Who are OB-GYNs, and what do they do?
OB-GYNs specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating all conditions affecting the female reproductive system. Women undergo several biological changes during their lifetime, including menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. OB-GYNs help women through all these stages and act as primary care doctors for most of them.
Obstetrics is the field of medicine that focuses on the medical and surgical care for women through maternity; this includes pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. OB-GYNs conduct regular checkups in pregnant women, assist with labor and delivery of babies, and perform other surgeries in pregnant women.
Gynecology is the field of medicine that studies women's bodies and reproductive health, including puberty to adulthood. Gynecologists learn about the conditions affecting all portions of the female reproductive system and treat these issues using medications.
Educational qualifications of OB-GYNs in the U.S. and subspecialties in the field
Becoming an OB-GYN in the U.S. begins with four years of an undergraduate degree, followed by four years of medical school. Graduates are required to complete a four-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology under the supervision of an attending physician. The specialization in OB-GYN takes another three years to complete.
The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology conducts examinations to certify OB-GYNs in the U.S. All OB-GYNs in the U.S. must retake this exam every six years to maintain their certification.
OB-GYNs in the U.S. can choose to specialize in any of the following fields:
- Maternal-fetal medicine (care for patients having high-risk pregnancies)
- Reproductive endocrinology and infertility (study and perform all forms of infertility treatments)
- Gynecologic oncology (focus on diagnosing and treating all cancers of the female reproductive system)
- Female pelvic medicine and reproductive surgery (have a deep understanding of uterine tract and pelvic floor disorders)
Diagnostic tests that OB-GYNs perform
Choosing the best OB-GYN near you ensures that you receive top-quality care customized to your reproductive health concerns. OB-GYNs perform various diagnostic tasks; some common ones centric on women include a pap smear, colposcopy, endometrial biopsy, ultrasound scanning, and hysteroscopy.
- Pap smear: The pap test is the most commonly performed screening and diagnostic test for detecting cervical cancer in women. During this test, the doctor collects a sample of cells from the cervical region and studies them in the laboratory. The success of cervical cancer treatment greatly depends on the timely diagnosis, and a pap smear test is the simplest way to do that. Two days before the test, the OB-GYN will advise you to abstain from sexual intercourse and use any medications or devices in the vagina. During the test, the patient undresses from the waist down and lies down on the back with knees bent and heels resting on stirrups. The doctor utilizes a speculum to open the vaginal walls and then collects cervical cells using a device called a spatula. If your OB-GYN notices abnormalities in the cervical sample collected, they suggest other tests such as colposcopy and endometrial biopsy.
- Colposcopy: This is a procedure where the OB-GYN uses a colposcope (a type of magnifying instrument) to closely examine the vagina, vulva, and cervix for signs of any problems. Besides looking for precancerous changes in these regions, colposcopy aids in diagnosing genital warts and cervicitis (cervical inflammation). The precautions before colposcopy and positioning of the patient during the procedure are the same as a pap smear. Once the vaginal walls open, the doctor cleans the mucous, shines a bright light, and looks at the tissues. While colposcopy is quite a safe procedure, rarely-seen complications include heavy bleeding, fever with chills, pelvic and abdominal pain, and infection.
- Endometrial biopsy: It is an invasive procedure used in patients with abnormal menstrual bleeding, no uterine bleeding, or bleeding post-menopause. The biopsy helps diagnose uterine polyps, fibroids, endometritis (infections in the uterus), and endometrial cancer. This procedure is contraindicated in pregnant women as it can lead to miscarriage. The patient lies in the same position as a Pap smear during the biopsy. The doctor collects tissue samples from all the areas with abnormalities. Rare complications following an endometrial biopsy include pelvic infections, severe bleeding, and puncture of the uterine wall.
- Obstetric ultrasound: It is a non-invasive imaging test used for taking real-time pictures of the woman's uterus and ovaries. The procedure uses high-frequency sound waves that travel into the body and bounce back when they hit the internal organs. A computer connected to the ultrasound probe captures and displays the image on the monitor. In pregnant women, regular ultrasound testing helps assess the fetus's position, development, and condition. The test also allows the OB-GYN to observe the mother's uterus and ovaries and watch for any changes.
- Hysteroscopy: It is a procedure where the OB-GYN inserts a thin tube with a light in the end, known as a hysteroscope, into the uterus and examines the internal tissues. Hysteroscopy is used for diagnostic and treatment purposes.
Diagnostic hysteroscopy detects the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding. It identifies irregularities in the uterine walls, fibroids and polyps in the uterus, uterine adhesions (Aserman's syndrome), and uterine septums (uterine defects present since birth). It also diagnoses fertility issues, placental tissues following birth, and locating the position of an intrauterine device (IUD).
Operative hysteroscopy allows OB-GYNs to correct the uterine abnormalities detected during diagnostic hysteroscopy, preventing the need for a second surgery. The doctor uses an instrument to scrape and clear the uterine walls and remove foreign bodies, growths, scar tissues, and adhesions.
General services provided by an OB-GYN
The OB-GYN team offers a comprehensive range of services to address various aspects of women's health. These services apply to women at every stage of their life, from adolescence through pregnancy, menopause, and beyond. The team delivers both surgical and nonsurgical care, including:
- Birth control: When it comes to contraception, there are numerous options available. OB-GYN experts collaborate with patients to evaluate their lifestyle, personal preferences, and health status to help them select the most suitable birth control method.
- Fertility care: For women experiencing challenges in conceiving a biological child, OB-GYN teams offer guidance and support. They assist those who are trying to get pregnant or have questions about fertility, providing insights into when to seek help, identifying the causes of fertility issues, and connecting patients with relevant services.
- Pelvic health: Pelvic health disorders are common, affecting nearly one in three women. These disorders can result in symptoms such as incontinence, urinary urgency, pelvic discomfort, and sexual problems. A multidisciplinary team of experts works with patients to assess their specific issues and create personalized treatment plans to alleviate symptoms.
- Prenatal care: If a couple plans to start or expand their families, OB-GYN teams can provide comprehensive care. It includes pre-pregnancy planning, prenatal care, and postpartum care. Additionally, innovative options like teleneonatology and specialized programs like the Mayo Clinic OB Nest may be available.
- Robotic surgery: Some OB-GYN specialists employ advanced technology such as the da Vinci Surgical System, offering minimally invasive alternatives to traditional surgery and laparoscopy. This technology enables precise and delicate procedures through small incisions.
- Well-women checkup: Preventive care is essential for maintaining overall health. A well-woman checkup allows for patients and their OB-GYN providers to review health status, discuss preventive measures, conduct necessary screenings, and address any questions or concerns related to women's health.
7 Tips to prepare for your first OB-GYN appointment
As we grow and our bodies change, visiting an OB-GYN near you becomes a necessary part of healthcare for young women. The recommended age for a first OB-GYN visit is between 13 and 15. Here are seven helpful tips to make your first visit more comfortable and stress-free.
- Understand why you're going
Knowing why you're going to an OB-GYN helps ease any anxiety. Your first visit is a chance to discuss things like birth control, STI testing, and any menstrual or hormonal issues you might be experiencing. Noting your questions beforehand ensures you cover everything on your mind and feel prepared to make the most of your time with the doctor.
If you're under 21, your first appointment probably won't include a pelvic exam unless you're sexually active, want STI testing, or have specific health issues like abnormal bleeding or painful periods. For those over 21, a pelvic exam and Pap test are typically recommended to screen for cervical health.
- What to expect in a pelvic exam
Suppose a pelvic exam is part of your appointment. In that case, it involves a few steps: an external exam of the vulva, a vaginal exam using a speculum to check the cervix, and a bimanual exam to check your reproductive organs.
You can discuss birth control options even if you're not having a pelvic exam. Your doctor will ask about your lifestyle, medical history, and preferences to suggest the best method. For instance, if remembering to take a daily pill isn't your style, they might recommend an IUD or another longer-term option.
- Don't worry about appearances
It's normal to feel self-conscious, but your doctor is focused on your health, not appearance. Before your appointment, a simple shower and rinsing your genital area with water are all you need.
- Be ready to share personal information
Your OB-GYN will ask about details like your period's frequency, flow, cramps, and mood changes, as well as your sexual activity. Answering these questions ensures they have accurate information to support your health without judgment.
- Know your family's medical history
Understanding your family's health history, including any tendencies toward blood clots or other medical conditions, is essential for the OB-GYN near you to make informed recommendations, particularly regarding options like hormonal birth control.
Locating the best OB-GYN near you in Oak Lawn, Illinois
Zocdoc's easy-to-understand online portal is one of the best places to locate the best gynecologists practicing near you. With Zocdoc, you can customize your search based on your location (home or office), zip code, type of specialist you wish to see, your condition or symptoms, and even your medical insurance. Zocdoc lists all the major insurance care providers in a simple drop-down menu, and once you select your insurance policy and plan, the application will list all the in-network OB-GYNs.
On Zocdoc, you can store multiple insurance plans, including medical, dental, and vision. However, when scheduling an appointment, only one plan can be chosen. You can mention secondary insurance in the notes section during the booking process if you need to use secondary insurance. Additionally, if your healthcare provider uses Zocdoc's intake forms, you can add secondary insurance details when completing them online. For more detailed guidance on managing your insurance, refer to Zocdoc's patient help center.
All the OB-GYNs listed on Zocdoc have a separate profile page that lists all the essential information about their training and practice. The profile details the doctors' work experience, certifications, accreditations, affiliations, and any awards received in the past. It also discusses the healthcare professional's gender, language preferences, and cultural background. The profile also lists the places, days, and times the OB-GYNs provide consultations. Zocdoc also provides customer reviews and ratings of each provider. Exploring these reviews can help you find the best OB-GYN near you.
Use Zocdoc's application to book in-person or online appointments several days prior, 24 hours before, and even on the same day, based on the availability of the specialist.
All bookings on Zocdoc are fast, free, and secure!
OB-GYN statistics in Oak Lawn, Illinois
According to the "May 2021 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates" report, published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 580 OB-GYNs were legally practicing in Illinois. The concentration of these specialists in the state was much lower than the national average number found in the U.S.
According to the report published by the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, 17,521 women in Illinois underwent screening and diagnostic tests for cervical cancer, and 34,957 women underwent screening and diagnostic tests for breast cancer between July 2016 and June 2021. 23.2% of women tested for human papillomavirus, and 9.2% of women who underwent pap tests got abnormal results. Of these, 2,108 were diagnosed with premalignant cervical lesions or cervical cancer. The report also stated that 20.1% of the 50,776 women who had mammograms got abnormal results, and breast cancer was detected in 474.
According to the data provided by the American Cancer Society, there will be 11,530 new cases of breast cancer, 2,770 cases of uterine cancer, 720 cases of ovarian cancer, and 520 cases of cervical cancer among Illinois women in 2023. The organization also predicted that during this year, 1,720 women would die from breast cancer, 570 from uterine cancer, 550 from ovarian cancer, and 160 from cervical cancer.
Sources
Healthline Media
Mayo Clinic[1]
Mayo Clinic[2]
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Radiological Society of North America
Cleveland Clinic
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
American Cancer Society
Mayo Clinic[3]
67th Street OB/GYN
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