Who is an OB-GYN?
Understanding the details of any medical field that might concern you or your health is essential. So, let's start with the basics, like what does OB-GYN mean? The 'OB' stands for obstetrics or obstetrician, and the 'GYN' stands for gynecology or gynecologist. An obstetrician is a medical expert who cares for mothers and their babies during the prenatal period, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. On the other hand, a gynecologist is an expert who oversees the management of all female reproductive health issues other than pregnancy.
OB-GYNs offer services in various settings, such as hospitals, private clinics, medical institutions, etc. OB-GYN specialists often provide primary care services to women and can also make referrals to other specialists if needed.
What educational qualification is required to become an OB-GYN?
All doctors must complete eight years of education to qualify and practice as obstetrician-gynecologists. After completing their bachelor's degree, students must complete four years of medical school like all other physicians. In the first two years, medical school teaches medical ethics, anatomy, biochemistry, immunology, physiology, infectious diseases, and the reproductive system. It is followed by two years of clinical rotations in clinics and hospitals under supervision.
Following medical school, doctors enroll in a postgraduate residency program in OB-GYN. This residency program may take one to four years to complete training. Upon completing residency, many doctors also choose to become board-certified. However, doctors must acquire a license in the state where they wish to practice.Â
What are the specialties of OB-GYN?
Around 90% of OB-GYNs are generalists. It means most OB-GYNs offer a wide range of female reproductive healthcare services, making it easy for patients to discuss any issue. However, some doctors focus on one or more specialties to gain more in-depth knowledge of illnesses in their respective fields. These specialties further include sub-specialties. Some of these specialties and subspecialties are listed below:
- Female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery: This branch focuses on urinary tract disorders and pelvic floor function disorders in women. Specialists in this field can perform pelvic floor repair, uterine sling procedures, vaginoplasties, cervicopexy, etc.
- Reproductive endocrinology and infertility: Doctors specialize in this branch to address issues in hormonal imbalance, congenital hormonal abnormalities, and infertility conditions. Some examples include polycystic ovarian syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Turner's syndrome, etc.
- Maternal-fetal medicine: Also known as perinatology, this medical specialization addresses the health concerns of pregnant women, mothers, and their fetuses. These specialists are usually consulted for high-risk pregnancies and post-delivery complications.
What procedures can an OB-GYN perform?
OB-GYNs perform several tests, exams, and surgeries to treat patients adequately. They are trained in various major and minor surgeries. The following list includes some of the procedures performed by OB-GYNs:
- Dilation and curettage is a procedure that involves dilating the cervix and surgical removal of certain parts of the uterine lining. This procedure can also be used for the medical termination of pregnancy.
- Biopsy is a simple procedure for examining and confirming a disease's presence by extracting sample cells or tissues and analyzing them in a lab. It helps doctors understand the type of cells present and whether the cells are cancerous.
- Tubal ligation involves permanently ligating the fallopian tubes for female sterilization. It prevents the female egg from reaching the sperm for conception.
- Hysterectomy is performed to remove the uterus. The surgical procedure also includes the removal of the fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, or other peripheral parts. It is usually done in cases of female reproductive cancers.
- Myomectomy: Also known as fibroidectomy, it is the surgical extraction of uterine fibroids. The uterus is intact with this process, and the woman's fertility is preserved.
When should you see an OB-GYN near you?
OB-GYNs play a vital role in all women's lives, but no legal age or condition is defined for visiting an OB-GYN. You may need to see a doctor depending on your physical symptoms, health issues, and discomfort. OB-GYNs examine and treat women with a wide range of physical ailments.
If you feel uncomfortable discussing your issues with a male OB-GYN, consider visiting a female gynecologist near you for the following:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Changes in the menstrual cycle
- Severe cramping
- Genital dryness or itching
- Urinary tract infections
- Breast pain or abscessÂ
- Hormonal imbalance
- Infertility
- Pain during intercourse
However, troubling symptoms are not the only reason women visit OB-GYNs. Patients also consult these specialists for routine checkups, contraception, etc. More of these reasons are listed below:
- Contraceptive options and safe sex tips: When it comes to contraceptive options and safe sex tips, not the same thing may work for everyone. That's when you need an OB-GYN's expertise.
- Preventive measures on STDs: OB-GYNs can guide you on the best preventive measures for STDs according to your unique needs. They can also help you get a vaccination for hepatitis B or get tested for infections like HIV and syphilis.
- Labor and birthing options: There are various labor and birthing options when it comes to delivering a baby. These include C-section, vaginal delivery, VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), and assisted vaginal delivery. Depending on your situation, medical history, and pregnancy, OB-GYNs will recommend the safest and most suitable delivery method.
- Oophorectomy: A process of surgically removing one or both ovaries. It may be performed for fertility preservation, ovarian pathology (such as a neoplasm), or risk-reducing purposes (reducing the risk of reoperation or cancer).
- Pregnancy planning: Before getting pregnant, talking to an OB-GYN can help you conceive more easily and healthily. Looking at your health history and any medical conditions you might have, they can guide you on necessary lifestyle changes and precautions.
- Cervical cancer screening: This is to detect precancerous cervical cell changes just when treatment can prevent cervical cancer from developing, as this type of cancer, at an early stage, is generally easier to cure. The screening involves human papillomavirus (HPV) test, Pap test, and HPV/Pap cotest.
- Breast cancer screening: Includes tests like mammography, which is used to find tumors that are tiny to feel. The goal of this screening is to detect breast cancer at its earliest stage when the cure is possible.
- Menopause: The stage of a woman's life when her periods stop permanently, and she can no longer get pregnant. It is not a disease or disorder but a normal part of aging for women.
What can you expect from your first OB-GYN visit?
As per the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines, young girls should have their first OB-GYN consultation between the ages of 13 and 15. In the United States, the average age around when girls get their first period or menstrual cycle is twelve years and nine months. Therefore, girls should have their first visit as early as thirteen. The North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology recommends that girls 21 and over get a pap test that helps screen for cervical cancer, regardless of sexual activity. It is also crucial for teenagers to see a gynecologist if they are sexually active or are planning to be.
The first gynecologic visit may not necessarily involve tests or a pelvic exam. The initial visit helps girls address their developmental concerns, understand their reproductive system, and establish a relationship with their gynecologist. Women may also discuss everyday health concerns such as anxiety, stress, weight loss, and family planning. Gynecologists ensure that patients are at ease and feel comfortable asking personal questions regarding their sexuality and sexual activity, including vaginal and oral sex, irregular periods, birth control, emotional issues, and physical body changes.
During your initial visit, your OB-GYN will record your medical and family history to better understand the cause of your symptoms and your risk for certain gynecologic conditions. They may also ask about your lifestyle, work, and home environment. It includes your dietary and physical activity routines and alcohol and drug use (including vaping or smoking). After noting your basic health information, your gynecologist may ask you about the symptoms you have been experiencing. Describe to them in detail the duration and frequency of those symptoms.
If you have specific personal issues you wish to discuss with a female provider, you may visit a female gynecologist near you. OB-GYNs also discuss timeline and biology with women who wish to conceive in the future to help them understand how fertility changes over time with age. They also guide to-be mothers on precautions to be taken during pregnancy and ways to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Suppose you have problems such as excessive acne, abnormal bleeding, period pain, or pain during urination or intercourse. In that case, a gynecologist will likely conduct a pelvic or external genital exam, which lasts only a few minutes. It is part of a regular checkup where your gynecologist will check your vulva, vagina, cervix, ovaries, uterus, rectum, and pelvis for visible abnormalities. Your gynecologist may also recommend further diagnostic tests or bloodwork if deemed necessary. Besides identifying diseases, a general exam includes recording a patient's height, weight, and blood pressure.Â
Symptoms women shouldn't ignore
Specific symptoms may signal underlying health issues that require prompt medical attention. While chest pain, high fever, and bleeding are clear indicators of potential problems, subtler symptoms can also signify significant health concerns that women shouldn't overlook:
- Swollen or discolored breast: Unexplained breast swelling or discoloration, especially rapid changes or unusual spots, may indicate inflammatory breast cancer or infections requiring medical evaluation.
- Abdominal bloating: Persistent bloating lasting over a week could be an early sign of ovarian cancer. Some other symptoms that should be addressed promptly include feeling full quickly, frequent urination, or postmenopausal bleeding.
- Bloody or black stools: Stool color changes, predominantly black or maroon, could indicate gastrointestinal bleeding from conditions like hemorrhoids, ulcers, or cancer, necessitating medical investigation.
- Unusual shortness of breath: New-onset shortness of breath, particularly chest discomfort, nausea, or lightheadedness, may signal heart or lung issues like coronary ischemia requiring immediate attention.
- Constant tiredness: Persistent fatigue unrelated to sleep or lifestyle changes could be linked to underlying conditions such as depression, anemia, or thyroid disorders, warranting medical assessment.
- Unexplained weight loss: Significant weight loss without dietary changes could be a sign of severe conditions like cancer or thyroid disease, necessitating medical evaluation.
- Chest or facial hair growth: Excessive hair growth due to elevated androgen levels might indicate polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); this is a common hormonal disorder in women requiring medical management.
- Chronic stomach problems: Regular stomach issues, such as pain, cramps, or changes in bowel habits, might indicate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other gastrointestinal disorders that require medical attention.
- Vaginal bleeding after menopause: Postmenopausal vaginal bleeding is abnormal and may signify conditions such as uterine fibroids or endometrial issues that require evaluation by a healthcare provider.
- Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA): Sudden onset weakness, slurred speech, vision changes, or dizziness could indicate a TIA or stroke, necessitating urgent medical intervention to prevent serious complications.
How to find a top-rated OB-GYN in Rutherford, NJ?
Finding the right OB-GYN near you can be a hassle. You should always consider their experience in handling patients and their expertise. Zocdoc can assist you in locating the best OB-GYN in Rutherford, NJ, based on your criteria. All you need to do is register online on the platform. Then, enter your preferred location, time, specialization, appointment date, and insurance details, and let Zocdoc do the rest.
While adding your insurance information to your Zocdoc account facilitates finding in-network providers, it's important to note that many offices still require you to bring your insurance card to your appointment. You can also visit Zocdoc's patient help center for more insurance-related questions.
Zocdoc also allows you to filter results based on gender. Our platform allows you to consult with a female OB-GYN for your convenience and comfort.
Once you enter your information, you will get a thoughtfully curated list of doctor profiles based on your search inputs. You can read through each profile that mentions the doctor's educational qualifications, expertise, experience, board certifications, awards, and more. You can also read the patient reviews for the doctors you have shortlisted. These verified reviews will help you make an informed choice.
Once you have decided on an OB-GYN near you who fulfills all your requirements, book an in-person or online appointment safely, efficiently, and hassle-free!
Statistics on women's health and OB-GYNs in New Jersey
According to an article published by the New Jersey Department of Health, since 2007, the New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection Program (NJCEED) has provided 155,952 mammogram reports that led to the detection of 1,787 breast cancer cases. Breast cancer is the second-most commonly diagnosed cancer and second-leading cause of death among New Jersey women, with 7,350 diagnoses and 1,320 deaths each year.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics issued an 'Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Report' that provides national estimates for Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Based on this report, as of May 2023, the USA employed 19,820 OB-GYNs. During the same period, 670 OB-GYNs were legally practicing in New Jersey. The location quotient in the state, the number of OB-GYNs in New Jersey versus the whole U.S., was 1.22, higher than the national average.
Sources
Healthline[1]
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St. George's University
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American College of Surgeons
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
New Jersey Department of Health
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists[1]
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists[2]
Nemours KidsHealth
Michigan Medicine
National Institute on Aging
National Cancer Institute[1]
National Cancer Institute[2]
U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
National Center for Biotechnology Information
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