Who is an OB-GYN?
An OB-GYN, or obstetrician-gynecologist, is a physician who specializes in the female reproductive system. They have the professional expertise, understanding, and skills that enable them to manage issues faced by the female population.
An obstetrician is a medical professional who manages routine and complex pregnancy, labor, and postpartum care. A gynecologist is a doctor who focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating disorders in the female reproductive system.
OB-GYNs who provide general services can work in various settings, including private clinics, hospitals, medical schools, the armed forces, medical organizations, universities, and more. After their education, some OB-GYNs may also prefer to work as academic researchers in public health, advocacy, or preventive care.
What kind of education and training do OB-GYNs receive?
OB-GYNs are medical doctors who receive specialized training to manage healthcare issues of the female reproductive system. While gynecologists focus on routine reproductive health care, obstetricians handle all aspects of pregnancy — from prenatal care to postnatal support.
Like other physicians, they begin by completing medical school and may initially receive certification in internal medicine or pediatrics. Following this, OB/GYNs must:
- Complete a four- to five-year residency program focusing on obstetrics and gynecology.
- Clear a certification exam conducted by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology in a specialty.
An OB-GYN’s training focuses on reproductive care, ambulatory primary care, health maintenance, disease prevention, diagnosis, treatments, consultations, surgery, and referrals.
What are the subspecialties in OB-GYN?
The American College of Surgeons states that nearly 90% of OB-GYNs practice as generalists. However, like other medical professions, OB-GYNs can specialize in specific areas of interest. Interested OB-GYNs undergo an additional one or two years of training in their focus area, known as a fellowship program.
After an OB-GYN fellowship, doctors pass a board certification exam to earn their accreditation in a specialty. Some of these specializations include:
- Gynecology oncology: An OB-GYN in this field focuses on treating cancers in the female reproductive tract. They perform surgery to treat tumors, administer chemotherapy medications, and work with other medical specialists to manage complex cases. For example, they may work with a radiation doctor to support cancer treatment.
- Maternal and fetal medicine: This branch, or MFM, focuses on offering care to pregnant women. OB-GYNs with this specialization care for women with high-risk pregnancies and also provide services to women pregnant with more than one baby.
- Reproductive endocrinology and infertility: OB-GYNs with this specialization provide reproductive medical care to women facing issues with getting pregnant. Their care includes treating conditions affecting the endocrine system because endocrine disorders may also affect reproductive fertility in women.
Standard procedures performed by OB-GYNs
Visiting an OB-GYN near you can be a very anxiety-inducing experience for some people. Knowing what to expect, especially regarding the kinds of procedures they can perform and how they help you, can ease the worries. OB-GYNs perform procedures of a wide range, including medical and surgical interventions. These procedures aid in maintaining and enhancing women's reproductive health. Some of the standard procedures performed by OB-GYNs are:
- Hysterectomy: An operation performed to remove the uterus. It stops menstruation and thus prevents women from getting pregnant. Hysterectomies can be of several different kinds (radical, total, hysterectomy with oophorectomy, etc.), depending on the patient's case and its requirements. They are a common way to treat bleeding, prolapse, cancer, etc.
- Ovarian cystectomy: Ovarian cystectomy is a procedure used to remove the cysts from the ovaries. A cyst is a fluid-filled development on the ovaries' walls or in the ovaries themselves. If neglected, such cysts can also turn cancerous and malignant. So, a cystectomy is a less invasive procedure for removing the cyst. This operation is also a procedure that causes significantly less discomfort to the patient.
- Polypectomy: Polypectomy is a procedure for removing uterine polyps, a growth that develops on the uterine walls and can often spread to the uterine cavity. This operation allows the OB-GYN to remove the polyps using the most minimally invasive procedure.
- Laparoscopic myomectomy: A myomectomy is the procedure of removing fibroids from the uterus. A fibroid is a non-cancerous cell growth in the uterus. If allowed to develop into a large fibroid, patients can experience a lot of pain. There are many ways to remove fibroids based on the point of growth, the patients' unique bodies, and their needs. A laparoscopic myomectomy ensures minimal invasiveness and a quick recovery.
- Hysteroscopic endometrial ablation: This operation helps treat abnormal uterine bleeding. It entails removing the uterine lining. The abnormal bleeding can be due to an extremely heavy or irregular period. This surgery completely stops menstrual bleeding in women, thus treating the issue.
Women's health tips
Staying healthy as a woman involves a proactive approach to wellness. Here are essential tips for maintaining your health:
- Exercise every day: Physical activity is paramount for heart health, bone and muscle strength, and overall wellness. 150 minutes of moderate weekly exercise, like dancing or brisk walking, is great. Seventy-five minutes of running or tennis can suffice for those who prefer vigorous activities. Include strength training twice a week. If you have a tight schedule, incorporate short bursts of activity throughout your day. Walk as much as possible. Choose stairs over elevators and park farther from your destination.
- Manage your weight: A healthy weight can significantly shrink your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. If you are overweight or obese, gradually lose 1-2 pounds weekly by combining better eating habits with regular exercise. Doctors advise against focusing solely on intense workouts; even tiny amounts of physical activity can make a significant difference. To achieve substantial weight loss, strive for 300 minutes of exercise weekly and minimize sugar intake.
- Cut down your stress: Chronic stress can harm your health, but you can mitigate its effects by setting boundaries and managing your workload. Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, massage, and regular exercise can help. Maintain a healthy diet and talk to friends, family, or a counselor for support.
- Create healthy habits: Adopting healthy habits today can prevent problems tomorrow. Brush and floss your teeth every day, say no to smoking, and limit alcohol to one drink per day. Follow your doctor's medication instructions precisely and aim for 8 hours of sleep each night. Protect your skin with sunscreen and wear a seatbelt to stay safe.
Moreover, regular checkups are crucial for maintaining optimal health. Your doctor can monitor your medical history, recommend screenings, and detect conditions early when they are most treatable. As a woman, having an OB-GYN as part of your healthcare team offers specialized care, making them invaluable allies in your health journey.
How do you prepare for your first OB-GYN visit?
Information from the ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) states that teens (between the ages of 13 and 15) should start seeing an OB-GYN. This experience can set the stage for years of talking and learning about reproductive and sexual health.
There are many reasons to visit an OB-GYN. Sometimes, teens might notice unusual periods or worry about how menstruation works. Many people feel nervous or confused during their first appointment. However, it is essential to know that this is a universal experience, and if you are anxious about something, let your doctor know. They will talk to you, provide guidance, and help you feel at ease.
The first session may be just a conversation between you and your doctor. You can discuss your problems, find out what to expect from medical checkups, and learn how to stay healthy and safe. If you have any medical questions or want to learn more about your body, your doctor will answer them. You can also discuss your growth, development, sex, puberty, menstruation, and more. Before leaving, your doctor may ask you to undergo specific exams or vaccinations.
When you visit your OB-GYN, they may ask many questions about you and your family. They may want to understand your personal, family, and medical history because this allows them to prescribe the correct medications and treatments based on your preferences. You might also have to discuss individual topics such as menstrual periods, sexual activities, and lifestyle.
The best way to address your concerns is to have a sincere and open discussion with your doctor. Before answering questions, you can talk to your OB-GYN about maintaining confidentiality.
Talking to your OB-GYN
Your yearly visit to the OB-GYN is more than just a routine checkup; it’s a chance to have an open, honest conversation about your reproductive health. No question is too personal or awkward. Remember, your doctor has likely heard it all before, and their role is to help, not judge.
Feel free to bring up any concerns you have. Some helpful questions you might ask include:
- “Is it normal for my periods to be irregular or unusually heavy?”
- “What could be causing changes in my vaginal discharge?”
- “What are the best birth control options for someone like me?”
- “Should I get tested for any sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?”
- “Are there any vaccines I should consider for reproductive health?”
Your OB-GYN will also ask you some personal but essential questions to understand your health better, such as:
- Are there any changes in your menstrual cycle?
- Are you currently sexually active?
- How many sexual partners have you had in the past and currently?
- Have you experienced any discomfort or issues during sex?
- Have you ever been diagnosed with an STI, or think you might have one?
- Are you using any form of contraception?
- Have you received the recommended vaccines, like the HPV vaccine?
These questions help your doctor provide the best care possible. Think of your OB-GYN as a trusted partner in your health journey. Keep up with your annual visits, and don’t hesitate to reach out between appointments if you notice anything unusual or concerning.
Are you looking for an OB-GYN near you in O Fallon?
If you are facing issues with menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, you might benefit from an OB-GYN visit. Are you looking for someone qualified to address your concerns? Do you feel uncomfortable sharing your personal experiences with your OB-GYN? Some people may shy away from answering questions, but doing so will help you prevent and treat issues before they worsen. An OB-GYN can help you out here because most doctors know it is often difficult for people to discuss their health issues. Hence, they will remain non-judgmental, open, and compassionate when they speak to you.
Zocdoc can help you search for the best OB-GYN in O Fallon, Missouri. You can search for gynecologists near you based on your symptoms, condition, procedure, location, specialty, date, and insurance plan. For example, type "heavy periods," "polycystic ovary syndrome," "OB-GYN," and "Missouri." The list you see will include all the providers who meet your criteria. You can click on their unique profile to read more about them.
Zocdoc's insurance feature makes finding the right doctor hassle-free by ensuring your insurance is accepted before you book. Upload your medical insurance card photo for quick and accurate plan selection on Zocdoc, though it's not mandatory. If you prefer, you can manually choose your insurance plan from the list. This step helps you dodge surprise costs and smooth out scheduling. For more information, check out Zocdoc's patient help center.
A doctor's profile includes their academic background, medical expertise, research interests, accreditations, hospital affiliations, rewards, ratings, languages they speak, gender, and more. For instance, if you feel more comfortable with a female OB-GYN, you can compare multiple profiles and pick a doctor based on gender. Moreover, Zocdoc users usually leave their comments after an appointment. Their reviews will give you an insight into what you can expect and the quality of services.
The process for booking an appointment is straightforward. Once you finalize an OB-GYN near you, booking online based on your and their availability is a matter of a few seconds. Zocdoc helps bridge the gap between you and gynecologists in a safe and accessible way.
Booking appointments with OB-GYNs on Zocdoc is simple, free, and secure!
OB-GYN statistics in Missouri
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics published the national employment statistics for OB-GYNs in May 2022. Data shows that around 21,450 OB-GYNs actively provide services in the United States. Approximately 14,480 worked in physician's offices, and 1,260 worked in outpatient care centers. The Kaiser Family Foundation data states that about 1,160 OB-GYNs are actively providing services in Missouri as of May 2023.
Estimates by the American Cancer Society (2023) show around 300,590 new breast cancer cases and nearly 43,700 deaths in the United States. In Missouri, the estimated number of new female breast cancer cases was about 5,700, and the estimated deaths were about 810.
The same organization stated that as of 2023, the estimated number of new cases of cervical cancer was about 13,960, and the estimated deaths were around 4,310 in the United States. In Missouri, the estimated number of new cases of cervical cancer was 280, and the estimated deaths were around 90.
These data reveal an urgent need to take female reproductive care seriously in Missouri.
Sources
WebMD[1]
WebMD[2]
WebMD[3]
Healthline
American College of Surgeons
Cleveland Clinic
St. George’s University
University of Medicine and Health Sciences
University of Illinois College of Medicine
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Kaiser Family Foundation
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
American Cancer Society
Boston Medical Center
