Who is an OB-GYN?
An OB-GYN, or obstetrician-gynecologist, is a medical practitioner who cares for women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth. OB-GYN specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders related to the female reproductive system. It includes care of the female reproductive organs, like the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and vagina, as well as the breasts.
After completing medical school, OB-GYNs undergo extensive medical training to become specialists in their field. OB-GYNs gain hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating various women's health issues. To become an OB-GYN, one must finish medical school for four years to earn a medical doctor (MD) degree. Here, they can learn to perform various procedures such as pelvic exams, breast exams, and Pap smears. They receive training to diagnose and treat conditions such as infertility, endometriosis, and cervical and ovarian cancer. However, aspiring doctors must complete a bachelor's degree in sciences before medical school.
While providing care for women during pregnancy and childbirth, OB-GYNs monitor the health of the mother and baby and manage any complications that may arise. They also deliver babies, either vaginally or via cesarean section, and provide postpartum care for both the mother and the baby. They also perform surgical procedures like hysterectomies, ovarian cyst removal, and other related surgeries.
You can visit the best OB-GYN near you for other services, including:
- Family planning and birth control counseling, including prescribing and fitting of contraceptive methods
- Management of menopause and other hormone-related issues
- Screening and treating sexually transmitted infections
- Medical, surgical, and post-surgical management of abnormal uterine bleeding
- Management and care of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence
OB-GYNs work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and birthing centers. They work together with other healthcare professionals, including nurses, midwives, and pediatricians, to provide comprehensive care to their patients.
Subspecialties in OB-GYN
Obstetrics and gynecology include various subspecialties, each focusing on specific medical needs and challenges women face. These specialists collaborate to provide advanced care tailored to individual patient circumstances.
Complex family planning
Physicians specializing in Complex Family Planning focus on diagnosing and treating women with medically or surgically complex conditions. They collaborate with other OB-GYN specialists to offer advanced care for cases involving challenging pregnancies, contraception in complex scenarios, or other reproductive health concerns that require detailed planning and management.
Critical care medicine
OB-GYNs who specialize in Critical Care Medicine manage patients in life-threatening situations, especially those with trauma or multiple organ failure. They are trained to diagnose, treat, and provide support for critically ill patients. These specialists often work with other medical teams to stabilize patients and guarantee they receive the required care during intense medical situations.
Gynecologic oncology
Gynecologic oncologists are specialists in diagnosing and treating cancers of the female reproductive system, like the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and vulva. They manage the complete process of care, from diagnostic procedures to treatment plans, and handle complications that may arise during the course of cancer care.
Maternal-fetal medicine
Maternal-fetal medicine subspecialists care for women experiencing high-risk pregnancies. They focus on managing pregnancy complications that could affect both the mother and the fetus, such as preterm labor, gestational diabetes, and other conditions. These specialists work to minimize risks and ensure healthy outcomes for both patients.
Reproductive endocrinology and infertility
These subspecialists are trained to evaluate and treat hormonal dysfunctions in women, particularly those affecting fertility. They help patients manage reproductive and endocrine disorders, providing treatments including in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other fertility procedures.
Urogynecology and reconstructive pelvic surgery
Urogynecologists focus on pelvic floor dysfunction and urinary tract disorders. They provide comprehensive care for conditions like urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, using both surgical and non-surgical treatments.
What does women's health mean?
Women's health refers to all aspects of a woman's physical and mental well-being. While diseases often do not discriminate between the sexes, female physiology (or social factors) can make women more vulnerable to certain diseases (such as thyroid disorders or osteoporosis) or have unique implications for their treatment. For instance, pre-existing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or even renal disease can lead to high-risk pregnancies and require specialist care (such as that from a maternal-fetal medicine specialist).
Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN) is a specialty that caters to all aspects of a woman's health. To become an OB-GYN, one must earn an undergraduate degree, graduate from medical school, and finish four years of residency training in related areas, such as infertility, prenatal diagnostics, or genetic screening. 90% of OB-GYNs are generalists who deliver care as primary care physicians; however, some may practice as obstetricians and primarily focus on pregnancy-related care, including delivering babies. Others may become gynecologists and offer a range of treatments and medical procedures but not deliver babies.
Read on to learn more about common reasons for consulting an OB-GYN.
Reasons for a visit to the OB-GYN
There is no one unique or right reason for seeing your OB-GYN. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) lists some of the common reasons people consult the best OB-GYN near you:
- Avoiding pregnancy: there are multiple ways to avoid getting pregnant. These include contraception, condoms, IUD (Intrauterine Device), or sterilization. While you do not need an OB-GYN's referral for availing contraception, you can consult them to learn more about surgical interventions or your unique circumstances.
- Screening for cancer: if you have a family history of cancer, you are at increased risk of developing breast cancer, cervical cancer, or other cancers of the reproductive system. An OB-GYN can carry out genetic screening to determine the odds of the same and recommend medical interventions or treatments based on the results.
- Mental health screening: mental health problems can harm academic and professional success and lead to physical symptoms. These include severe menstrual cramp periods, fatigue, pain in the abdomen, or difficulty sleeping. Your OB-GYN can help rule out mental health concerns as a reason for your physical symptoms; alternatively, they may refer you to another physician for diagnosis and treatment. People commonly suffer from anxiety disorders (involving excessive worry and anxiety) such as GAD, SAD, OCD, Panic Attacks, mood disorders, or ADHD. Feel free to discuss any worries or concerns regarding your mental well-being with your OB-GYN.
- Menopause care: There is a natural cessation of ovulation (periods) for all women, on average, between 44 and 55. Perimenopause or 'menopausal transition' precedes this with a prolonged period of decline in the frequency of periods. The resulting loss in estrogen and progesterone hormone production can bring a series of physical and psychological changes: painful sex, vaginal dryness or itching, mood swings, sudden hot flashes, night sweats, or tiredness. Menopause can also make you more susceptible to certain diseases, such as osteoporosis. Consult your OB-GYN to learn more.
- Pelvic organ problems: The vagina, uterus, bladder, urethra, and rectum comprise the 'pelvic organs. 'Muscles of the pelvic floor and series of connective tissue help support these structures, but if they weaken too much (say, after vaginal childbirth, menopause, or heavy weightlifting), the pelvic organs may drop down or 'prolapse' — a condition known as pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Most women develop POP after menopause, but it can occur at any age. Feel free to book an appointment with an OB-GYN to discuss this further.
- Urinary incontinence: This involves the loss of bladder control and may be a normal part of aging. Twice as many women are affected by urinary incontinence as men, partly because it may occur due to pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause; one reason may be that the sphincter muscles, which regulate the release of urine from a tube called the urethra, become too weak. When the bladder muscles tighten to push urine out of the bladder, the sphincter muscles cannot check the release; as a result, you may feel an intense urge to urinate, causing you to leak a bit of urine or a lot of it all at once. Pressure from coughing, sneezing, or laughing may also be a cause.
What procedures do OB-GYNs carry out?
OB-GYNs undergo training in various surgical procedures, encompassing major and minor interventions suitable for inpatient and outpatient settings. Some examples of these procedures include:
- Cervical cryosurgery: Healthcare providers may recommend cervical cryosurgery, also known as cryotherapy when they detect abnormal cervical cells during a routine Pap smear. This highly effective gynecological treatment involves freezing a section of the cervix to eliminate precancerous cells and prevent them from progressing into cancer.
- Colposcopy: Colposcopy is a non-surgical diagnostic tool used to examine the cervix, vagina, and vulva closely. It is employed when an individual has an abnormal Pap smear. A healthcare provider uses a colposcope, an instrument, to inspect the area during this procedure. If any concerns arise, they may take a sample for laboratory testing.
- Dilation and curettage (D&C): Dilation and curettage is a standard gynecological procedure in which a healthcare provider removes a portion of the uterine lining using a suction instrument or a sharp curette.
- Hysteroscopy: Hysteroscopy is a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure employed by healthcare providers to address uterine issues. It can remove adhesions, locate intrauterine devices, or investigate the causes of repeated miscarriages. The process involves inserting a thin, illuminated instrument called a hysteroscope into the uterus through the vagina and sending images of the uterus to a screen for examination.
- LEEP procedure: If healthcare providers detect abnormal cells on the cervix's surface during a Pap smear, they may suggest a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). This procedure involves using an electrically-charged, thin wire loop to remove the abnormal tissue.
- Pelvic laparoscopy: Surgeons often perform pelvic laparoscopy, a surgical procedure that can serve various purposes such as tubal ligation, gallbladder removal, hernia repair, and the treatment of conditions like uterine fibroids and endometriosis, typically under general anesthesia. It may also be performed with other types of anesthesia while the patient is awake.
Finding the best OB-GYN in Pittsburgh, PA
Regular check-ups with your OB-GYN and frank discussion of your concerns are essential to lifelong health. Finding a friendly and accessible OB-GYN may be the first step. However, this shouldn't have to be a burden. Thanks to Zocdoc, you can find the top-rated OB-GYNs near you that match your needs. Enter a specific concern or specialty in the search query, and the best matching practitioners pop up instantly.
When choosing an OBGYN, looking at their location, experience, clinical interests, and training is crucial. Especially if you have pre-existing conditions, you may consult a relevant specialist. For instance, if your chronic conditions mean you will have a high-risk pregnancy, then seeing a maternal-fetal specialist may be ideal. Similarly, if your chief complaint surrounds pelvic organ problems, then an OB-GYN specializing in pelvic floor problems may be best able to help you.
Another critical factor to consider is your insurance provider. If you prefer not to share your insurance details with your provider while booking an appointment on Zocdoc, you will need to indicate that you are paying out-of-pocket. Some healthcare providers may require you to provide your insurance information to secure an appointment. If you do not have insurance or wish to avoid using it for your visit, you can easily search for alternative providers on Zocdoc who may not have this requirement. For more insurance-related questions, please visit Zocdoc's patient help center.
Look at the provider profile (or contact the clinic) to learn more about the benefits they accept. After all, staying with an in-network provider can significantly reduce costs. Browsing through verified customer reviews on Zocdoc can also be helpful — after all, a friendly and empathetic OB-GYN can provide you with more quality care.
Refrain from letting a busy schedule or the hassle of bookings keep you from the care you deserve. At Zocdoc, we have always aimed to rid patients of the hassle of hunting the right doctor and booking: click on the provider you like and book an appointment in a few clicks. Booking is simple, secure, and free, as always!
OB-GYNs in Pennsylvania
As reported by the Kaiser Family Foundation, around 4,255 OB-GYNs are practicing in Pennsylvania as of January 2023. The state ranks 5th in active OB-GYNs, behind California, New York, Texas, and Florida.
Out of the state's total primary care physician strength, including internal medicine specialists, family/general physicians, pediatricians, OB-GYNs, and geriatrics, approximately 11% are OB-GYNs. In comparison, the majority (42%) are internal medicine specialists. This is similar to the national trend, where 11% of the primary care physicians are OB-GYNs and 41% are internists.
Sources
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists[1]
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists[2]
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists[3]
Office on Women's Health
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists[4]
Cleveland Clinic
Kaiser Family Foundation
Verywell Health
American Board of Medical Specialties
