It can be health issues with the unborn baby(fetus), including heart problems or poor growth. Common symptoms include baby size being smaller than expected for the gestational age and baby movement being less than expected. Some problems don't show any signs but get detected during prenatal tests.

Finding OB-GYNs near you in Las Vegas, NV

According to the National Institutes of Health, around 55% of women with no history of abnormal Pap smears get an annual checkup; nearly 17% every two years, around 16% every three years, and roughly 11% are not screened. These statistics only demonstrate how crucial it is for women to access healthcare, including advice regarding screenings from OB-GYNs, obstetricians, or gynecologists.

When selecting an OB-GYN, look at their location, availability, budget-friendliness, and past clinical experience. At Zocdoc, you can easily find top-rated OB-GYNs that match these criteria in your neighborhood. Specify your preferred insurance provider, and we will display the providers that accept your network benefits.

If you want to know your insurance plan, upload an image of the insurance card to your Zocdoc account, and we will find and display information regarding your insurance plan (this facility is not available for vision or dental plans). You can also check out Zocdoc's patient help center for more information and solutions related to insurance.

All Zocdoc users also get access to detailed provider profiles. It includes their specialization, certification, clinical interests, experience, and licenses. You may also learn about their hospital affiliation or the languages they speak. Finally, our customer reviews are verified, and you will find a friendly, attentive OB-GYN near you who truly listens to your concerns. Booking with Zocdoc is secure and free!

OB-GYNs - Las Vegas and Nevada

According to a recent study, reports show that nearly 15% of couples in the U.S. are considered infertile. They cannot conceive a child or get pregnant after one or more years(s) of unprotected intercourse. According to the CDC, almost 8.8% of married women in the age group of 15-49 years may be infertile.

A report published by Doximity and verified by ACOG highlighted a potential shortage of OB-GYNs in Las Vegas. Most OB-GYNs retire at around 59, while the average age of OB-GYNs is almost 51. Las Vegas also stands in the first 10 of every significant metric the study relied on. The report suggests that urban areas with more traditional OB-GYNs, more significant workloads, and a high birth rate to OB-GYN ratio are at a higher risk of shortages. 

According to a report published in 2017, Health Workforce Supply in Nevada report, released in March, Nevada has the 47th highest number of OB-GYNs per 100,000 population in the U.S. Nevada's almost 9.1 per 100,000 ratio edges out the worst-performing state's around 8.4 per 100,000. 

Sources

World Health Organization

Harvard Health Publishing

Medline Plus

Cancer Treatment Centers of America

American College of Surgeons

WebMD

University of Medicine and Health Sciences

Wooster Hospital

WebMD

Office on Women’s Health

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.