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What is OB-GYN?

OB-GYN includes two disciplines: obstetrics and gynecology. An obstetrician focuses on pregnancy and related health issues, while a gynecologist focuses on reproductive health in general. Obstetrician-gynecologists, or OB-GYNs, are healthcare professionals with unique skills and knowledge in providing medical and surgical care for female reproductive system-related disorders. OB-GYNs can serve as primary care physicians for females and consultants to other providers.

What is the difference between an obstetrician and a gynecologist?

There is a common misconception that obstetricians and gynecologists are the same. An obstetrician specializes in all pregnancy-related things, from prenatal to postnatal care, whereas a gynecologist focuses only on female reproductive health, from the first period to post-menopause.

A gynecologist can diagnose and treat any reproductive-related issues, such as those related to the cervix, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, or vagina. They also perform screenings such as breast exams, pap smears, and pelvic exams. Furthermore, they can perform hysterectomies and tubal ligations. They are also ideal for advice on sexual matters, such as sexual hygiene, contraceptives, and protection against sexually transmitted diseases. 

In short, a gynecologist can treat any condition or concern related to female reproductive health that is not associated with pregnancy. 

Obstetricians, on the other hand, can help you get pregnant via fertility treatments, deliver babies, and offer guidance in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). They also tackle pregnancy complications, like:

• Ectopic pregnancy (where a fetus grows outside the uterus)
• Signs of fetal distress (when the fetus isn't doing well for several reasons)
• Placenta issues
• Preeclampsia
• C-section delivery

An obstetrician will see that you have a healthy delivery and can also help with issues such as postpartum depression.

Hence, many physicians choose to become OB-GYNs to address the full range of their patients' healthcare needs and provide comprehensive care.

Education and training requirements to become an OB-GYN

To become an OB-GYN, a doctor must earn a bachelor's degree and undergo four years of medical school. After graduating from medical school, the doctors undergo four years of obstetrics and gynecology residency. During residency, doctors are trained under senior doctors and learn the various aspects of diagnosing, treating, managing, and preventing OB-GYN-related diseases and medical conditions. 

After completing residency, doctors must undergo three additional years of training before they can specialize. Additionally, they must pass a specialty board certification exam after finishing all required training. The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology supervises this test. OB-GYNs must pass an exam every six years to maintain their certification.

Specialty areas of OB-GYN

Approximately 90% of OB-GYNs specialize in one or more areas. This indicates that they provide a wide array of healthcare services. Some decide to focus on one or more different subspecialties. These may consist of the following:

1. Maternal-fetal medicine

These specialists provide care for patients with high-risk pregnancies and other related medical conditions. You can consult a maternal-fetal medicine specialist if you have the following:

• Chronic or gestational high blood pressure
• Gestational diabetes
• Blood-clotting disorders
• Premature labor

2. Gynecologic oncology

These specialists have expertise in oncology. They treat cancers related to:

• Uterus
• Ovaries
• Cervix
• Vulva

3. Reproductive endocrinology and infertility

These endocrinologists deal with issues relating to infertility and the endocrine system's glands and hormones. You can visit a reproductive endocrinologist if you want to get pregnant but are having trouble conceiving. They carry out assisted reproductive techniques like:

• In vitro fertilization
• Zygote intrafallopian transfer
• Embryo transfer
• Gamete intrafallopian transfer

4. Female reproductive surgery and pelvic medicine

These doctors specialize in treating female patients with urinary tract conditions. They also concentrate on diseases affecting the muscles and connective tissue below a woman's pelvis. Due to pregnancy, aging, or specific medical conditions, the pelvic floor may weaken. Reproductive surgery and pelvic medicine specialists can treat:

• Urinary or fecal incontinence
• Overactive bladder
• Bladder pain
• Vaginal or urinary tract infections
• Pelvic organ prolapse

What are some procedures performed by OB-GYNs?

OB-GYNs can perform minor and major surgeries, both outpatient and inpatient. The following are examples of such procedures:

• Myomectomy, or removal of fibroids
• Tubal ligation for female sterilization
• Biopsy
• Dilation and curettage
• Laser surgery
• Hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus

OB-GYNs can also manage your health during childbirth, pregnancy, and postpartum. Several procedures can be performed during this time, including:

• Forceps and vacuum delivery
• Cesarean delivery
• Amniocentesis to determine sex and detect any abnormalities
• In vitro fertilization
• Vaginal delivery

OB-GYNs conduct screenings and preventive tests as well, such as:

• Mammograms
• Pelvis exams
• Cancer screenings
• Clinical breast exams
• Pap smears

What can you expect at an appointment with an OB-GYN?

The first step of a visit to an OB-GYN near you is a physical examination (blood pressure, weight, temperature). The doctor will also examine other health aspects, such as your weight, blood pressure, and a urine or blood sample, for signs of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and other diseases. The doctor will examine your medical history before performing a pelvic and breast exam. If you are in for a pap smear, the doctor will use a specialized swab to collect cervical tissue samples for a pap smear. You might also undergo additional tests as per your medical history and any conditions you may have.

What is a pelvic exam?

A pelvic exam is a comprehensive examination of the female reproductive and sexual organs, typically conducted by a gynecologist or an OB-GYN. It involves visually and physically inspecting various organs, including the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and rectum. This examination is crucial for detecting signs of infection, illness, and various reproductive health issues.

The process begins with the individual putting on a gown and lying on the exam table, covering up with a sheet. The doctor may inquire about health concerns and often check if the patient needs to use the bathroom before starting. The doctor will press on the lower abdomen and feel for organs. The individual may be asked to move toward the end of the table and bend their knees.

The doctor examines the vulva for signs of infection, swelling, or sores. Subsequently, a lubricated speculum is inserted into the vagina to widen it, facilitating a clearer view of internal organs. A Pap smear may be performed during this stage, involving the collection of cervical cells to check for abnormalities, especially signs of cervical cancer. Additionally, they may take a sample of vaginal discharge to screen for infections.

Following the speculum removal, a bimanual examination is conducted. Placing two fingers inside the vagina while pressing down on the pelvis with the other hand, the doctor will check for changes/abnormalities in the reproductive organs. The doctor may perform a rectal exam. This includes inserting a finger into the rectum to examine areas behind the vaginal wall, uterus, and rectum.

While the pelvic exam may cause discomfort, it typically takes 10 minutes. After the exam, the doctor will address any questions or concerns the individual may have. Honest communication about sexual health is encouraged, and medical professionals are obligated to keep private information confidential.

The doctor will inform the Pap smear results and may recommend further testing if necessary. Pelvic exams are performed for various reasons, including annual checkups, monitoring reproductive health during pregnancy, identifying infections, and investigating pelvic or lower back pain. They are integral to preventive care, helping individuals make correct decisions about their health and well-being.

Finding the right OB-GYN near you in Okemos, Michigan

With Zocdoc, you can easily find the best and most experienced OB-GYN in Okemos, Michigan, from within the comforts of your home.

First, create an account on Zocdoc. Next, choose the specialty or condition, location, date, and insurance plan. Based on your search criteria, a comprehensive list of OB-GYNs will appear. You can use the Zocdoc insurance detector to help with your insurance plan. If you can't find your medical insurance plan on Zocdoc, upload a photo of your insurance card. Zocdoc will automatically scan the image and display your most likely plan. This feature isn't available for dental or vision insurance cards. If you face any issues while uploading the image, don't hesitate to contact Zocdoc's service team for assistance. Additionally, you can check out Zocdoc's patient help center for answers to any further insurance-related queries. Furthermore, you can filter your search by gender, hospital affiliations, and languages spoken. 

On Zocdoc, each OB-GYN has a dedicated profile. Thoroughly viewing these profiles can help you make an informed choice. The profile briefly introduces the doctor, their education qualification, practice location, visit reasons, and board certifications.

Zocdoc asks patients to leave a review when they finish an appointment. These updated and verified reviews and user ratings by past patients can help you find the best OB-GYN per your care requirements. 

You can also book video appointments on Zocdoc before an in-person visit to better understand your OB-GYN. Look for a purple video icon on the doctor's profiles, or filter the video appointment selection. 

Booking appointments with an OB-GYN near you on Zocdoc is simple, secure, and 100% free.

OB-GYN-related statistics in Michigan and the U.S.

The American Cancer Society reports that in Michigan, approximately 580 women may develop ovarian cancer in 2024. Moreover, approximately 19,710 women in the US may develop ovarian cancer. In hindsight, there were roughly 13,770 ovarian cancer-related deaths and 21,410 new cases in 2021 in the U.S.

Per the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, ovarian cancer accounts for about 2.5% of all cancers and is the fifth most common cause of death in women. It is among the deadliest gynecologic cancers. The median age at which ovarian cancer is fatal is 70, with women between 55 and 64 having the highest prevalence.

As per America’s Health Rankings 2022 data, the percentage of infants weighing less than 2,500 gm (having low birthweight) was 9.2% in Michigan. This was slightly higher than the national percentage of around 8.6%. Mothers aged 40-44 (≈11.6%) and those aged 15-19 (≈11.8%) had the highest rate of low birth weight infants. 

Sources

Healthline

WebMD

Medical News Today[1]

Medical News Today[2]

American Cancer Society[1]

American Cancer Society[2]

Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance

America's Health Rankings

Wooster Community Hospital

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.