Who is an OB-GYN?
Obstetrics focuses on women's treatment and surgical care during pregnancy, including prenatal and postnatal care and fertility treatments. In comparison, gynecology focuses on women's reproductive health and associated diseases. Therefore, an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) is an MD who encompasses both these specialties and provides primary and preventive care for women.
Educational background of an OB-GYN
An OB-GYN follows the conventional career trajectory of a doctor. They must complete an undergraduate degree followed by four years of medical school. After this, they complete their residency and have three additional years of training.
OB-GYNs also specialize in maternal-fetal medicine, reproductive endocrinology, infertility, female pelvic medicine, and gynecologic oncology (treatment of cancers associated with the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and vulva). To become board-certified, OB-GYNs must pass an American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) exam.
Subspecialties in OB-GYN
OB-GYNs may specialize in fields that require additional training and certification. So, OB-GYN specialties can be -
- Maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists - They perform ultrasounds to monitor the fetus' growth and development and provide prenatal care to women with high-risk pregnancies. They also support the patient in managing medical disorders such as diabetes or high blood pressure. In addition, they search for genetic anomalies using methods like umbilical cord samples and chorionic villus sampling (CVS). They recognize and handle congenital difficulties in developing infants, perform required operations, and care for the mother's postpartum health issues.
- Reproductive endocrinologists (RE) - They deal with complicated infertility and reproductive endocrinology issues. Both men and women can experience infertility at any age. Patients should consult an OB-GYN if they cannot conceive after a year of unprotected sex. To find the issue, reproductive endocrinologists perform diagnostic techniques such as an X-ray of the uterus or fallopian tubes, testing of the semen, or an ovarian reserve fertility test. Based on the examination results, they might advise surgeries like laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, or abdominal myomectomy. They can also recommend IVF (in vitro fertilization) and IUI (intrauterine insemination).
- Gynecologic oncologists - These medical practitioners use chemotherapy, surgery, and palliative care to identify and treat reproductive system cancers.
- Complex family planning specialists - These specialists provide abortion and contraceptive care to patients with complicated medical conditions. They also help the patients with family planning by instructing and advising them.
- Female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgeons - They treat conditions affecting the genitourinary system, such as defecatory disorders, recurrent urine incontinence, fecal incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. To identify issues, they perform physical examinations and diagnostic techniques such as office cystoscopy, endoanal sonography analysis, and urodynamic testing. They also conduct mid-urethral sling, abdominal sacrocolpopexy, sacrospinous fixation, and uterosacral ligament suspension.
- Critical care medicine specialists - They look after critically ill and injured patients.
- Hospice and palliative medicine specialists - Patients with terminal illnesses or requiring end-of-life care can visit these specialists. Individuals nearing the end of their lives may feel depressed and lonely and are more vulnerable to the adverse side effects of medication. Specialists in palliative care assist patients in controlling pain, disease symptoms, and adverse medication side effects. They seek to enhance patients' quality of life by providing comprehensive care. They might work along with teams of social workers, nurses, and pharmacists.
What conditions do OB-GYNs treat?
An obstetrician-gynecologist may treat the following common conditions -
- Endometriosis - It is a severe condition in which the endometrium, a tissue that usually lies inside the uterus, grows outside the fallopian tubes, the tissue lining, the pelvis, or the ovaries. Thus, the endometrium becomes trapped, which would otherwise have thickened, broken down, and exited the body through menstrual blood.
- Premature birth - Childbirth over three weeks before the delivery date is considered a premature birth. Extremely premature babies are born at or before 25 weeks of pregnancy. Medical complications are higher the earlier a child is born. A premature baby could need special care and may have to be admitted to the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) or an intermediate care nursery after birth.
- Ovarian cysts - They develop in or on the surface of ovaries and may have a watery or mucous-like material. Ovarian cysts that rupture can cause severe pain. The ovaries grow follicles monthly, producing estrogen and progesterone hormones and releasing an egg during ovulation. When normal hair grows, it becomes a functional cyst that is generally harmless, does not cause pain, and disappears without treatment.
- Female infertility - It can be because of hormonal disorders such as uterine or cervical abnormalities, fallopian tube damage, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or certain reproductive cancers. Infertile couples can opt for assisted reproductive technology like In vitro fertilization (IVF), which helps conceive a child or prevent genetic problems. Before beginning IVF, an OB-GYN may conduct several screening tests.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) - They 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, too, through shared needles or from a mother to an infant via blood transfusion. Common STIs include gonorrhea, human papillomavirus (HPV), chlamydia, and genital herpes. Genital sores, odorous vaginal discharge, pain during sex, and lower abdominal pain are some signs of an STI.
What are some procedures that OB-GYNS perform?
OB-GYNs are skilled in various surgical procedures, both major and minor, for inpatient and outpatient settings. Some examples of these procedures are laser surgery, hysterectomy (uterus removal), dilation and curettage, biopsy, female sterilization through tubal ligation, and myomectomy (fibroid removal).
In addition to surgical expertise, OB-GYNs are experts at overseeing women's health throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Procedures during this period may include amniocentesis for sex determination, vaginal or cesarean delivery, and anomaly detection, as well as forceps and vacuum deliveries.
OB-GYNs also perform routine preventive tests and screenings, such as clinical breast exams, pelvic exams, pap smears, mammographies, and various cancer screenings. These specialists' comprehensive skills encompass both surgical interventions and maternal health management.
How does the overturning of Roe v Wade affect OB-GYNs?
The United States Supreme Court in 1973 passed the famous Roe vs. Wade landmark judgment. This decision determined a woman's constitutional right to abortion. It prohibited state or federal entities from excessively restricting abortion access. In June 2022, the Supreme Court repealed this law and permitted states to ban abortion.
Several experts, including OB-GYNs, have stated that outlawing abortion presents challenges to the field of reproductive medicine. Not only will this decision limit a woman's access to comprehensive reproductive health care, but it can also interfere with the patient-physician relationship, where physicians may have to deny patients healthcare due to the possibility of facing criminal charges. Many abortion-related procedures can also treat miscarriages.
Therefore, the law would also prevent miscarrying patients from receiving optimal care and medication, ultimately threatening their lives. Criminalizing abortion also imposes harsher financial ramifications for historically marginalized communities and those from lower socioeconomic classes. Traveling out of state for safe and legal abortion care may not be financially possible for everyone.
Beyond patient care, the law also has implications for current US obstetrics and gynecology residency training. OB-GYN residency programs require students to complete training in abortions. However, some students can opt out of induced abortions on religious or moral grounds. OB-GYNs benefit from abortion training in many ways, such as improving ultrasonography and pregnancy counseling skills.
What should you expect during the first visit to an OB-GYN?
After you have finalized the best OB-GYN near you, it’s time to understand what you should expect during the appointment. Feeling nervous about your first OB-GYN visit is normal. Talking to your parents/someone you trust can help ease your anxiety. It's also okay to inform your doctor about your nervousness, as they can support you.
The initial visit typically involves a conversation between you and your doctor. You'll learn what to expect in future visits and receive information on staying healthy. Your doctor can answer questions about your body, growth, and sexual health, and you might undergo certain exams and vaccinations.
Your doctor may inquire about you and your family, including personal topics like menstrual periods or sexual activities. Honest answers are crucial for proper care, and you can address confidentiality concerns with your doctor beforehand.
Common exams during the first visit may include a general physical exam, an external genital exam, and, if necessary, tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for sexually active individuals.
The general exam checks your height, weight, blood pressure, and overall health. The external genital exam involves the doctor examining the vulva. The doctor may give you a mirror to understand your anatomy better.
While a pelvic exam may not be required initially, it's helpful to know that it involves three parts -
- Looking at the vulva
- Using a speculum to check the vagina and cervix
- Checking internal organs with a gloved hand
Pap tests, a form of cervical cancer screening, are not recommended before age 21. They involve taking a sample of cervical cells to check for abnormalities that could lead to cancer. The doctor may also recommend HPV tests for individuals aged 21 and older.
How to care for your reproductive health?
Here are some effective strategies to support and enhance reproductive health and wellness:
- Promptly address sexually transmitted infections (STIs) - Each year in the United States, nearly 19 million people contract STIs. One of the best steps you can take to safeguard reproductive health is to understand STIs, prevention methods, and available treatments. If you suspect exposure to an STI, seek testing promptly and encourage your partner to do the same if necessary. Regular testing is critical, as some STIs don't exhibit symptoms but can still impact reproductive health. Symptoms may include unusual discharge, odors, itching, or discomfort, underscoring the importance of consistent screening.
- Eliminate smoking and alcohol consumption - Both smoking and alcohol use can adversely impact reproductive health, contributing to issues such as infertility and hormonal imbalances. You can boost fertility levels and improve overall health by quitting these habits. Smoking, in particular, is linked to reduced sperm count in men and can disrupt menstrual cycles and egg health in women. Reducing or eliminating tobacco and alcohol use offers multiple health benefits and can support a healthier reproductive system.
- Practice effective contraception - Using contraception helps prevent unplanned pregnancies, supporting both maternal and fetal health. You can explore options like intrauterine devices (IUDs), which provide reliable, long-term contraception, while condoms are recommended for STI prevention.
- Prioritize a balanced, nutritious diet - Your diet significantly impacts your reproductive health and fertility. Experts suggest a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, high-quality protein, fiber, and whole grains. A diet that includes fresh vegetables, fruits, omega-3 sources, and lean proteins can help improve your reproductive health. Minimizing processed foods, refined sugars, and caffeine can further support a healthy reproductive system.
Finding the best OB-GYNs near you in Safety Harbor, Florida
Visiting an OB-GYN annually and getting a well-woman exam is essential for women of all ages. Through routine check-ups, your OB-GYN can help in the early detection of diseases related to the reproductive system and counsel you on preventive care. Sexually active women must also get regularly tested for STDs and talk to their OB-GYN about birth control, contraception, or family planning.
Finding an experienced OB-GYN that meets your individual needs can often be challenging. However, with Zocdoc, you can easily find one based on location and book a virtual or in-person consultation. Visit the Zocdoc website and enter your location, condition or symptoms, and insurance plan. The search results provided will display a list of top-rated OB-GYNs in your area that you can filter based on time, gender, hospital affiliation, and the languages they speak.
To help you make an informed decision, Zocdoc provides each professional's medical background, including awards, certifications, and licenses. You can also read through verified reviews by past patients to make an informed decision. To check which providers accept your insurance in Safety Harbor, Florida, enter your carrier and plan in the drop-down menu at the top of the page, and it will automatically filter your search results with in-network providers.
Uploading a photo of your insurance card on Zocdoc isn't mandatory, but it can be a helpful step! Adding an image of your card makes it easier to ensure you're selecting the correct insurance plan for yourself. However, if you prefer not to upload a photo, you can manually enter your insurance details by choosing your plan from the provided list on the website. If you run into any issues during the process, you can contact the Zocdoc service team.
Booking appointments with the best OB-GYNs near you with Zocdoc is easy, free, and secure!
Women's health and diseases in Florida
According to data collected in 2020 by the Florida Department of Health, almost 82,152 women reported having bacterial STIs. An estimated 63,000 females reported having chlamydia, which was significantly higher than men (around 35,270). Nearly 15,978 women have gonorrhea. Cases of infectious syphilis in women (around 516) were much lower than in other STIs.
In 2020, nearly 8,918 teenagers residing in Florida aged 15-19 gave birth, and around 4,123 women reported Severe Maternal Morbidity (SMM), i.e., severe complications during pregnancy. Approximately 21,916 deliveries were preterm or premature (less than 37 weeks gestation), and over 3000 infants weighed significantly less at birth (below 1500 grams). Almost 34.8% (roughly 75,158) of all births in Florida were cesarean section deliveries. Nearly 2.4% of all mothers who gave birth did not receive prenatal care.
A report by the Guttmacher Institute in 2017 shows that approximately 20.3% of women in Florida aged 18-49 who use condoms as their primary contraceptive are at risk of unintended pregnancies.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has reported almost 20,920 new cases of breast cancer, around 1,640 cases of ovarian cancer, nearly 1,230 cases of cervical cancer, and almost 4,680 cases of uterine cancer in Florida in 2022.
Sources
Healthline
Mayo Clinic[1]
Mayo Clinic[2]
Penn Medicine
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists[1]
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists[2]
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists[3]
Forbes
Association of American Medical Colleges[1]
Association of American Medical Colleges[2]
Florida Department of Health
Guttmacher Institute
American Cancer Society
Ideal Women’s Health Care
