An obstetrician-gynecologist, or OB-GYN, is a physician who manages overall health before, after, and during pregnancy. They also help with other aspects of female reproductive and sexual health, such as infertility, fibroids, and contraception.
What is obstetrics?
Obstetrics is a medical specialty that provides medical and surgical care to women before, during, or after pregnancy. It focuses on maintaining their health by providing them care during the following:
- Conception
- Pregnancy
- Childbirth
- Labor
- Postpartum stages
What is gynecology?
Gynecology is a medical specialty centered around the health of women's bodies and their reproductive systems. A gynecologist can diagnose, treat, and provide comprehensive care for various conditions related to the vagina, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and breasts. The practice covers many health concerns for women, from puberty to adulthood. With a gynecologist, you receive reproductive care for a lifetime, but if you are pregnant, you must visit an obstetrician.
What educational qualifications must an OB-GYN possess?
To become an OB-GYN, one must obtain a bachelor's degree and complete four years of medical school training. After graduating from medical school, an aspiring OB-GYN must complete their residency and an additional four years of graduate-level education.
During this training, OB-GYNs receive specialized training in obstetrics and gynecology, covering various aspects of women's reproductive health and related conditions.
They will learn the following:
- Diagnosis and treatment
- Management of specific conditions
- Preventive measures
Residents train under the guidance and supervision of attending physicians, typically in a medical setting such as a hospital. They gain practical experience in dealing with diverse medical conditions.
After completing residency, OB-GYNs may undergo three years of further education to specialize in a particular subspecialty. The final stage of training involves passing a specialty board certification examination administered by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Additionally, OB-GYNs must take maintenance exams every six years to uphold their certification. This comprehensive training ensures that OB-GYNs are well-equipped to provide high-quality medical care for women's health throughout their careers.
Subspecialties in obstetrics and gynecology
After completing their training, OB-GYNs can further specialize in the following subspecialties:
- Perinatology: You may need to see a perinatologist if you have gestational diabetes, blood clotting disorder, premature labor, or chronic or gestational high blood pressure. These specialists address issues related to complicated and high-risk pregnancies.
- Reproductive endocrinology and infertility: These specialists focus on treating infertility and hormonal dysfunction issues. If you experience difficulty in conceiving, then these experts will be able to help you. They perform infertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization, embryo transfer, intrafallopian zygote transfer, gamete intrafallopian transfer, etc.
- Female pelvic and reproductive surgery: These surgeons address the concerns of women who have reproductive tract disorders. They treat congenital (by birth) issues such as a septate uterus, vaginal atresia, etc. They also repair muscles and connective tissues linked to the pelvic floor. These muscles, particularly the uterus, support the reproductive organs and form the pelvic diaphragm. This may weaken due to pregnancy, age, or other medical conditions. These doctors help restore the strength of the pelvic diaphragm and prevent complications. They are also skilled in treating urinary or fecal incontinence and vaginal infections.
- Gynecologic oncology: These specialists diagnose and treat cancers of the female reproductive system, including in the uterus, ovaries, vulva, and cervix. Cervical cancer can be easily prevented with early screening done by gynecologists through pap smears.
What conditions do OB-GYNs commonly treat?
An obstetrician-gynecologist may treat the following common conditions:
- Endometriosis: A painful condition, endometriosis causes symptoms like painful periods, painful bowel movements or urination, and excessive bleeding. In this condition, the endometrium (a tissue that usually lies inside the uterus) grows outside the uterus in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the tissue lining the pelvis. The endometrium becomes trapped in this condition, which would otherwise have thickened, broken down, and exited the body as blood during a menstrual period. Your OB-GYN may recommend surgery or medicines like birth control medications and pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Ovarian cysts: These cysts develop in or on the surface of ovaries and may be filled with a watery or mucous-like material. Most ovarian cysts are harmless, don't cause pain, and disappear within a few months without treatment. However, some may rupture and cause severe pain. In such cases, seek immediate medical care. Your OB-GYN may recommend surgically removing a large or growing cyst that is causing intense pain.
- Cervical cancer: This condition, which affects the cervix, can be caused by various strains of HPV or the human papillomavirus. You can reduce the chances of developing cervical cancer by talking to your OB-GYN about a cervical cancer screening (which may include a pap test or an HPV DNA test). Your OB-GYN may also ask you to get an HPV vaccine. Cervical cancer screenings are vital as symptoms may not show up initially when the cancer cells start to develop. However, patients are likely to experience symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, or bloody vaginal discharge with a foul odor as the cancer grows. Treatments for this condition include- surgery, chemotherapy, and medicines.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): STIs occur by sexual contact when bacteria, viruses, or parasites pass from one person to another through the blood, semen, or vaginal and bodily fluids. STIs can be passed nonsexually as well from a mother to an infant through blood transfusion or shared needles. Common STIs include gonorrhea, chlamydia, and genital herpes. Sores on the genitals, odorous vaginal discharge, pain during sex, and lower abdominal pain are some signs of an STI.
What procedures does an OB-GYN perform?
The procedures performed by an OB-GYN include:
- An OB-GYN receives training in major or minor surgeries for outpatient and inpatient procedures. Minor operations include pap smears for cervical cancer screening, dilation and curettage, dilatation and evacuation, intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCD) insertion, etc. Some major ones include fallopian tube ligation for female sterilization, pelvic floor repair, hysterectomy, and fibroid removal.
- An OB-GYN is also trained to care for you during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. They also receive training in carrying out vaginal deliveries and cesarean sections. They can perform amniocentesis to evaluate the sex of the fetus and detect abnormalities. They are also prepared to apply forceps and vacuum assistive devices in complicated deliveries if necessary.
When should you see an OB-GYN?
If you are dealing with the following symptoms, you should seek out the best OB-GYN near you:
- Changes in the menstrual cycle or bleeding
- Pain during urination
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Excessive vaginal itching
- Foul-smelling and abnormal vaginal discharge
- Urinary tract infections
- Inability to conceive
- Lumps in the breast
- Nipple discharge
How to prepare for your OB-GYN visit?
What happens at the appointment depends on the reason for the visit and your health. Generally, a first visit involves a chat with the doctor, who will take your personal and family medical history and try to understand your reproductive health goals. An honest account of your concerns and lifestyle will give the OB-GYN a good idea of your situation, and they can tell you what to expect in the future.
An annual gynecological checkup includes a physical exam, pelvic and breast exam, as well as immunizations based on your age and risk factors. You may also have to give blood or urine samples for screening tests. Regular visits can help you minimize health risks and maintain your health.
Whether you have an upcoming annual checkup or wish to see an OB-GYN for medical issues, keep the following points in mind for a smooth experience:
- Avoid scheduling an appointment during your period, especially if your visit involves a pelvic exam. Blood can interfere with the test results. Please confirm with your doctor before you visit.
- Hold off your bikini wax or other hair removal appointments until after your OB-GYN visit, as it can cause swelling and inflammation.
- If you feel embarrassed about vaginal discharge or odors, remember that it helps your OB-GYN understand the hormonal balance. Avoid douching.
- Avoid intercourse within two days before the appointment, especially if you have a pap test scheduled.
- Track your menstrual cycle using your phone, physical planner, or a tracking app.
- Bring your medical records so your doctor can get all the necessary information within one visit.
Make a list of questions you want to address during the appointment. Remember that it is okay to feel nervous or embarrassed to ask specific questions or show certain areas of your body. Your OB-GYN is a trained healthcare professional who wants to help you clinically and non-judgmentally. If it makes you more comfortable, choose an OB-GYN near you and bring a relative or friend to the clinic.
What to expect at the OB-GYN appointment?
During your appointment, your specialist will get to know you better by asking questions about your symptoms. It is essential to disclose any significant medical or surgical history to your specialist. The doctor will also review your previous lab reports and other diagnostic test modalities.
After taking your history, the OB-GYN will perform a physical examination. Following this, the OB-GYN will undertake a pelvic assessment. A routine pelvic examination includes examining the vulva, vagina, and perineum. The inside of the vaginal walls is inspected via a digital test or with the help of a vaginal wall retractor. This helps assess the cervix and the uterus alignment.
In cases of pregnancy, carrying out an abdominal examination is necessary. This evaluation helps the obstetrician understand the lie and position of the fetus and calculate the pregnancy in weeks.
Find the best OB-GYN near you in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Many female reproductive issues are frequently sensitive and require prompt medical assistance or care. Finding the right OB-GYN to meet your healthcare needs can thus have a tremendous positive impact.
Zocdoc is a healthcare platform that connects users with top-rated healthcare specialists, such as OB-GYNs, in any city or state in the United States. Users can schedule appointments with gynecologists and other healthcare providers. If you are from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and are looking for the best OB-GYN in the area, go to the Zocdoc website and search from a repository of options.
You can book an appointment through Zocdoc and enjoy the convenience of avoiding long queues. The user-friendly website has search filters that let you find specialists based on your area, time, and insurance provider. 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 the most likely plan for you. 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.
Additionally, each specialist's profile comprehensively details their education, experience, and certifications. On Zocdoc, you can schedule virtual appointments with the best OB-GYN near you before an in-person consultation. All bookings with Zocdoc are safe, secure, and free!
Vital statistics of disorders that OB-GYNs can treat
According to Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data from 2018, about 74.9% of Texas women aged 50 to 74 had mammograms within the preceding two years. This vast number shows the increasing awareness among the population.
In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report enumerated that Floridians have a fertility rate of 53%. The need for infertility specialists has always been around, even in Florida.
Sources
Healthline
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
WebMD[1]
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UT Southwestern Medical Centre
Cleveland Clinic
Prime Scholars
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Mayo Clinic [1]
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