Who is an OB-GYN? What do they do?
An OB-GYN is a specialist in two branches of medicine—obstetrics and gynecology, connected with childbirth and female reproductive health, respectively. They diagnose and treat gynecological problems related to the female reproductive system, including the cervix, vagina, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and breasts. They assist with prenatal care, labor, delivery, and postpartum care during pregnancy. Besides this, they also offer routine checkups and preventive screenings.
A girl must first meet with an OB-GYN between 13 and 15. By this time, she generally enters puberty and starts experiencing various body changes. During the first visit, an OB-GYN will likely have a period and sex talk with you and discuss other expected body changes. Your subsequent annual routine visits will evolve depending on your age. It will include vaccinations, screenings, pelvic exams, pap smears, and breast exams.
What are the education, training, and specializations of OB-GYNs?
OB-GYNs undergo extensive education and training before they can practice in clinical settings. They earn a bachelor's degree, which takes about four years, and a medical degree, which takes another four years. In medical school, they gain theoretical knowledge in anatomy and physiology and practical experience through internships.
After that, they complete a 4-year OB-GYN residency program at a hospital or similar medical setting. They learn about the diagnosis, treatment, management, and prevention of women-related health issues under the guidance of senior doctors.
OB-GYNs may also choose to specialize in one or more areas of obstetrics and gynecology recognized by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. It usually requires around three years of training and passing the specialty board certification exam.
These sub-specializations include:
- Gynecologic oncology (cancers of women's reproductive system, including the vulva, cervix, ovaries, and uterus)
- Female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (conditions of the female urinary tract and pelvic floor)
- Reproductive endocrinology and infertility (hormonal and infertility problems)
- Maternal-fetal medicine (prenatal and postnatal care for mother and fetus)
- Critical care medicine (critical gynecological and obstetric disorders)
- Complex family planning (abortion and contraception care)
- Hospice and palliative medicine (life-limiting illnesses)
They may also choose non-boarded subspecialties, such as:
- Pediatric and adolescent gynecology
- Menopausal and geriatric gynecology
- Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery
After training, OB-GYNs must pass the required examinations to get their state medical license. They usually work in different healthcare settings, such as clinics, hospitals, and birthing facilities.
General services provided by an OB-GYN
OB-GYN practitioners provide a comprehensive range of services that address various aspects of women's health throughout every life stage, spanning adolescence through pregnancy, menopause, and beyond. Their expertise encompasses both surgical and nonsurgical interventions. Some general services they provide are as follows:
- Birth control options: In collaborative consultations, OB-GYN specialists work closely with patients to assess lifestyle, personal preferences, and health status. This thorough evaluation aids in selecting the most suitable birth control method from other options.
- Fertility guidance: For individuals facing challenges in conception, OB-GYN practitioners offer steadfast support and advice. It involves assisting those attempting to conceive, providing insights on when to seek professional help, identifying potential causes of fertility issues, and facilitating connections with relevant fertility services.
- Pelvic health management: According to an article published by the University of Chicago Medicine, one in three women in the US go through pelvic health disorders in their lives. OB-GYNs help formulate personalized treatment plans for patients with pelvic health problems. These plans are aimed at alleviating symptoms such as incontinence, urinary urgency, pelvic discomfort, and sexual health concerns.
- Comprehensive prenatal care: Tailoring their services for individuals looking to start or expand their families, OB-GYN practitioners provide complete and caring support. It encompasses pre-pregnancy planning, prenatal care, and postpartum support. Innovative options may also be explored, including telemedicine services like teleneonatology and specialized programs like the Mayo Clinic OB Nest.
- Robotic surgery expertise: Some OB-GYN specialists use advanced technology to provide less invasive options to traditional surgery and laparoscopy. This advanced technology enables precise and delicate procedures through small incisions, ensuring optimal outcomes.
- Well-woman checkup: The well-woman checkup is a pivotal opportunity for patients and their OB-GYN providers to collectively review their health status. It facilitates discussions on preventative measures, conducts necessary screenings, and addresses concerns related to women's health.
What conditions do OB-GYNs treat?
OB-GYNs diagnose and treat many gynecological conditions like periods, pregnancy, and menopause that affect women from puberty through adulthood. A few common ones include:
- Menstrual problems: Your periods are regular between 2-7 days and occur every 21-35 days. It is abnormal to experience heavy, irregular, or no bleeding during your menstrual cycle. Unbearable painful periods and severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS), known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), are also severe menstrual disorders.
- Endometriosis: It is a painful disorder in which the tissue lining the uterus grows outside, leading to symptoms such as menstrual irregularities.
- Fibroids: These are non-cancerous growths that appear in various regions of the uterus and cause heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods, and pelvic pain.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): It is a hormonal disorder observed in women of the reproductive age group. You can have PCOS if you have at least two of the three diagnostic criteria—irregular or delayed periods, excess male hormones or androgens, and polycystic (fluid-filled sacs) ovaries. Although there is no treatment, you can effectively manage it with medications and lifestyle changes.
- Pelvic floor disorders: Three types of pelvic floor disorders affect women. It includes pelvic organ prolapse, where the organs in the pelvis slip into the vagina, causing discomfort. The other two are bladder and bowel control problems.
- Urinary tract and vaginal infections: Infections of the urinary tract, including the urethra, bladder, and kidneys, can produce symptoms such as a persistent urge to urinate, cloudy and foul-smelling urine, bloody urine, burning sensation when urinating, and pelvic pain. Vaginal yeast infections cause inflammation and itching in the vulva and vagina, a burning sensation during sexual intercourse and urination, and a thick, white vaginal discharge.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): They spread through sexual contact. The most common STIs include HIV/AIDS, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, human papillomavirus infections (HPV), Hepatitis B and C, and herpes.
- Sexual problems: Female sexual dysfunction can happen for many reasons that, if left unresolved, can affect your relationship with your partner. Common issues include the inability to orgasm, pain during sex, difficulty becoming aroused, and lack of sexual desire.
- Infertility: The inability to conceive despite having unprotected sex for a year is known as infertility. Depending on your case, the OB-GYN can suggest treatments and other ways to conceive a baby.
- Menopause: Menopause brings many physical and psychological bodily shifts. You may feel moody, anxious, depressed, and tired and experience hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia. The vaginal dryness and thinning can cause sexual problems such as pain during sex and low libido (sexual drive or desire). OB-GYNs can help you manage all of the issues associated with menopause.
- Reproductive cancers: These include cancers of the ovaries, breasts, cervix, uterus, endometrium, and vagina.
How to prepare for an OB-GYN appointment?
Are you going to visit an OB-GYN near you for gynecological issues, a well-woman exam, pregnancy planning, or something else? Preparing for the consultation well would maximize your time with the provider. Here is a brief overview of tips to keep in mind before you head out for your appointment:
- Write down symptoms, concerns, and queries: You may have many topics to discuss with your OB-GYN—menstrual irregularities, painful sex, birth control options, vaccinations, or/and health screenings. To remember everything, make a list in the correct order of priority. Write down as much detail as possible to ensure you can provide all the information your doctor needs.
- Gather personal and family medical history: Gather all your medical records, including information about your past and current health conditions, allergies, injuries, surgeries, medications, and supplements. Get copies of your results if you had any recent lab or imaging tests done. Additionally, you must have details of the medical issues that run in your family.
- Avoid certain things before the appointment: You must skip douching, sexual intercourse, inserting objects (adult toys, tampons), and applying fragrant, chemical products in your genital area before the appointment. It's necessary to obtain accurate results in the pelvic exam and Pap smear.
- Dress appropriately: You may have to change into a hospital gown for the physical examination. So, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that are easy to remove and wear back.
How does an OB-GYN help during pregnancy?
Regarding reproductive health, looking for the best OB-GYN near you is crucial. An OB-GYN can offer complete care before, during, and after your pregnancy while ensuring a healthy environment for you and the baby. Before you conceive, they will confirm your body is healthy and help you make the necessary diet and lifestyle changes. They will also give you vitamins and folic acid to help prevent congenital disabilities. Your prenatal checkups will include routine tests and checks—ultrasounds, blood tests, urine tests, and kick counts. You can ask your doctor any questions during your pregnancy. Your OB-GYN will guide you about the many physical and mental changes you can expect at different stages of the pregnancy.
They will also manage pregnancy complications such as ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, placental complications, preeclampsia (hypertension disorder in pregnancy), and gestational diabetes. They will prepare and help you during labor and childbirth. Their expertise allows them to manage emergencies and perform surgeries such as a cesarean section. After the baby is born, a few follow-ups with your OB-GYN can help you discuss and understand postpartum care, contraception, and future pregnancies.
Where can you find the best OB-GYN near you in Pasadena, California?
Annual checkups with OB-GYNs are crucial for women from puberty to menopause and late adulthood. It allows you to monitor your sexual and reproductive health throughout your life. Early detection and treatment of gynecological conditions during preventive screenings can save you from complications. If you plan to conceive, an OB-GYN can be your trusted healthcare partner throughout pregnancy.
So, whether you are facing menstrual problems, need advice on contraception, or want to conceive, you can rely on an OB-GYN to help you. Also, do not panic if you have not had your annual checkups—you can start today.
If you have chosen Zocdoc to book an appointment with an OB-GYN, rest assured that you will find the best in your area in a few easy steps. Add the specialty or your symptoms followed by a location in the search column, in this case, OB-GYNs in Pasadena, California. Before you click 'find,' add your insurance details to find an "in-network" specialist. In seconds, you will get a list of all the experts available in your searched area.
You can use our insurance detector feature if you cannot find your particular health plan in the drop-down menu. Follow the easy steps: Go to the settings > Locate the insurance section > Upload a clear image of your insurance card > Wait for Zocdoc to scan it > Receive your desired results. Finally, you can feed the information in the search bar and continue your search for in-network providers. You can visit the Zocdoc patient help center page for more insurance-related information.
First, you will see an overview of all the experts on the page. It will show their available days, office address, ratings, and distance from your location. You can use filters such as your reason for visit, time and date of consultation, and preferred language and gender.
You should know more about the expert; Zocdoc has also handled that. Every OB-GYN has a dedicated profile page with relevant information about their education, license, expertise, years of experience, awards, and practice. You can also review verified patient ratings and reviews that reflect the OB-GYN's professional approach.
Once you finalize the best OB-GYN near you, you can immediately book your in-person or virtual appointment by following the instructions on the screen. Booking with Zocdoc is easy, secure, and 100% free.
Vital statistics on women's sexual and reproductive health in California
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publishes an STD Surveillance Report every year. According to the 2021 STD Surveillance Report, California reported around 190,806 chlamydia cases, with nearly 484.7 cases per 100,000 population. When observing the reported chlamydia cases among women in California, there was a 6.4% increase in 2021 when compared to 2020.
California ranks 11th when considering the rate of congenital syphilis, with 528 cases in the state, a rate of 120.9 per 100,000 live births. Even the rate of total early syphilis occurrences is high in the state, with around 43.9 diagnoses per 100,000 persons. About 17,302 new total early syphilis (TES) cases were reported in 2021. Around 3,277 cases of TES were diagnosed in women between the ages of 15 and 44.
Around 90,890 Californians were affected by gonorrhea, meaning about 230.9 cases per 100,000 persons in 2021. There was an 11.0% increase in the infection rate among women in 2021 compared to 2020.
Based on research published by the American Cancer Society, the incidence rates of reproductive cancers per 100,000 women between 2017 and 2021 are as follows: breast cancer (about 120.9 cases), uterine cancer (about 27 cases), ovarian cancer (about 10.5 cases), and cervical cancer (about 7.3 cases). In 2023, breast cancer remained the most common cancer in California, with around 32,020 new cases and nearly 4,680 associated deaths.
According to America's Health Rankings, around 66.1% of women aged 18–44 underwent a preventive well-woman exam in California between 2021 and 2022. When comparing different age groups, the numbers were nearly the same—about 68.5% were aged 18-24, around 63.9% were aged 25-34, and about 66.9% were aged 35–44.
Sources
Healthline
Cleveland Clinic[1]
Cleveland Clinic[2]
Healthdirect Australia
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Mayo Clinic[1]
Mayo Clinic[2]
Mayo Clinic[3]
Mayo Clinic[4]
Mayo Clinic[5]
Mayo Clinic[6]
The University of Chicago Medicine
America's Health Rankings
American Cancer Society
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Medical News Today
California Department of Public Health
Levin’s Women’s Health & Wellness Center
HealthCentral
