Who is an OB-GYN?
An OB-GYN has skills in two disciplines—obstetrics and gynecology. Obstetrics involves caring for women and their babies during pregnancy, childbirth, and post-delivery. The branch of medicine dealing with women's reproductive health and diseases is known as gynecology.
To become an OB-GYN, doctors must complete an additional four-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology after medical school. They can then become board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG). Some OB-GYN practitioners then choose to subspecialize by pursuing fellowship training.
OB-GYN subspecialties
The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) recognizes many subspecialties of OB-GYN. Certifications are available for each specialty, and OB-GYNs may be certified in more than one.
- Infertility and reproductive endocrinology: Doctors who opt for this learn about treating hormonal dysfunctions and infertility issues. They receive training in techniques such as in vitro fertilization and laparoscopic procedures.
- Maternal-fetal medicine: This subspecialty involves learning to use techniques such as obstetric ultrasonography and various fetal-related procedures. These specialists can help manage complications in routine and high-risk obstetrical cases.Â
- Complex family planning: As the term indicates, these doctors train to provide contraception and abortion care to women with complicated medical conditions.Â
- Gynecologic oncology: Those who pick this subspecialty gain skills in treating and managing reproductive system cancers. They use surgery, chemotherapy, and palliative care to do this effectively.Â
- Critical care medicine: This branch is related to diagnosing, treating, and caring for critically injured or ill patients.
- Female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery: Practitioners choosing this subspecialty offer medical and surgical treatment to women with pelvic floor disorders. They also address conditions of the genitourinary system through urodynamics, cystoscopy, and surgery.Â
- Hospice and palliative medicine: When a physician picks this subspecialty, they will work with patients suffering from life-limiting illnesses. They can help the patients optimize their quality of life and minimize pain.Â
Besides the above-listed, some subspecialties need to be board-certified. Pediatric and adolescent gynecology is one of these. Menopausal and geriatric gynecology and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery also fall in this category.
Reasons to schedule an OB-GYN appointment
If you are experiencing any of the conditions listed below, you may want to schedule an appointment with the best OB-GYN near you.
- Irregular periods: Having early, late, or missed periods or unusual bleeding patterns is defined as irregular periods. Many health conditions may be associated with irregular periods, such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid or pituitary gland disorders, bleeding disorders, and uterine or ovarian cancer. Certain lifestyle factors such as stress, unexplained weight changes, intensive exercise, or illnesses can also disrupt the menstrual cycle. OB-GYNs can diagnose the underlying cause and start the required treatment to regularize your periods.
- Painful periods: Monthly menstrual periods can be painful for many women and girls. You can have symptoms such as sore breasts, heavy bleeding, or severe cramps, which could have underlying causes. These include endometriosis or fibroids; a specialist can help diagnose these.
- Breast problems: You must regularly self-examine your breasts for any significant changes at any point in your life. It is best not to ignore unusual breast pain, painful cysts, lumps, nipple discharge, sore and itchy nipples, inverted nipples, and breast infections. Â
- Pelvic pain: Endometriosis, fibroids, endometrial polyps, infections of the urinary tract and reproductive organs, and cancers can cause pain in the genitals or other organs in the pelvis. Some pregnancy conditions, such as ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage, can also lead to pelvic pain. OB-GYNs may prescribe antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicines, and pelvic floor exercises to treat your pelvic pain.Â
- Fertility issues: An OB-GYN can help you manage your fertility-related issues. If you are trying to conceive, they can prescribe supplements and suggest techniques to help you have a healthy pregnancy. Similarly, they can put you on appropriate contraceptives, such as birth control pills, if you want to delay pregnancy.
- Discomfort during sexual intercourse: If you experience dryness, pain, or bleeding during or immediately after sexual intercourse, it is best to get the opinion of an OB-GYN. Depending on your age and lifestyle, they can suggest medications to help improve the condition.Â
- Menopause: When menstruation does not occur for a year, you likely have attained menopause. It brings various physical and psychological changes in the body, such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood changes, weight gain, slowed metabolism, thinning hair, dry skin, and sagging breasts. An OB-GYN can help cope with these changes using medications and lifestyle changes.Â
- Incontinence: This is a prevalent problem in women in their 50s and 60s. Younger women might also develop this condition after childbirth. Remedial measures include exercises, medications, behavioral changes, and even surgery.
- Health screenings: Women must get regular health screenings for cancer-related conditions. Pap smears, breast examinations, abdominal ultrasound scans, and testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are some. You can also ask for osteoporosis screenings and blood tests to check for vitamin deficiencies.Â
- Unpleasant vaginal odor: All vaginas naturally produce scents. Every vagina has a unique smell, and your vaginal odor can vary depending on your lifestyle and overall health. However, if your vagina emits a strong unfamiliar or unpleasant odor that lingers for several days and/or smells fishy, it can be a symptom of health problems like bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and certain types of cancer.
- Unusual vaginal discharge: Your uterus, vagina, and cervix produce vaginal discharge, which constitutes cells and bacteria. It helps clean and lubricate your vagina and fight off infection and bad bacteria. Normal vaginal discharge is white or clear and does not smell unpleasant. You should see a doctor if there is a change in the amount, color, smell, texture, or consistency of your discharge. Sometimes, unusual discharge can also cause pain, irritation, or itching in or around your vagina.
What standard surgical procedures do OB-GYNs perform?Â
OB-GYNs can perform minor and major surgical procedures for gynecological conditions that are too advanced or do not respond to first-line treatment. Some of the common ones include:Â
- Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
- Myomectomy (removal of fibroids from the uterus)
- Ovarian cystectomy (removal of cysts from ovaries)
- Hysteroscopic polypectomy (removal of uterine polyps or abnormal growths)
- Oophorectomy (removal of one or both ovaries)
- Trachelectomy (removal of the cervix)
- Vulvectomy (removal of a part or whole of the vulva)
- Dilation and curettage (removal of a part of the uterine lining)
- Endometrial ablation (removal of the uterine lining)
- Tubal ligation (blocking fallopian tubes for permanent female sterilization)
- Cervical cryosurgery (freezing and destroying abnormal tissue in the cervix)
- Pelvic laparoscopy (examining pelvic organs)Â
What tools do OB-GYNs use?
Your OB-GYN might use various devices during routine check-ups as well as diagnostic and treatment processes. Some of the tools commonly used by them include:
- Speculum: Speculums are duck-bill-shaped devices that doctors use to open your vaginal walls in order to examine your vagina and collect cells from your cervix to test for infections like HPV.
- Cervical dilators: OB-GYNs use cervical dilators to gently widen your reproductive tract, which includes your vagina, cervix, and parts of your uterus. These tools help them conduct examinations, collect samples for testing, or perform treatment procedures while offering them improved visualization and access to your reproductive organs.
Role of OB-GYNs during pregnancy
An OB-GYN is the first doctor you must see when you feel you are pregnant. They conduct pregnancy tests and ultrasounds to confirm your pregnancy. OB-GYNs also assess the developing baby's and your health to determine the most appropriate pregnancy care. They suggest proper vitamins and medications for the healthy growth and development of the fetus.
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OB-GYNs even check for possible pregnancy complications and prescribe appropriate treatment to treat or control the conditions. They periodically examine your health, suggest best practices for a healthy pregnancy, check the size and position of the developing baby, measure its heart rate, and help you prepare for labor and childbirth.Â
What are the stages of pregnancy?
Early pregnancy care is crucial since a healthy pregnancy leads to a healthy baby. Prenatal care or pregnancy care can be divided into three trimesters:
- First trimester: The first 13 weeks from the start of the pregnancy is called the first trimester. It is the most crucial pregnancy period as the fetus's organ systems and body structure develop. Most congenital disabilities and miscarriages occur during this period. Periodic health check-ups at the OB-GYN are necessary for healthy fetus development during this period. OB-GYNs recommend monthly prenatal check-ups during this period.Â
- Second trimester: The second trimester is between the 13th and 27th weeks of pregnancy. It is usually called the golden period of pregnancy as most of the unpleasant experiences of the first trimester, such as nausea, frequent urination or incontinence, fatigue, or tiredness, almost disappear. You feel stronger and healthier. The fetus develops rapidly during this period, and by the 26th or 27th week, you begin to feel your baby move. OB-GYNs recommend monthly pregnancy check-ups during this period.Â
- Third trimester: It is the final leg of pregnancy, from the 28th week until childbirth or the 40th week. You may feel excited and anxious at the same time. As the baby grows, it exerts more pressure on your internal organs, such as the bladder and lungs. Therefore, you may experience difficulty breathing, sleeping problems, and frequent urination. OB-GYNs recommend one pregnancy check-up every two weeks. After 38 weeks, specialists recommend check-ups every week until childbirth.Â
See your OB-GYN doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms:
- Your 'water breaks,' or warm fluids flow out of the vagina
- Vaginal bleedingÂ
- Severe headache
- Sharp pain in your abdomen or back area
- Slurred speech or blurred vision
How to find the best OB-GYN near you in Pearland, Texas?Â
Reproductive health is essential to your well-being, and it is vital to go in for regular check-ups to ensure this. Whether you need a routine screening or specialized care, it is best to consult an experienced and qualified OB-GYN. If the hassle of finding the right specialist is holding you back, then stop worrying – Zocdoc is here to help!
Just sit back, create a free account on our platform, and tell us what you need from the comfort of your home. Then relax as our advanced algorithm scours an extensive database of specialists nationwide to get you a list of the best possible matches. Location, gender, experience, and insurance network filters let you refine your search per your preferences.
Clicking on the individual profiles gives you comprehensive information on each OB-GYN on the list, such as their education, experience, specialty, practice location, insurance accepted, board certifications, and even the languages they speak. The verified patient reviews and ratings can help you decide on the best doctor.
Using Zocdoc’s insurance detector, you can quickly identify in-network providers near you. When booking an appointment on Zocdoc, the website prompts you to share details about your insurance or to acknowledge that you are paying out-of-pocket. Some healthcare providers need you to provide insurance information in order to schedule appointments with them. If you do not have insurance or do not want to use insurance for your appointment, you can always find another suitable provider on Zocdoc. For more insurance-related queries, check Zocdoc's patient help center.
If you need doctors who offer appointments beyond regular business hours or on weekends to suit your busy schedule, you will find these on Zocdoc, too. We offer you the option of scheduling a virtual appointment with the best OB-GYN near you before an in-person session. All bookings made on Zocdoc are free, simple, and secure.
Statistics on fertility rates in Texas, USA
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 13.8% of women with zero births suffered from impaired fecundity. This percentage is of the total number of women aged between 15 and 49; the data is from 2015 to 2019. This figure stood at 26% for married women with zero births, and 19.4% of those without deliveries are infertile.
Analysis by the Census Bureau from 1990 to 2019 indicates that fertility trends varied by age at the national level. The fertility rates for women aged 20-24 fell by 43% and increased by 67% for women aged 35-39. The birth rate in 2019 was 58.21 per 1,000 women, down from 70.77 in 1990. Data from the CDC shows that in Texas, the fertility rate for women stood at about 60.2 per 1,000. It is for women between the ages of 15 and 44. The teen birth rate is 22.4 per 1000 for ages 15-19. As of 2019, the Cesarean delivery rate in Texas was 34.7, while the preterm birth rate was 10.8. The low birthweight rate was 8.2.
Sources
Saint George's University
WebMD[1]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[2]
United States Census Bureau
Cancer Council Victoria
University of Rochester Medical Center
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Mayo ClinicÂ
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Johns Hopkins Medicine
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Pregnancy, birth & baby
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Surgical Holdings[2]
