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How can I make a same-day appointment with an OB-GYN in San Francisco?
On average, patients who use Zocdoc can search for an OB-GYN in San Francisco, book an appointment, and see the OB-GYN within 24 hours. Same-day appointments are often available, you can search for real-time availability of OB-GYNs in San Francisco who accept your insurance and make an appointment online.
How can I find a San Francisco OB-GYN who takes my insurance?
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a San Francisco OB-GYN who takes your insurance. Just choose your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. If you’re not sure which plan you have, you can use Zocdoc’s insurance checker to find out.
How can I book an appointment online with an OB-GYN in San Francisco?
Zocdoc is a free online service that helps patients find OB-GYNs in San Francisco and book appointments instantly. You can search for San Francisco OB-GYNs by symptom or visit reason. Then, choose your insurance plan. Based on that information, you’ll see a list of providers who meet your search criteria, along with their available appointment slots.
How can I find a female OB-GYN in San Francisco?
When you search for San Francisco OB-GYNs on Zocdoc, you can filter your results by gender, in addition to other criteria. That way, you’ll only see OB-GYNs in San Francisco who match your preferences.
How can I find a San Francisco OB-GYN who sees patients after hours?
On Zocdoc, you can search specifically for San Francisco OB-GYNs with availability after 5 p.m.
How can I find a top-rated OB-GYN in San Francisco?
You can use Zocdoc to find OB-GYNs in San Francisco who are highly rated by other patients. These ratings are based on verified reviews submitted by real patients. Every time a patient completes an appointment booked on Zocdoc, they’re invited to review their experience. Each review must comply with Zocdoc’s guidelines.
How can I find a video visit with an OB-GYN online in San Francisco?
OB-GYNs in San Francisco on Zocdoc who see patients through online video visits will have a purple video icon on their profiles. You can also filter your search results to show only OB-GYNs who offer video visits.
Are video visits with an OB-GYN online covered by my insurance?
Most insurers provide coverage for video visits at the same cost as in-person visits. You can search on Zocdoc specifically for OB-GYNs in San Francisco who accept your insurance for video visits by selecting your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. We recommend you check with your insurance carrier directly to confirm your coverage and out of pocket costs for video visits.
How can I find an OB-GYN in San Francisco who sees patients in the morning or evening?
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for an OB-GYN who has appointments available before 10:00 am, or after 5:00 pm. Just choose the special hours filter at the top of our search page.
How can I find an OB-GYN in San Francisco who sees patients during the weekend?
Zocdoc let's you see real-time availability for OB-GYNs in San Francisco. Many OB-GYNs offer appointments on Saturdays and Sundays.
Who are OB-GYNs?
OB-GYNs are medical doctors trained to care for women's reproductive health, including pregnancy, childbirth, and the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological conditions. They provide obstetric and gynecologic care and are often the primary healthcare provider for women throughout their reproductive years.
Obstetrics treats women and provides care and medical advice during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum. The obstetrician also ensures that the mother and child receive the best prenatal care possible.
Immediately after delivery, the obstetrician monitors the mother's and child's health, ensuring the transition to regular life. Obstetrics is a medical specialty that has transformed pregnancy and childbirth and has helped reduce the tragically high maternal, neonatal, and even infant mortality rates. With a friendly and competent OB-GYN or Obstetrician, you can approach pregnancy confidently, knowing that modern medicine has made it safe and predictable.
General services provided by an OB-GYN
OB-GYN practitioners offer comprehensive services to address various aspects of women's health. They cater to individuals at every life stage, from adolescence through pregnancy, menopause, and beyond. Their expertise encompasses both surgical and nonsurgical interventions, covering key areas:
- Birth control options: OB-GYN specialists work closely with patients in collaborative consultations. They assess lifestyle, personal preferences, and health status. This thorough evaluation aids in selecting the most suitable birth control method from a diverse array of options.
- Fertility guidance: OB-GYN practitioners provide steadfast support and advice for individuals encountering challenges in conception. It involves assisting those attempting to conceive, offering insights on when to seek professional help, identifying the potential causes of fertility issues, and facilitating connections with relevant fertility services.
- Pelvic health management: A multidisciplinary approach addresses prevalent pelvic health disorders. It involves meticulous assessments that lead to the creation of personalized treatment plans. These plans aim to alleviate symptoms such as incontinence, urinary urgency, pelvic discomfort, and sexual health concerns.
- Comprehensive prenatal care: Tailoring their services for people looking to start or grow 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 tele-neonatology and specialized programs like the Mayo Clinic OB Nest.
- Robotic surgery expertise: Certain OB-GYN specialists provide minimally invasive alternatives to traditional surgery and laparoscopy. Employing cutting-edge technologies such as the da Vinci Surgical System, this advanced technology enables them to perform precise and delicate procedures through small incisions, ensuring optimal outcomes.
- Well-woman checkup: Emphasizing the significance of preventive care, it is a pivotal opportunity for patients and their OB-GYN providers to collectively review their health status. It facilitates discussions on preventative measures, involves necessary screenings, and addresses concerns related to women's health.
Conditions treated by OB-GYNs
A few conditions that an obstetrician treats are congenital abnormalities, cervical cancer, menopause, pelvic floor disorders, and recurrent pregnancy loss. On the other hand, gynecologists can treat conditions of the breasts, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, vagina, and vulva. A gynecologist diagnoses and treats menstrual problems and other concerns related to female reproductive health (such as contraception, menopause, and infertility).
Gynecologists usually provide prenatal care, while some may even offer primary healthcare services. Other disorders that a gynecologist can diagnose and treat include ovarian cysts, endometriosis, the Human Papillomavirus, incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and infections in any part of the female reproductive system.
Education and training of OB-GYNs
Becoming an OB-GYN takes about 14 years of preparation of varying degrees. Here is a step-by-step process:
- Undergraduate education: OB-GYNs typically begin their education by completing a bachelor's degree, preferably in science or biology.
- Medical school: After completing a bachelor's degree, individuals must graduate from an accredited medical school.
- Residency: After completing medical school, OB-GYNs must complete a four-year residency program. The training includes hands-on experience and classroom instruction, covering subjects such as prenatal care, delivery, and gynecological surgery.
- Certification: OB-GYNs must pass a certification exam to begin practicing after residency. The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology conducts the certification exam.
- Continuing education: OB-GYNs must participate in continuing education to maintain their certification and stay updated.
When must one visit an OB-GYN?
Consulting the best OB-GYN near you is necessary for maintaining overall reproductive and sexual health. Regular checkups and screenings with your gynecologist can catch any unusual changes in the cervix, uterus, and ovaries early on. They can help screen for cervical cancer and other gynecological disorders. One can also visit the OB-GYN for the following:
- Regular gynecological exams and screenings, such as Pap tests and breast exams, are recommended annually, starting with adults of 21 years or above or within three years of becoming sexually active. These tests help detect anomalies in the cervix, uterus, and ovaries and help to screen for cervical cancer and other gynecological disorders.
- Pregnancy and prenatal care include regular checkups and tests to analyze the fetus's health and development. OB-GYNs provide care for the mother and the baby throughout pregnancy and delivery and for the mother after delivery.
- Menstrual irregularities or painful periods indicate a hormonal imbalance or other health issues. These could be signs of uterine fibroids or endometriosis, a disorder in which the tissues lining the uterus' inner section develop outside the uterus. An OB-GYN can help to diagnose and treat these issues.
- Some issues related to menopause might persist, such as hot flashes or vaginal dryness. OB-GYNs can provide hormone therapy and other treatments to alleviate these symptoms.
- For concerns about sexual health or fertility, an OB-GYN can give advice and treatment for issues related to sexual and reproductive health. These issues include infertility, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and birth control.
- Abnormal symptoms related to gynecological conditions like pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or discharge are also something an OB-GYN can diagnose and treat.
- Vaginal odor can be a sensitive subject; it is crucial to consult your physician if you observe a change that lasts more than a few days or if you notice a fishy odor (for instance, after having sex or using the loo). While having an odor is natural, any changes or foul odors could indicate bacterial overgrowth or a vaginal infection.
- Discomfort during intercourse/sex may have a couple of different causes. Vaginal dryness often happens due to a woman's age and other life variables. Suppose a younger woman has this problem and has been on birth control for an extended period. In that case, she may need to modify her birth control. A lack of estrogen may be to blame for postmenopausal women, and their doctor can prescribe vaginal estrogen if necessary.
- Urinary or fecal incontinence can be highly stressful and impact your quality of life. Many women will suffer these symptoms following childbirth, especially those with a large baby or a vaginal delivery needing forceps or a vacuum. These symptoms may also develop as women approach menopause. Medical or surgical therapy options may be available depending on the cause of the incontinence. By consulting your gynecologist, you can identify the proper treatment protocols and, if necessary, be referred to a pelvic floor disorder specialist.
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 checkups at the OB-GYN are necessary for healthy fetus development during this period. OB-GYNs recommend monthly prenatal checkups during this period.
- 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 checkups during this period.
- 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 checkup every two weeks. After 38 weeks, specialists recommend checkups every week until childbirth. See your OB-GYN doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms:
- Your 'water breaks,' or warm fluids flow out of the vagina
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe headache
- Sharp pain in your abdomen or back area
- Slurred speech or blurred vision
Looking for the best ob-gyn near you in California
Are you needing a qualified OB-GYN in San Francisco, California, but need help figuring out where to start your search? The Zocdoc platform streamlines the process of finding the perfect OB-GYN for you. You can search for OB-GYNs based on location, insurance, availability, and patient ratings and reviews with just a few clicks. The Zocdoc provider profiles let you learn more about the OB-GYNs, including their clinical training, experience, board certifications, and spoken languages. All service providers listed on Zocdoc also have verified customer reviews on their profiles. You can use these ratings and reviews to make an informed choice when selecting an OB-GYN.
If you want to know your insurance plan, upload an image of your insurance card to your Zocdoc account, and we will find and display information regarding your insurance plan (this facility is not available for vision or dental plans). You can even contact the Zocdoc service team if you need help uploading a photo of your card. You can also check out Zocdoc's patient help center for more information and solutions related to insurance.
Budget restraints and financial concerns will never be a problem with Zocdoc, as you can book appointments directly through our platform, saving time and hassle. Ease the hassle of searching for the best OB-GYN near you and welcome stress-free and convenient healthcare with Zocdoc. Bookings on Zocdoc are simple, secure, and 100% free!
Statistics on OB-GYNs in San Francisco, California
According to a study by the WHO, for approximately 810 women, preventable pregnancy problems have become fatal every day. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, an adolescent's first visit to a gynecologist should ideally be between the ages of 13 and 15. Female healthcare is often neglected by adopting a one-size-fits-all approach. For instance, a vast section of medicine in the past did not include women or women from diverse racial backgrounds. It is true even that female physiology is susceptible to unique health issues (such as menstruation, menopause, or pregnancy). Moreover, hormonal changes during and after menopause may increase the likelihood of older women developing osteoporosis or thyroid diseases.
Relatedly, the ACOG has issued guidelines on how often women should have Pap screens and HPV tests to help with the early identification of cervical cancer, which is the top cause of pain among women. For individuals aged 21 to 29, undergo a Pap test every three years. Women aged 25 to 29 may consider HPV testing alone, but Pap screenings are recommended.
In May 2020, a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics research study stated that approximately 18,900 OB-GYNs are employed across various occupational industries. The United States will fall short of OB-GYNs by 2020, with major cities like Las Vegas, Miami, and Dallas most affected. The American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology has released this study. According to data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 13.1 percent of women aged 15 to 49 have a fertility problem. 16.2 percent of married women aged 15 to 49 face issues with fertility. In California, about 1,440 OB-GYNs are practicing across the state.
Sources
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
NIH (Office of Research on Women's Health)
The University of California San Francisco
New York State Department of Health
The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.