Who is an OB-GYN?
"OB-GYN" is an acronym for two specialists: an obstetrician and a gynecologist. An obstetrician is a healthcare professional trained to help women during pregnancy, labor, and after birth. Gynecology is a healthcare professional who specializes in the female reproductive system.
An OB-GYN specializes in both these fields and helps women care for their health. This specialization covers various issues women face from puberty to adulthood. Many professionals choose to specialize further in this field and dedicate their practice to a specific niche.
What are the subspecialties that OB-GYNs can pursue?
According to the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), OB-GYNs can specialize in seven recognized subspecialties:
- Critical care medicine is an OB-GYN who diagnoses, treats and offers necessary support to critically ill and injured patients.
- Complex family planning: An OB-GYN with expertise in this area provides advice about birth control options, managing unintended or abnormal pregnancies, and contraception for women with other health concerns.
- Gynecologic oncology: An OB-GYN specializing in this area diagnoses and treats patients with gynecologic cancers.
- Hospice and palliative medicine: This OB-GYN treats patients with life-threatening illnesses to minimize suffering.
- Female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery: OB-GYNs specializing in this offer medical and surgical treatments to women with pelvic floor disorders.
- Maternal-fetal medicine: OB-GYNs specialize in treating mothers and babies and managing any complications during pregnancy.
- Reproductive endocrinology and infertility: OB-GYNs specializing in this evaluate and treat hormonal and fertility issues.
What education and training does an OB-GYN have?
The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) OB-GYN) offers board certification to OB-GYNs in the US and Canada. The following is the list of requirements by ABOG:
- Graduation from an approved medical school is the first step to becoming an OB-GYN.
- Aspiring OB-GYNs must complete at least four years in a residency program in this field.
- Rotations need to be divided between different specialties during the residency.
- They must be experienced in primary and preventive care roles for six months during the residency, including inpatient and ambulatory care, performance and interpretation of diagnostic pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound, diagnosis and management of breast ailments, and lower urinary tract dysfunction.
- Each year, the aspiring OB-GYN must have taken on increased patient responsibility.
OB-GYNs learn about diagnosing, treating, managing, and preventing gynecological diseases throughout their education and practice. Once they attain their degree, they may choose to get certified by the Board. It is a voluntary process. There are two exams that the OB-GYNs need to take: a qualifying exam, which is a written test, and an oral exam.
Procedures that OB-GYNs perform
OB-GYNs are trained in major and minor surgeries to address gynecological concerns. These may be inpatient or outpatient procedures. They usually include the following:
- biopsy
- laser surgery
- dilation and curettage (tissue removal from the uterus)
- myomectomy, or the removal of fibroids
- tubal ligation for female sterilization
- hysterectomy, or the removal of the uterus
OB-GYNs also have extensive knowledge regarding pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. They can conduct and analyze the following tests:
- Pelvic exams: Gynecologists perform pelvic exams to look for signs of diseases in the vulva, vagina, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, bladder, and rectum. During the procedure, your doctor will insert their fingers or a speculum in your vagina and rectum. Your doctor will help you relax before and during the procedure to ease discomfort.
Having mild cramps and spotting for one or two days afterward is normal. However, you should contact your doctor if you have severe cramps or bleeding.
- Pap smears: Pap smears are a diagnostic test for cervical cancer. Doctors can also use it to check for HPV (human papillomavirus), a common sexually transmitted disease that increases the chances of cervical cancer. During a Pap smear, your OB-GYN takes cells from your cervix and inspects them under a microscope. This way, doctors can detect abnormal cells in the cervix before they become cancerous.
- Mammographies: Mammography involves taking low-energy X-rays of your breasts. Doctors use the images to check for early signs of breast cancer.
Additionally, if you experience a lump, pain, nipple discharge, or change in the color and texture of the skin on your breast, your OB-GYN will use the same X-rays to detect any abnormalities.
- Breast exams: During a breast exam, your doctor will feel for lumps, discoloration, and other symptoms of breast cancer. They might order further tests and suggest genetic counseling based on their assessment.
After your first breast exam, your OB-GYN will also discuss the risks of breast cancer and teach you how to perform self-breast exams.
- Cancer screenings: Your OB-GYN will check for signs of cancer in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, vagina, and vulva. They may also refer you to gynecologic oncologists for further checkups.
When should you consult an OB-GYN near you?
Regardless of how minor they may seem, you must visit an OB-GYN immediately if you have any gynecological issues. Even if you don't have any concerns, an annual preventive checkup is always a good idea. Here are some common issues for which women consult an OB-GYN:
- If they have any concerns related to any specific part, such as lumps in breasts, vaginal infections, pain, or if they seem to have any urological or gastrointestinal symptoms
- If they have questions about menstrual health, pregnancy, fertility, or contraception
- If they have concerns related to sexual health
Some women feel uncomfortable visiting an OB-GYN because they are involved in discussing sensitive details. However, it is always good to consult a medical professional and seek help when in doubt. Of course, OB-GYNs need to be sensitive to their patient's needs.
How to prepare for an appointment with your OB-GYN?
Here are a few things you can do to ensure you make the most of your appointment:
- Do not schedule an OB-GYN visit during your periods.
- Do not have penetrative sex or use lubricating products for two days before the visit. Otherwise, your Pap smear results might not be accurate.
- Douching refers to cleaning your vagina using a mixture of liquids. Many people believe vaginal douching can clean the pubic region and prevent any odors. Avoid douching for three to four days before seeing your gynecologist. Vaginal odor and discharge are nothing to be ashamed of. It helps doctors check for infections and hormonal imbalances.
- Whether you want to shave, trim, or skip grooming your pubic hair is entirely your choice. It does not affect any gynecologic procedures, and your doctor does not expect you to shave beforehand. However, if you regularly remove your public hair, wait to shave or wax until after your OB-GYN appointment. This way, you can avoid cuts, rashes, or inflammation, which make it difficult for your doctor to perform a pelvic exam.
What is abnormal menstrual bleeding?
Menstrual bleeding typically occurs almost every 28 days. It lasts about five days and involves losing 2 to 8 tablespoons of blood. When a woman experiences vaginal bleeding differently from the normal menstrual cycle, it is called abnormal menstrual bleeding or irregular periods. Since every woman is biologically different, the many variations in bleeding duration, amount, and timing are considered normal. Common signs of abnormal menstrual bleeding include the following:
- Shorter or longer periods than normal
- Bleeding post menopause
- Bleeding or spotting between periods
- Bleeding after sex
- Unusually light or heavy flow during periods
- Missing periods
- The more frequent or less frequent menstrual cycle than normal
See an OB-GYN near you immediately if you notice symptoms of such an irregular period.
Causes
The various causes of abnormal menstrual bleeding include the following:
- Hormonal changes in the body
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Cervical disorders
- Endometrial hyperplasia (build-up or thickening of the inner and outer lining of the uterus
- Menstrual dysfunction
- Use of intrauterine devices for birth control
- Birth control pills
- Tumors, fibroids, or polyps in the cervix, uterus, fallopian tube, or vagina
- Pregnancy complications
- Certain medications
- Cancer
Diagnosis and treatment
OB-GYNs may ask for your detailed medical history, including your menstruation cycle and bleeding. Therefore, you need to record your monthly cycles, including the start and end dates, other bleeding instances, amount of blood flow, and any other abnormal signs during periods. They may also conduct a detailed physical exam. Depending on the condition, OB-GYNs may recommend additional screening tests such as ultrasound, blood test, urine test, diagnostic hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, and endometrial biopsy.
Treatment for irregular periods mainly depends on a proper diagnosis, the woman's age, and other biological factors. Depending on the problem's severity, OB-GYNs may suggest simple lifestyle changes, prescribe medicines, or advise surgery. Regular well-women's health checkups help detect underlying conditions early. They also help receive holistic treatment, which prevents the disorder from becoming a significant health complication.
Questions you should ask your OB-GYN
Do you have various queries about your sexual and reproductive health but are too embarrassed to bring them up during your OB-GYN appointment? You're not alone—most women have similar feelings and prefer looking up their doubts online instead.
While that is acceptable, sometimes the information may be misleading. Hence, asking your OB-GYN and receiving proper advice tailored to your unique situation is best. Find a comprehensive list of questions below that you can consider asking during different stages of life, including menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and more.
Questions about general women's health
- How do I know if my vaginal discharge is normal or unusual?
- Can I douche down there?
- How can I prevent urinary tract infections?
- Is it okay to remove pubic hair frequently?
- How can I manage vaginal odor?
- How should I perform a breast self-exam and how often?
- How frequently should I visit for a well-woman exam?
Questions about menstruation
- How can I manage my food cravings during PMS?
- How should my menstrual flow be? What is considered light or heavy bleeding?
- What counts as irregular periods? What are the causes?
- Can I become pregnant during periods?
Questions about sex
- What are my birth control options?
- Is painful intercourse considered normal?
- Why can’t I have an orgasm? Is there anything I can do about it?
- Can you share information on STIs? What are the signs? How can I prevent it? How often should I have STI testing?
Questions about pregnancy
- How often should I have sex to get pregnant?
- What lifestyle and diet changes should I make when trying to conceive?
- When should I approach a fertility specialist?
Questions about menopause
- How can I manage vaginal dryness?
- How can I prevent urinary incontinence?
- Are there ways to improve my libido?
- Can you discuss hot flashes and night sweats?
- How can I keep my bones, joints, and muscles healthy?
How can you find a good OB-GYN near you in New Port Richey, Florida?
A good OB-GYN is experienced in handling patients with care and has expertise in their domain. Zocdoc can assist you in locating the best OB-GYN. To do so, you need to register online on the platform. Then, enter your preferred location, specialization, appointment date, and time, and let Zocdoc do the rest.
You can filter Zocdoc's results by gender, hospital affiliation, and whether the specialist treats children. Zocdoc will also provide detailed information on each OB-GYN. Each profile will include their educational qualifications, board certifications, clinical interests, specializations, practice history, certifications, other accolades, and languages they can speak. You can also read verified patient reviews to make an informed selection.
Zocdoc assists you in connecting with an OB-GYN in New Port Richey, Florida, who accepts your insurance plan. If you want to know your insurance plan, upload an image of your insurance card to your Zocdoc account, and we will find and display information regarding your insurance plan (this facility is not available for vision or dental plans). You can also check out Zocdoc's patient help center for more information and solutions related to insurance.
You can book the appointment on Zocdoc in just a few steps. Once you have chosen the profile that best suits you based on your preferences, click on the appointment tab and confirm your booking. You can even book appointments for online consultations. You must click on the purple video icon next to the doctor's profile, which helps you find an OB-GYN near you offering virtual consultations. All Zocdoc bookings are simple, free, and secure!
Statistics for OB-GYNs and gynecological diseases in Florida and the USA
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OB-GYNs in Florida earn a mean wage of about $248,800 annually. It is lower than the US national yearly wage estimate for OB-GYNs, which is $296,210. The Bureau needed more data on the number of OB-GYNs employed in the state.
According to the Florida Department of Health, in 2019, the age-adjusted rate for ovarian cancer in Florida was 10.4 per 100,000 female population.
According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in every eight women in America will develop breast cancer. It predicts that the US will have about 287,850 invasive breast cancer cases in 2022. Furthermore, there will be 43,200 breast cancer-related deaths in the US in 2022.
The statistics underline the need for women to take preventive checkups seriously and visit their OB-GYNs for guidance and advice.
Sources
BreastCancer.org
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Florida Department of Health
St George's University
University of Illinois
Healthline[1]
Healthline[2]
Mayo Clinic
HealthCentral
Cleveland Clinic[1]
Cleveland Clinic[2]
Cleveland Clinic[3]
Cleveland Clinic[4]
Planned Parenthood
Baylor Medicine
Everlywell
