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What is an OB-GYN? What do they do?

An OB-GYN, short for obstetrician-gynecologist, is a doctor specializing in obstetrics, which deals with pregnancy and childbirth, and gynecology, which deals with female reproductive health. This field of medicine caters explicitly to females from puberty to menopause and beyond. OB-GYNs may choose to specialize in a sub-field such as gynecologic cancers, fertility-related problems, maternal-fetal medicine, or pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.

OB-GYNs treat problems relating to menstruation or menstrual cycles, contraception, pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, breastfeeding, urinary tract problems, uterine or cervical discomfort, and menopause. OB-GYNs also screen for cancer of the breast and cervix.

There is a wide range of other problems that OB-GYNs treat, including:

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Infertility
• Ovarian, uterine, and other cancers affecting the female reproductive organs
• Osteoporosis
• Concerns relating to sexual health
• Other benign conditions affecting the function of the female reproductive organs

Preventative care is another important reason for women to seek the expertise of an OB-GYN. This care includes regular gynecological checkups and routine pelvic and breast examinations. An OB-GYN can be your primary care doctor, whom you approach for any medical issue you experience - as they would be familiar with you and your family’s medical history and needs.

Qualifications and training of an OB-GYN

One must undergo a rigorous academic and clinical journey to gain certification as an OB-GYN. The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) stipulates the following education and training criteria for OB-GYNs:

• Graduate school: This includes receiving an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degree from an accredited medical school. 
• Post-graduate training: This entails a minimum of four years in an obstetrics and gynecology residency program. Additionally, doctors must complete at least six months of residency in a primary and preventive care role, including inpatient and ambulatory care, diagnosis and management of various ailments and dysfunctions, and performing and interpreting diagnostic ultrasounds.
• Clinical experience: This primarily involves participating in clinical rotations in obstetrics, gynecology, gynecologic oncology, reproductive endocrinology, and ultrasonography. Additionally, handling increased patient responsibility with each year of training is necessary.
• Board certification: All OB-GYNs must complete ABOG’s two-part certification process after graduation, even if doctors wish to pursue a fellowship. Credentialing in most hospital systems in the United States requires board eligibility or certification. 

OB-GYNs who wish to study less can fulfill licensure requirements in the state where they want to practice. These requirements may include clinical examinations and a specified number of hours of clinical experience.  

Specialties in obstetrics-gynecology

The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) recognizes various subspecialties in obstetrics and gynecology. In addition to the examination mentioned in the previous section, ABOG conducts subspecialty-specific certification examinations. OB-GYNs can be certified in multiple fields. Additionally, they may seek options outside of the ABOG-recognized specialties.

Some of the board-certified subspecialties in obstetrics-gynecology are:

• Gynecologic Oncology — deals with managing and treating reproductive system tumors using surgery, chemotherapy, and palliative care.
• Pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery — treat diseases affecting the genito-urinary system using surgery, cystoscopy, and urodynamics.
• Reproductive endocrinology and infertility — deals with treating hormonal and infertility issues using techniques like laparoscopic surgery and in-vitro fertilization.
• Maternal-fetal medicine — deals with normal and high-risk pregnancies using obstetric ultrasonography and other fetal procedures.
• Critical care medicine — deals with diagnosing, treating, and caring for severely ill and injured patients.
• Complex family planning — deals with performing abortions, providing contraception care, and advising on treatment options for infertility.
• Hospice and palliative care — deals with the prevention and alleviation of suffering experienced by patients with life-limiting illnesses.

Some of the subspecialties not recognized by ABOG are:

• Pediatric and adolescent gynecology — deals with the treatment of children for both typical and complicated health problems.
• Menopausal and geriatric gynecology — deals with the treatment of conditions affecting women experiencing menopause and women who have undergone it.
• Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery — deals with complicated procedures such as endoscopic surgery, laparoscopy, and hysteroscopy.

Why should you see an OB-GYN?

An OB-GYN is responsible for caring for the women’s reproductive system, including the breasts, uterus, vulva, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. You should start seeing a gynecologist near you from the pre-teen to the menopause stage. They help care for various conditions and even detect early signs of cancer.

Women should have an annual checkup with an OB-GYN to get treated for the following:

• Pregnancy and fertility issues: Gynecologists can answer queries and concerns about family planning, contraception, and fertility issues.
• Menstrual cycles: Women should see a gynecologist for unnatural menstrual cycles. It includes delayed periods, heavy bleeding, and unbearable cramps. They should also consult an OB-GYN if they experience bleeding while not during their periods.
• Sexual health: You can ask questions and seek guidance related to sexual health, such as painful intercourse, sterilization, and libido.
• Cancer screenings: A gynecologist provides physical checkups to help detect early signs of cancer, such as breast cancer. They can identify the nature and state of abnormal lumps and conduct further testing for accurate diagnosis.
• Hormone disorders: Gynecologists can also help diagnose and treat hormonal conditions. They can prescribe medications or guide patients through managing their symptoms naturally.

Parents should make their children visit a gynecologist if they have delayed puberty or delayed menstrual cycles. You can check for their signs by noticing the lack of growth in the breast tissue and if the period doesn't start before the age of 16. An OB-GYN will also educate them on how to use tampons and help them understand their genital anatomy properly.

When you see a gynecologist near you, they will physically examine the pelvis and breast. They can also perform pap smear tests, ultrasound scanning, colposcopy, endometrial biopsy, and hysteroscopy. In some cases, they can diagnose and treat conditions related to the urinary and gastrointestinal systems.

How to have a healthy pregnancy?

Achieving a healthy pregnancy involves proactive prenatal care, which significantly enhances the well-being of both mother and baby. Routine prenatal checkups with an OB-GYN near you are crucial throughout the pregnancy journey, offering opportunities for early detection and management of emerging health issues.

Attending each appointment is crucial, as they are essential for maintaining a healthy pregnancy and minimizing the chances of premature birth, which could pose risks to the newborn's health.

To optimize your pregnancy health, adhere to recommended medical tests and screenings as your healthcare provider advises. Prompt medical intervention can effectively address and potentially prevent various health concerns.

Furthermore, adopting healthy lifestyle choices is paramount. Refraining from smoking and alcohol consumption, maintaining a nutritious diet, staying physically active, and managing a healthy weight are integral components of a balanced prenatal regimen.

Each prenatal visit allows you to discuss pertinent aspects with your OB-GYN. Topics include your personal and family health history, necessary medical care for common pregnancy issues such as hypertension or discomforts, and emergency guidelines.

Moreover, consider drafting a birth plan that outlines your preferences for childbirth and postnatal care. This plan can include decisions regarding the birth setting, support person, pain management strategies, and intentions for breastfeeding.

Additionally, prioritize discussions with your healthcare provider about the risk of depression during and after pregnancy, as well as available counseling options for preventive measures.

Causes of female fertility issues

Multiple factors can influence a woman’s ability to conceive, including:

• Ovulation and menstrual irregularities: Problems with egg release or irregular periods can impact fertility. Problems related to hormonal imbalances, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, high prolactin levels, or thyroid disorders, may interfere with ovulation. Other health conditions, like unmanaged diabetes or autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus), can also affect menstrual cycles.
• Uterine or cervical issues: Growths like fibroids or polyps in the uterus may make conception more difficult.
• Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes: Fallopian tubes carry the eggs to the uterus for fertilization, and blockages or damage often caused by pelvic inflammatory disease can prevent fertilization.
• Endometriosis: When the uterine lining grows or extends outside the uterus, it can disrupt fertility.
• Premature ovarian insufficiency (early menopause): If the ovaries stop functioning before age 40, it can lead to early menopause and fertility challenges.
• Pelvic or uterine adhesions: Scar tissue that forms after infections, surgeries, or appendicitis can bind organs together and make conception harder.
• Age-related decline: Fertility naturally decreases with age, especially after 35, as egg quantity and quality decline more rapidly closer to 40.

However, certain lifestyle adjustments can support reproductive health:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Being underweight or overweight can affect ovulation and disrupt menstrual cycles.
• Prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs): STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause fertility problems, so practicing safe sex and getting regular screenings is important.
• Manage work schedules: Constantly working overnight shifts may disrupt hormone levels, potentially impacting fertility. If you work nights, make sure to prioritize quality sleep.
• Reduce stress: While stress itself may not cause infertility, managing stress is vital for overall well-being. Several activities like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can reduce stress during the conception journey.

How to find an OB-GYN near you in Long Beach, California?

If you are female or were born with female organs, you must begin consulting an OB-GYN from when you hit puberty or have your first sexual experience – whichever is earlier. If you have not done so or have concerns but do not know where to begin, use Zocdoc to find the right gynecologist near you. 

Zocdoc is an online, free-to-use platform also available as a mobile application. Once you log onto the platform, specify your condition or symptoms, preferred specialist (“OB-GYN”), zip code or location (“Long Beach”), and preferred appointment date & time in the search box. Once you click ‘find,’ you can access a comprehensive list of OB-GYNs who meet your criteria. Additionally, using the Zocdoc health insurance checker, you can find doctors who accept your health insurance plan.

There's no need to worry even if you don't have insurance coverage. You can indicate that you are paying out-of-pocket by selecting the "I'm paying for myself" option. This option will provide you with an extensive list of providers who offer consultations near you without requiring your health plan details.

Check out the FAQs on the Zocdoc patient help center page for additional insurance information and guidelines.

Since visiting an OB-GYN near you means talking about intimate and private details, you can apply filters like ‘gender’ if you prefer a female doctor. If you want only a video consultation, use the relevant filter or look for a purple video icon on the doctor’s profile.

Each healthcare professional listed on Zocdoc has a unique profile. You can read about their educational qualifications, board certifications, clinical interests, expertise, experience, and spoken languages. You can also see what other patients say about a particular OB-GYN by reviewing the patient reviews and ratings on each doctor’s profile. Thanks to all this information, you can make an informed decision before choosing the best-suited gynecologist near you.

Statistics on women’s health and OB-GYNs in Long Beach, California

California has approximately 3,120 active OB-GYNs, according to the 2023 Occupational Employment and Wages report by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in California, nearly 1.51% of new mothers were under 20, and almost 3.14% of deliveries were through the caesarian section. Less than 1% of babies were born preterm and with low birth weight. In Los Angeles County, where Long Beach lies, almost 13.7% of mothers suffered prenatal depressive symptoms. These figures reflect the common conditions handled by OB-GYNs in the state. 

Sources

St George’s University

MedlinePlus

University of Illinois

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Mayo Clinic Health System

Mayo Clinic

Medical News Today

MyHealthfinder

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.