Who is an OB-GYN, and what do they do?
OB-GYN is both an expert gynecologist and an obstetrician. Although closely related, these two disciplines are different. A gynecologist specializes in internal and external vaginal and reproductive health. On the other hand, an obstetrician specializes in labor, delivery, prenatal and postnatal care. An OB-GYN has training for all of this. Typically, an OB-GYN will look into multiple essential health issues, along with birth control, childbirth, and menopause. In some cases, an OB-GYN may also help screen for cancer, perform surgeries, or treat infections related to pelvic organs or urinary tract problems.
OB-GYN subspecialties
The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) recognizes several subspecialties within obstetrics and gynecology. These subspecialties require board certification, which involves passing a rigorous examination. Here are some examples of these board-certified subspecialties:
- Hospice and palliative medicine: This specialty uses a multidisciplinary approach to alleviate pain and discomfort in patients with chronic illnesses.
- Critical care medicine: Training in this area equips physicians with advanced skills to diagnose, support, and treat critically ill or injured patients.
- Gynecologic oncology (GYN-ONC): Specialists manage and treat reproductive system cancers through surgery, chemotherapy, and palliative care.
- Reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI): This subspecialty focuses on diagnosing and treating infertility by analyzing reproductive hormones and other factors.
- Complex family planning: Doctors in this field assist patients with complex medical conditions during pregnancy or provide contraception guidance.
- Female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS): This field addresses pelvic disorders in women, including pelvic pain and urinary tract infections.
- Maternal-fetal medicine (MFM): This subspecialty involves using techniques like obstetric ultrasonography to manage high-risk pregnancies.
Non-boarded subspecialties
In addition to the boarded subspecialties, there are some fellowships that OB-GYNs can pursue that do not require a board exam. These fellowships offer specialized training similar to boarded subspecialties without a lengthy exam that you have to pass at the end of the training. Some of these include:
- Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery: This field uses advanced tools like robotics to perform endoscopic surgeries.
- Menopausal and geriatric gynecology: This subspecialty helps manage and treat symptoms associated with menopause.
- Pediatric and adolescent gynecology: One of the newer fields, it trains doctors to handle complex health issues in younger patients from the fetal stage through adolescence.
When and how should you visit an OB-GYN?
Skepticism surrounding a visit to the OB-GYN is only natural. This might restrict or prevent you from disclosing the problems you might be facing with your pelvic areas.
As per the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the recommended age to begin your visit to an OB-GYN is between 13 and 15. You should also visit the OB-GYN with the onset of sexual activity and experiences. The first OB-GYN visit typically includes a consultation and rarely an examination.
Whenever you are visiting an OB-GYN, it is recommended to avoid any sexual activity 24 hours before the appointment. Any form of sexual activity could affect the tissues and, thereby, the results of the doctor's tests. It would be best if you chose a reliable OB-GYN in your vicinity before visiting. Some people also choose to see a female gynecologist near them since these doctors also specialize in female reproductive health.
What does a visit to the OB-GYN entail?
Once you have selected your preferred OB-GYN near you, you should know what your first visit would look like. An OB-GYN visit starts as any other doctor visit. They conduct a general health check-up, followed by weight checking and noting your blood pressure. Sometimes, you may also be asked to do blood or urine tests. However, this depends on the symptoms, which are the reasons behind your visit. These situations may arise after the doctor analyzes your and your family's medical history.
The test at an OB-GYN clinic has two phases; the first includes general consultation. This is a conversation between the patient and the doctor to understand your general hygiene practices and other parameters related to sexual activity. There could be a nurse practitioner in the room with you and the doctor, and the questions may be generic or more specific, depending on your situation. The second phase is the physical exam; here, the nurse will take you to the exam room, and you will be asked to change into a gown accessible from the front. You will also be given a sheet to cover your lap to make you more comfortable.
The test involves the doctor examining the outside of your vagina, the vulva area, and the vaginal opening. This is done to ensure there are no abnormalities. The doctor will also examine the reproductive organs. The doctor analyzes the internal area using the right tools to ensure no abnormal reaction. These tests are not painful; however, some women may feel minor discomfort.
A Pap test is also conducted in women over the age of 21. Lastly, if you have been sexually active, your doctor may test you for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) like syphilis, gonorrhea, or even HIV.
How does an OB-GYN assist in the different stages of pregnancy?
OB-GYNs assist patients in different ways based on the stages of pregnancy, known as trimesters. They also help with pregnancy and care for the mother and the baby after delivery.
- During the first trimester, lasting from week 1 to week 12, the mother needs to undergo many tests to confirm that no medical issues exist that could complicate the pregnancy. You may need to undergo an STD test, Pap smear, urinalysis, and genetic testing for Down syndrome and other congenital conditions. Your OB-GYN will also give you an estimated delivery due date.
- During the second trimester, from week 13 to week 26, your OB-GYN will continue monitoring your health to ensure the pregnancy goes smoothly. They will observe the baby's growth, check for a fetal heartbeat, and screen for gestational diabetes and neural tube problems at this time. If you are over the age of 35 or have an unusual genetic test result, they may conduct an amniocentesis, a prenatal test to confirm the baby's health conditions.
- The third trimester can last from week 27 till the end of the pregnancy. During the third trimester, your OB-GYN will check for signs of preterm contractions, vaginal bleeding, or placental leakage. They will test you for group B streptococcus (GBS), a common bacterial illness that can harm your baby.
- Labor and delivery can be induced or natural, with either vaginal or cesarean section (C-section). Furthermore, your OB-GYN would administer the necessary anesthesia, such as spinal, epidural, or combined spinal-epidural (CSE) anesthesia.
- Postpartum care focuses on optimizing care for both the mother and the newborn. It includes evaluating the baby's health, screening for abnormalities or disorders, and administering preventative treatments. There should be regular appointments for health and wellness assessments. During the postpartum period, assessing the mother's physical, social, and psychological well-being is also essential.
How to practice safe sex?
As an assigned female at birth (AFAB) who is sexually active or wishes to be, it's completely understandable to have concerns about your sexual health and safety. Taking control of your well-being is not only empowering but also a vital aspect of maintaining healthy relationships, and being informed and prepared safeguards both you and your partners from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HIV, gonorrhea, or syphilis. Plus, making wise choices about birth control can prevent unplanned pregnancies, allowing you to feel more in control of your life.
There are so many birth control options available today, from daily pills and monthly injections to vaginal rings and intrauterine devices. If you're sexually active or considering becoming so, it's crucial to have an open conversation with your healthcare provider about which method might be correct for you. Your needs can change, so discussing lifestyle shifts during your yearly check-ups is a good practice. If you ever find that your current method is causing side effects like dizziness or a reduced sex drive, don't hesitate to seek alternatives with your doctor—they're there to help you find a solution that works for you.
Open communication with your partner is also essential. Being honest about your sexual history and preferences nurtures a sense of trust and understanding, paving the way for safe sex practices. Sharing information about your past can prompt valuable discussions about STIs and testing. Remember, some STIs are not curable, so protective measures are key to safeguarding your and your partner's health.
Consistently using protection during sexual activity is common advice, but it is the most effective way. External condoms are a widely-used option, but if your partner is not comfortable with them, internal (vaginal) condoms offer another layer of protection. Just a reminder—using both types simultaneously isn't advisable, as it can cause breakage. If you or your partner has a latex allergy, polyurethane condoms are a suitable alternative. Natural condoms, made from lambskin, can also prevent pregnancy, though they don't protect against HIV and other STIs.
Lastly, knowing your STI status is a crucial aspect of your sexual health. If you're sexually active or have been in the past, regular STI testing is essential. Some STIs can remain silent for weeks, months, or even years before showing symptoms. When you know of an infection, you may unknowingly pass it on to someone else. Regular testing is the only way to ensure you and your partner are healthy. Your general practitioner can conduct these tests, or you may visit your local health department or family planning clinic for assistance.
Taking these steps not only contributes to your health but also cultivates a sense of safety and confidence in your sexual experiences. Remember, you deserve to feel empowered and informed about your body and choices.
Finding the best OB-GYN near you in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Now that you know all the relevant details about this specialty, let us discuss how to find an OB-GYN doctor in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
Zocdoc is one search engine that can assist you with the list of the best doctors in and around your locality. You can also look for female gynecologists near you as these specialists also manage conditions affecting the female reproductive system. When you input your search query for an OB-GYN, Zocdoc scans through millions of entries to display a list that is precisely in sync with your requirements.
These search results are filtered through multiple parameters you choose, such as the specialty, locality, appointment slot, zip code details, and insurance carrier plans. Depending on availability, you can book a video consultation or an in-person appointment with the OB-GYN.
Detailed profiles of all the doctors provided on Zocdoc give you more information and help you choose the best doctor. These detailed profiles include information on OB-GYNs' expertise, training, years of practice, and certifications, if any.
Suppose you are still deciding on the right OB-GYN or female gynecologist nearby. In that case, Zocdoc provides recent and authentic reviews from previous patients. The reviews help create more credibility and authenticity for the doctors. As a patient, you can know what to expect when you visit the doctor.
With Zocdoc's insurance detector, you can quickly find in-network doctors nearby. If your insurance plan isn't listed, try uploading a photo of your insurance card. Zocdoc will scan it to identify your plan. If you have difficulty uploading the image, contact the Zocdoc service team. For more insurance-related questions, visit Zocdoc's patient help center.
Zocdoc is an easy option for finding an OB-GYN near you and is completely free and secure!
OB-GYN statistics in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
South Carolina has a considerable shortage of women who receive care from OB-GYNs. The state ranked 41 regarding the lack of adequate healthcare providers for women in 2021.
A U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report shows approximately 210 OB-GYNs for a population of more than 5 million as of 2021. The doctor-to-patient ratio under these circumstances does not look encouraging. The state ranked 42 in avoiding care due to cost and 40 in uninsured in the same year. The state ranked 40 and 38 in child and infant mortality, respectively, in 2021.
The situation has mostly stayed the same in 2022. According to the Dimes Report Card released in March 2022, the state received an 'F' grade, denoting a lack of doctors focusing on this specialty. According to America's Health Rankings, South Carolina ranked 41 in health in 2022.
The need to improve access to healthcare in South Carolina is urgent to curb the gap between the state and national average. There is an impending need to encourage and educate physical activity in the region for better reproductive health.
Sources
WebMD
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
March of Dimes
America Health Rankings
Verywell Health
University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Healthline
