Who are OB-GYNs?
Short for obstetricians-gynecologists, OB-GYNs are specialists in female reproductive health. Due to their comprehensive training, they can attend to obstetric concerns, i.e., care for women throughout their pregnancy, including delivery. Simultaneously, they are experts in treating various conditions affecting the female reproductive system.
Typically, OB-GYNs do the following:
- Provide preventative care services such as ultrasounds, pelvic exams, testing for sexually transmitted diseases, conducting pap smears, etc.
- Answer queries about infertility, sexual intercourse, menopause, and overall reproductive health.
- Perform procedures like a hysterectomy, removal of cysts, cesarean sections, surgeries to repair the pelvic floor and its injuries, etc.
- Help with fertility problems through egg retrievals, freezing, etc.
- Undertake breast examinations and manage patients' health through screening procedures like mammograms.
- Treat general health concerns like anemia.
Qualifications of an OB-GYN
To begin practicing as a gynecologist, one must complete their bachelor's degree and then enroll in medical school. After four years of training, the next step is to complete a residency focused on obstetrics and gynecology. Residency training lasts four years and helps doctors attain hands-on expertise in diagnosing, treating, managing, and preventing conditions.
A three-year fellowship is the next step for doctors who wish to specialize. They can choose between specialties like gynecologic oncology, maternal-fetal medicine, female pelvic floor, vaginal births after cesarean delivery (VBAC), etc. After completing their training, OB-GYNs must pass a board certification examination conducted by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG). They must undergo continuing education and test every six years to maintain their certification.
What are the specialty areas for OB-GYNs?
Within obstetrics and gynecology, physicians often choose to specialize, allowing them to provide focused and expert care in specific areas of women's health. While most OB-GYNs are generalists, approximately 10 percent pursue specialized fields. Here are some key specialty areas:
Female pelvic medicine and reproductive surgery: These specialists focus on conditions related to the female pelvic floor. Pregnancy, aging, or certain medical conditions can weaken the pelvic floor and cause urinary or pelvic organ prolapse, bladder pain, fecal incontinence, and infections.
Reproductive endocrinology and infertility: Reproductive endocrinologists are experts in addressing infertility issues and disorders related to the endocrine system, which regulates hormones. They utilize advanced techniques like in vitro fertilization (IVF) to assist couples facing challenges in conceiving.
Gynecologic oncology: Gynecologic oncologists specialize in diagnosing and treating various cancers affecting the female reproductive system. These include issues such as cancers of the ovaries, uterus, cervix, and vulva. They offer comprehensive cancer care and often perform complex surgical procedures as part of cancer treatment.
Maternal-fetal medicine specialists care for high-risk pregnancies and associated medical conditions. They play a critical role in ensuring the well-being of the expectant mother and the developing baby. Patients with chronic or gestational high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, or those at risk of premature labor may seek care from these specialists.
Holistic care and osteopathic perspective: Some OB-GYNs adopt holistic approaches, emphasizing natural or traditional remedies alongside conventional medical practices. Osteopathic OB-GYNs, in particular, prioritize holistic care and may integrate osteopathic principles into their practice.
These specialized OB-GYN fields require additional training, expertise, and often accreditation.
How can an OB-GYN help with your pregnancy?
It is advisable to see an OB-GYN (or a female gynecologist near you, if you prefer) as soon as you discover that you are pregnant. They can care for you and your baby from conception until a few months postpartum. Ideally, you should see your OB-GYN after about eight weeks after your last menstrual period. Subsequently, you must see them once every month for routine check-ups. As your due date approaches, the visits will become more frequent, biweekly and weekly. Around six weeks after giving birth, your OB-GYN will schedule a visit with you to rule out the possibility of any complications.
During your prenatal phase, your OB-GYN will focus on identifying and abating potential problems through lab tests and examinations. These screenings may include urinalysis, complete blood count (CBC), glucose tolerance test, fetal assessments, ultrasounds, etc.
While pregnant, your OB-GYN will help manage your morning sickness, gestational diabetes, infections, muscle aches and pains, and placental abruption. They will also conduct regular ultrasounds to monitor your baby's growth and fundal height.
Once you have delivered your baby, the OB-GYN will track your bleeding, bladder function, bowel movements, and blood clots. If recovery is smooth, you can go home between one to four days after your delivery. Postpartum sessions with an OB-GYN mainly revolve around talks of postpartum depression, birth control, planning future pregnancies, discussing bleeding, making sure your uterus has gone back to its pre-pregnancy health, etc.
Many OB-GYNs are also specially trained and experienced in managing high-risk pregnancies. These pregnancies have a greater chance of developing complications. If your OB-GYN thinks the pregnancy is extremely high on the risk level, they can refer you to a maternal-fetal specialist.
When should one see an OB-GYN?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), adolescents should establish a relationship with an OB-GYN between ages 13 and 15. No pelvic exam is required if there are no medical issues or sexual activity. The first pelvic exam and pap test are done around age 21 or when sexually active.
ACOG also suggests annual well-woman visits for all women, with specific tests varying by age, lifestyle, and health risks. OB-GYN visits are essential for suspected pregnancies, reproductive issues, STD testing, and urinary or sexual health concerns. Sexual activity may prompt visits for birth control, STI prevention, HPV vaccination, and pain or abnormal discharge.
Pregnancy-related visits cover planning, prenatal care, infertility, and postpartum depression. OB-GYNs also address menopausal concerns like libido, vaginal dryness, and bone health. Some women opt for OB-GYNs as primary care providers, depending on their comfort and expertise.
What should you expect during a visit to an OB-GYN?
During your visit to an OB-GYN near you, a medical assistant on the OB-GYN's clinical team will take your vital signs and collect your medical and surgical history, including information about allergies and current medications.
Next, the assistant or the OB-GYN will ask you about any specific concerns and may inquire more about your personal, family, and health history.
Topics that your OB-GYN might discuss include:
- Your overall well-being and happiness
- Any physical changes you're curious about, such as a breast lump
- Your menstrual cycle history
- Past obstetric history, including pregnancies and complications
- Past gynecological history, including abnormal Pap smears, fibroids, ovarian cysts, cancer, sexually transmitted infections, endometriosis, and menopause or perimenopause transition
- Pelvic pain or vulvar and vaginal changes
- Contraception, fertility issues, and reproductive plans
- Sexual activities and any history of sexual assault or abuse
- Bowel or bladder dysfunction
If you are over 18, all the information you share is confidential. If you are under 18, discussing confidentiality with your clinician is essential, as most of what you say can remain confidential.
The OB-GYN may recommend a physical exam, depending on your history and concerns. This exam may include a pelvic exam, a breast exam (including a Pap smear for cervical cancer screening), and an ultrasound.
Finding an OB-GYN near you ensures you receive personalized care tailored to your health needs. Scheduling regular visits is vital for maintaining your overall health and addressing any specific concerns you may have.
What tests does an OB-GYN perform during a physical exam?
Here is what you can expect at the physical exam with an OB-GYN:
You will lie on the examination table wearing a dressing gown, with a sheet draped over your legs for privacy. Placing your feet on the footrests, you must spread your knees while breathing deeply and relaxing. This helps make the exam quicker and more comfortable. If you bring a friend, family member, or chaperone, they may have to wait outside to maintain your privacy.
Your doctor will first examine the vulva and labia, checking for irritation, swelling, redness, cysts, or signs of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Next, your OB-GYN will insert a speculum into the vagina to gently separate the vaginal walls and examine the cervix. You may feel slight pressure or pain, but you can share it with your doctor to ensure it remains tolerable.
Once the speculum is in place, your provider will check for irritation, unusual discharge, or STD symptoms before proceeding with the Pap smear.
A Pap smear screens for precancerous or cancerous cells. Your doctor will collect cervical cells quickly and painlessly to ensure they are healthy. Early detection is key to successful treatment. Results will be available within a few weeks.
After removing the speculum, your doctor will insert a gloved, lubricated finger into the vagina while pressing down on your stomach with the other hand. This helps assess the health of internal organs. Slight discomfort is normal, but you should communicate any concerns.
Your provider will manually check your breasts for lumps, thickening, or discharge. They will also show you how to perform self-exams.
The OB-GYN may also order a urine sample to check for kidney health, infections, or pregnancy.
Finding a top-rated OB-GYN near you in Marietta, Georgia
If you want to visit a female gynecologist near you, Zocdoc can help you. Most women see their OB-GYN once a year. The frequency of sessions may increase based on specific concerns, if any. It is recommended that one stay with the same OB-GYN through various stages of life. This consistent connection will help build a relationship, making it easier for young girls to feel comfortable with and trust their OB-GYNs. A rapport will allow them to ask any questions about menstruation, sexuality, etc., without any inhibitions, improving overall health. In such cases, the OB-GYN can provide long-term guidance and counseling to women about lifestyle choices, habits, etc.
You can rely on Zocdoc to find an ideal OB-GYN near you. Using its easy-to-navigate user interface, you can enter the details of your symptoms or address. A list of practitioners active in your vicinity will then appear. By browsing through this, you can learn about the practitioners' educational qualifications, experience, areas of expertise, and licensure.
Zocdoc also allows you to become familiar with other relevant details such as their language, their awards or accreditations, the insurance plans they accept, whether they treat children, etc.
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 without requiring your health plan details. Check out the FAQs on the Zocdoc patient help center page for additional insurance information.
After browsing to your satisfaction and creating a shortlist, you can make your final pick by reviewing previous patients' reviews. These are verified by Zocdoc and are thus trustworthy. Once you have decided upon an OB-GYN or a female gynecologist near you, you can reserve an in-person or virtual consultation via Zocdoc - directly, securely, and at no extra cost!
Obstetrics and Gynecology Statistics in Marietta, Georgia
Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2023, there were around 980 OB-GYNs in Georgia. The state was ranked fourth among others in the list of the highest number of active OB-GYNs in the United States.
A report from the Georgia Department of Public Health indicates that between 2020 and 2022, there were 37.9 pregnancy-related deaths per every 100,000 live births.
According to the Center for Reproductive Rights study published in 2019, Georgia ranks thirty-second in the United States for infant mortality and forty-fifth for low-birth-weight babies.
Sources
Medical News Today
Healthline
Cleveland Clinic
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Georgia Department of Public Health
Center for Reproductive Rights
NewYork-Presbyterian
Women's Health Specialists
