Who is an OB-GYN?
An OB-GYN is an acronym for two different kinds of medical specialists working for female sexual health. OB refers to an obstetrician, and GYN refers to a gynecologist. Both specialists work towards addressing the health and reproductive problems related to females. A female body undergoes many changes, including pregnancy, labor, childbirth, postpartum, menstrual cycle, and hormonal imbalance. An OB-GYN best handles all these acute as well as chronic problems.
An obstetrician is a health professional with experience providing medical care during and after pregnancy. They address pregnancy complications, the child's health, and the postpartum period.
A gynecologist mainly focuses on the problems related to the female reproductive system. They care for issues related to the vagina, uterus, breasts, ovaries, and hormonal imbalances (PCOD/PCOS). OB-GYNs can operate in several work settings, which include private clinics, government hospitals, birthing facilities, and fertility and surgical centers.
What are the educational qualifications that an OB-GYN must have?
Becoming an OB-GYN requires years of study, tests, and practice. OB-GYNs undergo the following steps to acquire the M.D. (Medical Doctor) degree.
- Four years of an undergraduate degree, preferably in a science field.
- MCAT/Medical College Admissions Test, is required for acceptance into a medical school.
- Four years of medical school, during which they receive either a standard medical degree or a specialized one, depending on their choice.
- Complete an internship or a residency program. A residency program lasts 3–7 years, whereas an internship only lasts one year. During the residency, students learn about women's sexual health and other topics under the supervision of a doctor.
- Some OB-GYNs complete an additional three years of training to specialize in a particular field of obstetrics-gynecology.
- The last step the OB-GYNs go through is acquiring the board certification and then the state license. The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) provides the board certification and license authorization by the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
After passing the rigorous examinations, OB-GYNs work as board-certified and licensed professionals.
What are the subspecialties of OB-GYN?
Data from the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) shows that while most OB-GYNs are generalists, some obtain board certification in a subspecialty, such as:
- Maternal-fetal medicine specialists: They provide care for patients with high-risk pregnancies and related medical conditions. The doctor may refer you to a maternal-fetal medicine OB-GYN if you show signs of conditions such as chronic or gestational high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, blood clotting disorders, or are at risk for premature labor.
- Reproductive endocrinology and infertility: These endocrinologists specialize in addressing infertility and treating issues related to the glands and hormones of the endocrine system. If you're experiencing difficulty conceiving and want to start a family, a reproductive endocrinologist can provide the necessary assistance. These specialists can perform assisted reproduction procedures, including in vitro fertilization, gamete intrafallopian transfer, zygote intrafallopian transfer, and embryo transfer.
- Gynecologic oncology: These oncologists diagnose, treat, and manage cancers affecting the female reproductive system. They are experts in addressing cancers of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and vulva.
- Female pelvic medicine and reproductive surgery: They specialize in treating urinary tract disorders and issues related to the muscle and connective tissue under the pelvis, known as the pelvic floor. Factors such as pregnancy, aging, and certain medical conditions can weaken the pelvic floor. These specialists address concerns such as urinary or fecal incontinence, overactive bladder, vaginal or urinary tract infections, bladder pain, and pelvic organ prolapse.
What are the differences between an OB-GYN and a gynecologist?
Many people assume that OB-GYNs and gynecologists are the same, but there is a key distinction. An OB-GYN specializes in obstetrics (pregnancy and childbirth) and gynecology (female reproductive health), whereas a gynecologist focuses solely on the latter.
An obstetrician provides fertility treatments, can guide you in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in case you deliver a premature baby, and ensure your gestation and delivery are without complications. They can handle several pregnancy complications, including ectopic pregnancy, fetal distress, placenta issues, and preeclampsia, among many others.
On the other hand, a gynecologist cares for a woman throughout various life stages of her reproductive life, from menarche to post-menopause. They diagnose and treat conditions affecting the cervix, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and vagina. These medical professionals also perform essential screenings such as Pap smears, pelvic exams, and breast assessments.
Additionally, they conduct procedures like hysterectomies and tubal ligations. They can also offer guidance on sexual health, including contraception, hygiene, and protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Visiting a gynecologist near you is recommended if you require routine checkups and reproductive health evaluations.
When should you visit an OB-GYN near you?
Changes in the body are more common in female adults. There are various problems due to which our body gives signs that we sometimes miss out. Here is a list of symptoms or conditions that a gynecologist near you can help with:
- Irregular periods: These are some of the most common reasons teenagers visit a gynecologist. It is also a symptom of PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). The condition is diagnosed with a sonography test. PCOD originates from hormonal imbalances, which create small yet painful cysts on the outer edges of the enlarged ovaries. The menstrual cycle might come in a gap of 3-4 months and can cause painful cramps and heavy bleeding.
- UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections): No infection is age-bound, but teenage girls usually complain of these bacterial infections. UTIs affect your bladder and, in severe cases, can infect the kidney. Severe pelvic pain, blood in urine, and painful urination are some of the symptoms of UTI. If you experience any abnormal pain in your pelvic area, do visit your gynecologist.
- Pre and post-pregnancy: You will need guidance from an obstetrician before, during, and after pregnancy. They best understand the complications and provide you with various preventive measures. They conduct prenatal screenings, multiple tests, and sonography to ensure the child's and mother's health. At postpartum, the obstetrician does a mental and physical health screening to understand the problems with the mother's health.
- Lumps or fibroids: If you feel lumps or fibroids in your breast, you should immediately visit a gynecologist. These can be a symptom of breast cancer, and sometimes they can be harmless. The cause of fibroid is unknown, but hormonal imbalance and a poor lifestyle can worsen them.
- Vaginal odor: If you experience a terrible/abnormal odor from your vagina, it's time to book an appointment with a gynecologist near you. It can be due to some bacterial and yeast infections cured by proper medication.
- Incontinence: It refers to loss of bladder control, which means you will have urine or feces leakage whenever you sneeze or laugh. You can develop this condition during childbirth due to the use of forceps. Females experiencing menopause and people in their 60s experience this issue often. One needs to consult their gynecologist immediately if the condition persists. The doctor may prescribe medications, surgical treatment, therapy sessions, and lifestyle or diet changes.
Should girls visit an OB-GYN before turning 21?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology recommend that regardless of sexual activity, a person should get a Pap test done at 21 to screen for cervical cancer. ACOG also advises that girls have their first OB-GYN visit between ages 13 and 15. Since the average age of the first menstrual cycle in the U.S. is around 12 years and nine months, it is beneficial for girls to visit a gynecologist as early as 13. Preteens new to gynecologic care may also benefit from seeing a pediatric and adolescent gynecologist.
Early visits allow young women to discuss topics they may not feel comfortable addressing with parents, such as periods, sex, and birth control. Misinformation from friends or online sources can be misleading, so having a trusted OB-GYN helps ensure they receive accurate guidance.
Visiting an OB-GYN before 21 can help young women understand their menstrual cycle, manage painful or irregular periods, learn about consensual relationships, discuss sexuality, and lower the risk of STIs or Sexually Transmitted Infections. It also promotes a healthy lifestyle and overall well-being as they transition into adulthood.
What should you expect from an OB-GYN visit?
During an OB-GYN visit, your doctor may examine your reproductive organs internally and externally. The OB-GYN employs various tools and equipment throughout the checkup and procedure.
A visit to an OB-GYN near you can include the following:
- Preliminary questions: Depending on your condition or concern, your OB-GYN may ask specific questions about your menstrual cycle, sexual activity, birth control, vaginal discharge, and any symptoms you might be experiencing. During this discussion, try to be open with your OB-GYN, as honest responses will help them better understand your concern and provide an accurate diagnosis or solution.
- Vaginal exam: The physician will check your outer labia and vagina for growths, lumps, and other abnormalities. This exam helps them determine if you have cysts or infections.
- Speculum pelvic exam: During a pelvic exam, your doctor will use a speculum, a duck-bill-shaped device made of plastic or metal. This instrument helps widen your vaginal wall, which allows your OB-GYN to get a closer view of your reproductive organs and check for any signs of diseases.
- Pap smear: While the speculum is still in place, the physician will collect cells from your cervix using a swab or brush. This test helps OB-GYNs to identify abnormal cervical cells before they become cancerous.
- Bi-manual exam: After removing the speculum, the OB-GYN will carefully insert a gloved, lubricated finger inside the vagina. They will use the other hand to apply light pressure at the top of your abdomen to analyze the uterus and ovaries.
- Breast exam: Your physician may ask if you want a breast exam. If you opt for this test, your OB-GYN will feel your underarms and breasts while you are lying down. They will check for discoloration, lumps, and changes in your nipples. This test helps to screen for breast cancer.
Find the best OB-GYN in Naperville, Illinois.
Consulting an OB-GYN is personal; many people feel uncomfortable discussing their problems. Finding a trained OB-GYN can be challenging, and if you are still looking for a trusted and trained one in Naperville, Illinois, Zocdoc is here for you.
Zocdoc's easy-to-use platform offers free registration no matter where you are. Once registered, you can use several filters to find the best specialty doctors near you. You can filter the list of doctors based on your condition, location, preferred appointment date, and insurance plans. If you need help with your insurance plan, use the Zocdoc insurance detector. Additionally, you can upload your insurance card securely and hassle-free.
Zocdoc prioritizes your privacy and security and follows the industry's best practices to safeguard your information. You can read more about how Zocdoc handles data and privacy and check out Zocdoc's Patient Help Center for answers to any further insurance-related queries. Afterward, you can select your preferred doctor from the list of the best doctors.
Each doctor has a personalized profile that showcases their gender, experience, specialization, services they offer, certifications, reviews, and spoken languages. Most importantly, you can know which doctor accepts your insurance plan and make an appointment accordingly. You can make in-person or video-call appointments based on the doctor's availability.
Booking appointments with OB-GYNs near you on Zocdoc is simple, secure, and 100% free!
Statistics on women's health in Illinois
Teen pregnancy has become an expected outcome of low income, education, and societal pressure. As per the Illinois data presented by Power to Decide, there were 5,379 teen births in 2020. It led to an escalation in the teen birth rate to 13.6% (per 1000 girls). According to the women of Illinois, 52% of pregnancies were unplanned.
Pregnancies often come with a risk of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) and UTIs (urinary tract infections). Illinois has detected a large number of cases of chlamydia, which makes it rank in the 10th position in the country. The state also ranked for syphilis (19th), congenital syphilis (31st), and gonorrhea (13th).
Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention STD Surveillance 2020 report, the rate per 100,000 population of STD-related diseases has increased immensely. Chlamydia accounts for 66.3%, gonorrhea for 30%, syphilis for 1.4%, and congenital syphilis for 2.3%. These statistics have presented the urgent need for STD checkups and control of teen pregnancies. Women and teenagers must have regular checkups with their OB-GYN specialists and take preventive measures as instructed.
Sources
American College of Surgeons
Healthline
MedicalNewsToday
WebMD
Financial Express
Fleur Women's Health
PowerToDecide
Testing
GoodRx Health
Cleveland Clinic
Wooster Community Hospital
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Michigan Medicine
UChicago Medicine
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