OB-GYN (abbreviated to obstetrician-gynecologist) is a medical professional specializing in female reproductive health. It includes pregnancy, conception, childbirth, and concurrent care. An OB-GYN specializes in two specific departments of medicine, namely obstetrics and gynecology:
- Obstetrics deals with conception's correlative and overall aspects, including prenatal care, childbirth, and postpartum care. Obstetricians are responsible for taking care of the delivering mother and the child.
- Gynecology is a medical area specializing in treating diseases relating to the female reproductive organs. Gynecologists treat conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), pelvic floor prolapse, menstrual disorders, etc.
Thus, OB-GYN is a combined specialty encompassing everything related to obstetrics and gynecology.
What are the educational qualifications of OB-GYNs?
To become an OB-GYN, a doctor must finish a bachelor's degree and four years of medical school. After graduating from medical school, aspiring OB-GYNs undergo four years of graduate-level residency training, emphasizing obstetrics and gynecology. Throughout this time, doctors learn about female health problems, including reproductive issues. They majorly learn about diagnosis, treatment, management, and prevention in the same field.
These doctors then complete their residency under the mentorship of an attending physician in a medical environment, such as a hospital. To specialize in a particular field, they must spend an additional three years in advanced training once their residency is over.
Next, the doctors must clear a specialty board certification test after completing all necessary training. This exam is under the supervision of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Moreover, OB-GYNs must take a maintenance exam every six years to maintain their certification.
Obstetrics and gynecology encompasses various specialty areas, with approximately 90% of practitioners being generalists. However, recent data from the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) indicates a growing trend in the number of OB-GYNs seeking board certification in subspecialties. The ABMS recognizes seven subspecialties within the field.
- Critical care medicine: This specialty involves diagnosing, treating, and supporting critically ill and injured patients within the OB-GYN field.
- Hospice and palliative medicine: OB-GYNs work with patients with life-limiting illnesses in this subspecialty. Their focus is optimizing the quality of life and minimizing suffering in these situations.
- Maternal-fetal medicine: This specialty caters to high-risk pregnancies and related conditions such as chronic or gestational high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, blood clotting disorders, and premature labor.
- Complex family planning: OB-GYNs who specialize in complex family planning work with women with intricate conditions and collaborate with other healthcare practitioners to provide proper reproductive care to their patients.
- Reproductive endocrinology and infertility: These specialists focus on problems related to infertility and the endocrine system, employing procedures like in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.
- Gynecologic oncology: These oncologists treat cancers of the female reproductive system, which comprises the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and vulva.
- Female pelvic medicine and reproductive surgery: These experts concentrate on urinary tract disorders and pelvic floor issues, addressing concerns like overactive bladder, urinary or fecal incontinence, vaginal or urinary tract infections, bladder pain, and pelvic organ prolapse.
Common diseases OB-GYNs treat
An OB-GYN specializes in treating various diseases, disorders, and conditions. Most of these conditions arise from improper hygiene, unsafe sexual practices, or a patient's genetic makeup. OB-GYNs perform a variety of tests to diagnose and subsequently treat a patient.
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)- PCOS is a hormonal disorder. It usually affects women of reproductive age. It disrupts the regular schedule of the menstrual cycle, causing women to have infrequent, late, or prolonged menstrual periods. It also causes excess male hormone (androgen) production and the development of numerous small fluid follicles that inhibit the on-time release of eggs during cycles. Women with PCOS face an increased risk of obesity, diabetes (type 2), heart disorders, and other health conditions. Early diagnosis, proper treatment, and aftercare can reduce the chances of developing additional medical conditions.
- Pregnancy risks- Though most pregnancies carry some risk, certain situations arise where the baby's or mother's health and well-being are compromised. An OB-GYN assesses and eliminates these situations. These situations may occur due to biological, hereditary, or external causes. Recognizing these risk factors and subsequent planning months before the delivery date is paramount to ensure the well-being of the child and the mother. High-risk pregnancies can spell fatal perils in the life of the child, mother, or both. These conditions can arise; for example, if the birth mother is above or under a certain age threshold, genetic complications are involved, the mother was injured, has drug tendencies, etc. Cases like these require constant administration, monitoring, and regular checkups to avoid harmful situations.
- Cervical cancer- Cervical cancer affects the cervix (the lower part of the uterus, which merges with the vagina). Cervical cancer is mainly caused due to STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) like HPV. Human papillomavirus (HPV) has certain strains that can cause the development of cancerous growth in the cervical region of the female reproductive system. In the case of sporadic HPV, the virus stays in the cells of the cervix for many years, causing the development of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer exhibits various symptoms, which include post-coitus bleeding from the vaginal region, discoloration or blood in the vaginal discharge, excessive pain during intercourse, etc. One can lower cervical cancer risk through regular screening tests and vaccines designed to combat viruses like HPV.
What are the procedures that OB-GYNs perform?
OB-GYNs can perform minor or major surgery for inpatient and outpatient procedures. Following are some of the standard procedures an OB-GYN can perform:
- Dilation and curettage
- Biopsy
- Tubal ligation for female sterilization
- Laser surgery
- Hysterectomy, or the removal of the uterus
- Myomectomy, or the removal of fibroids
An OB-GYN also monitors your health during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. It typically involves:
- In vitro fertilization
- Vaginal and cesarean delivery
- Forceps and vacuum deliveries
- Amniocentesis to identify sex and detect any abnormalities.
Furthermore, OB-GYNs perform regular preventive exams and screenings, including pelvic exams, pap smears, clinical breast exams, mammographies, and cancer screenings.
When should you visit an OB-GYN?
Patients schedule appointments with OB-GYN for a multitude of reasons. These can include referrals after a regular health checkup or the acknowledgment of symptoms relating to one or more diseases that OB-GYNs treat:
- Irregular periods: Erratic period schedules or late or early periods can be a sign of several diseases, including PCOS.
- Rashes: Rashes and itchiness in intimate areas can signify various diseases, including STDs. Rashes can also indicate lousy hygiene practices, which can deteriorate into health disorders.
- Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases: These include fever post-intercourse, rashes in the genital region, pain during intercourse, etc. If you exhibit one or more of these symptoms, you must schedule an appointment with an OB-GYN as early as possible.
- Pregnancy or related complications: It is essential to see an OB-GYN during pregnancy or its planning stages. The doctor can help with planning for your pregnancy, prenatal care, infertility treatment, labor and birthing options, genetic testing, and screenings. They are also the best resource for advice on diet and breastfeeding and can assist you in overcoming postpartum depression.
What should one expect during a visit to an OB-GYN?
Once you finalize the best OB-GYN near you, it's time to understand what happens during the appointment. When visiting an OB-GYN, the appointment typically begins with a health assessment, including blood pressure, weight, and temperature measurements. Additionally, the doctor may conduct blood and urine tests if required. The OB-GYN will inquire about your medical history and proceed to perform a breast and pelvic exam. They will use a specialized swab to collect a cervical tissue sample if a pap smear is necessary.
If you visit during pregnancy, the routine starts with a health check that includes blood pressure, weight measurement, and a urine sample to screen for signs of conditions like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. The OB-GYN will monitor your baby's heartbeat, assess the size and position of the baby, and recommend additional tests based on your health history and any pre-existing conditions.
How can you choose the right OB-GYN near you?
Here are ten key factors to help you select the right doctor:
- Check insurance compatibility: Start by confirming if the OB-GYN is in-network, as costs can vary based on insurance type. You can check your insurer's list, use tools like Medicare's Physician Compare, or call the doctor's office to confirm coverage.
- Consider recommendations: Family, friends, and trusted colleagues can often provide reliable referrals. While online reviews can offer additional insights, firsthand advice from people you trust may be more dependable.
- Location and accessibility: Since appointments can be time-consuming, consider the OB-GYN's proximity and transportation options. Limited OB-GYN accessibility is a critical health equity issue affecting many communities.
- Access options: Consider your scheduling needs. Does the OB-GYN offer weekend or evening hours? Are telemedicine options available, and can you quickly contact an on-call doctor after hours? Such features are valuable for convenience and timely care.
- Hospital affiliation: If you have a hospital in mind, verify that your OB-GYN has privileges there. This can be particularly relevant for childbirth, as familiarity with the hospital may enhance your care experience.
- Board certification: Authentic board certification reflects that a doctor has acquired advanced training in their field and stays current on standards. Some OB-GYNs focus on areas like menopause or cancer care, so consider your long-term needs when evaluating credentials.
- Mental health awareness: The OB-GYN's approach to mental health is vital, as women often face unique mental health challenges. Look for a doctor who conducts regular screenings and values mental wellness as part of overall health.
- Group practice dynamics: If your doctor is a part of a group practice, you may sometimes see other providers. Ensure you're comfortable with their team, including nurse practitioners and support staff, as these professionals are integral to your care.
- Personalized care: If you have specific concerns, such as trauma history or unique health needs, look for an OB-GYN who listens and can provide sensitive, personalized care. Gender preferences and cultural sensitivity may also be necessary in your comfort.
- Open communication: You want a doctor who listens carefully and responds to your concerns without judgment. An OB-GYN who values your questions and offers transparent, respectful answers can significantly impact your healthcare journey.
Choosing the right OB-GYN near you involves evaluating these factors to ensure your doctor can provide the best care and support for your needs.
Find the best OB-GYNs near you in Mesa, Arizona
Maintaining good reproductive health is essential to staying pain-free, inhibiting diseases, and preserving good sexual vitality. As such, finding qualified OB-GYNs with whom you are comfortable is quintessential. Zocdoc can help find trustworthy and skilled OB-GYNS in Mesa that will help you combat these diseases.
Visit Zocdoc's website and search for your desired medical specialty, hospital, location, insurance carrier, or similar keywords. Our trailblazing algorithm will give you a list of medical professionals near you that you can sort through, learn about, and schedule appointments.
For added convenience, you can filter through these results based on medical qualifications, age, gender, schedule, etc. Users can also sift through results based on whether their medical insurance provider covers a specific healthcare provider. Our unique filters reduce the search and give quality results so users can explore viable options before scheduling an appointment.
Depending on the doctor's availability, you can book appointments before, during, and after office hours. If the doctor's schedule permits, you can also book appointments on weekends and holidays.
When scheduling an appointment on Zocdoc, you'll typically be asked to provide your insurance details or confirm that you'll be paying out-of-pocket. Some healthcare providers require insurance information upfront to secure the appointment. However, if you prefer to keep your insurance and plan to pay before using it, you can find another provider on Zocdoc that accommodates your preference. For more queries, you can visit the Zocdoc patient help center page.
Booking appointments with the best OB-GYNs near you on Zocdoc is simple, secure, and free!
OB-GYNs in Arizona and the U.S.
Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data for 2021, America features a robust OB-GYN and general gynecological workforce, with over 21,570 OB-GYNs employed nationwide. Of these, 85% are female practitioners, while the rest are males. Furthermore, an aggregate of 50,580 physicians (including OB-GYNs, nurse midwives, and correlative medical practitioners) make up the female healthcare workforce, according to a report by The Health Resources and Services Administration (2018).
Notably, the workforce could decline steeply, calculated by comparing the number of retirees to new entrants. According to data from 2018 to 2030, the OB-GYN and correlative medical specialty could have an FTE (full-time equivalent) deficit of over 1,810 practitioners (mean) by 2030. That's over a 4% deficit under optimum conditions.
According to a 2020 report published by the University of Arizona, the ratio of OB-GYNs per 10,000 women is around 2.03 (Total: 695). Of these, nearly 95.3% work in urban areas. Approximately 8% of Arizonans live in rural areas where the workforce of OB-GYN physicians is around 4.7%. Another report published by the Health Resources and Services Administration suggests that as of 2018, the difference between the supply and demand for OB-GYN physicians was about 100. In contrast, the supply adequacy was around 90.5%.
Sources
WebMD[1]
WebMD[2]
WebMD[3]
UCLA Obstetrics and Gynecology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
UT Southwestern Medical Center
The University of Arizona
Healthline[1]
Healthline[2]
St. George’s University
Health Resources and Services Administration
