Who is an OB-GYN?
OB-GYN (or OB/GYN) is an acronym for two closely related medical specialties. 'OB' is an abbreviation for obstetrics or obstetrician, a doctor who provides prenatal care. 'GYN' is an abbreviation for gynecologist or gynecology, a specialization of the female reproductive system. The female body goes through various biological processes, such as menstruation, birth, and menopause. OB-GYNs provide care and treatment for such stages and may offer a wide range of general health services.
What is the difference between an OB-GYN and a gynecologist?
There is a common misconception that OB-GYNs and gynecologists are the same. An OB-GYN specializes in obstetrics and gynecology, whereas a gynecologist only specializes in gynecology. A gynecologist is a medical professional focusing on female reproductive health from the first period to post-menopause.
A gynecologist can diagnose and treat any reproductive-related conditions, such as those related to the cervix, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, or vagina. They also recommend and perform screenings such as breast exams, pap smears, and pelvic exams. Furthermore, they can perform hysterectomies and tubal ligations. They are also ideal for advice on sexual intimacy, such as sexual hygiene, contraceptives, and protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
In short, a gynecologist can provide care for any condition or concern if it's a non-pregnancy issue related to female reproductive health. Hence, to provide comprehensive care to patients, many physicians choose to become OB-GYNs to address the full spectrum of their patient's healthcare needs.
Education and training of OB-GYNs
To become an OB-GYN, one must complete a bachelor's degree and four years of medical school training. Following medical school, one must complete four years of graduate-level education as an obstetrics and gynecology resident. These doctors learn about reproductive and other women's health issues during this time. They specifically learn about:
- diagnosis
- treatments
- management
- prevention
Doctors complete their residency in a medical setting, such as a hospital, under the supervision of an attending doctor. After residency, they must complete three additional years of training to specialize in a specific area. After completing all required training, they must pass a specialty board certification exam. The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology supervises this exam. OB-GYNs must take a maintenance exam every six years to keep their certification.
What are the subspecialties of OB-GYN?
Data from the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) shows an increase in the number of OB-GYNs earning a board certification in a specialty. There are around seven recognized subspecialties that the ABMS outlines:
- Critical care medicine is an OB-GYN branch that involves the diagnosis, treatment, and support of patients who are critically ill or injured.
- Complex family planning is a specialization that focuses on providing reproductive care for women with complex conditions. Professionals in this field work collaboratively with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
- Female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery emphasize the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor disorders in women by OB-GYNs who have expertise in the field.
- Gynecologic oncologists are OB-GYNs trained to provide optimal treatment for gynecologic cancers.
- The specialty of hospice and palliative medicine involves OB-GYNs who work with patients with life-limiting illnesses to optimize their quality of life and minimize suffering.
- Maternal-fetal medicine is a medical branch that deals with the health of the mother and baby during pregnancy, including managing any complications that may arise.
- Reproductive endocrinologists and infertility specialists are OB-GYNs who diagnose and treat hormonal imbalances and fertility issues.
What conditions do OB-GYNs treat?
OB-GYNs diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of conditions. These include:
- Bacterial vaginosis: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) occurs due to an imbalance in your natural bacteria levels, causing vaginal pain and discomfort. While it can happen at any age, it is most common during your reproductive years. Symptoms of this condition include vaginal itching, a burning sensation during peeing, and thin vaginal discharge that is gray, white, or green in color.
- Endometriosis: Endometriosis is an illness in which tissue resembling the inner lining of your uterus grows outside the uterus in areas like your ovaries and fallopian tubes. Its symptoms include painful periods, pain during sex, fatigue, diarrhea, and constipation.
- Dysmenorrhea: Menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea, are throbbing pains in your lower abdomen. The pain is often dull and continuous and can radiate to your thighs and lower back. You typically experience cramps just before and during your periods, and conditions like endometriosis or uterine fibroids can worsen them. Other symptoms of dysmenorrhea include nausea, headache, and dizziness.
- Ovarian cysts: Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs. They grow in or on the surface of one or both of your ovaries. These cysts are common, often cause no symptoms, and can go away without treatment within a few months. However, they can sometimes cause symptoms like bloating, pelvic pain, and a feeling of pressure or fullness in your abdomen.
What procedures do OB-GYNs perform?
OB-GYNs near you can perform major and minor surgery for inpatient and outpatient procedures. These are some examples of these procedures:
- dilation and curettage
- tubal ligation for female sterilization
- biopsy
- laser surgery
- myomectomy, or the removal of fibroids
- hysterectomy, or the removal of the uterus
An OB-GYN can also care for you during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. During this time, procedures may include:
- vaginal delivery
- in vitro fertilization
- amniocentesis to determine sex and detect any abnormalities
- cesarean delivery
- forceps and vacuum deliveries
OB-GYNs also perform preventive tests and screenings regularly, such as
- pelvic exams
- clinical breast exams
- pap smears
- mammographies
- cancer screenings
What to expect during OB-GYN appointments?
Generally, your appointment will begin with a general checkup. A nurse will measure your weight and blood pressure. Additionally, you might have to undergo a urine and blood test. Then comes the physical examination. The nurse will lead you into the examination room and ask you to wear a gown with a front opening as well as a sheet to cover your lap. The OB-GYN will most likely begin by asking general questions about your personal and family health history. A nurse or other health professional might accompany you and your OB-GYN for the pelvic exam.
The OB-GYN will first look for abnormalities outside the vagina, including the vulva area and vaginal opening. They will then perform an internal examination of your reproductive organs. They will use a speculum (a device that holds the vagina open) to examine the vagina and cervix (the opening to your uterus) internally. This happens in a position where your knees are bent, and your legs are apart and placed on stirrups. This exam may cause some pressure, but it should not be painful. Your OB-GYN will also examine the vaginal and cervix walls.
Pap tests are typically performed during a pelvic exam in women over 21. Your ob-gyn will remove a sample of cells from your cervix using a small brush. These cells will then be examined in a laboratory for cervical cancer, the human papillomavirus (HPV), and other abnormalities. Within 24 hours of your appointment, try to avoid having sex or douching. Sexual activity may irritate vaginal tissue and affect your Pap test results.
Further, the doctor may test you for sexually transmitted diseases if you are sexually active. The OB-GYN will then perform an internal bimanual exam. It involves inserting one or two gloved fingers into your vagina and placing the other hand on top of the lower part of your abdomen. Doctors do this to feel your cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries from outside your body. If necessary, your doctor may also perform a rectovaginal exam. The OB-GYN will insert a gloved finger into your rectum. They should also perform a breast exam to look for lumps or other abnormalities.
How to find the best OB-GYN near you in San Luis Obispo, California?
OB-GYNs deal with women's personal and sensitive health issues. Thus, it is imperative that you feel comfortable discussing your private concerns with your chosen OB-GYN.
Zocdoc is an online platform to help you find the best OB-GYNs in San Luis Obispo, California. To begin with, create an account on the platform, which is entirely free. Then, using the search bar, enter the type of specialist you want to see, your condition, or the clinical procedure you must undergo. Our platform lists thousands of medical practitioners in your locality, making health care accessible. To identify an OB-GYN near you who checks all your boxes, you can narrow the search results with the help of advanced filters such as gender, distance from your location, availability, date and time of visit, languages spoken by the doctor, and patient type.
Using Zocdoc’s insurance detector, you can find "in-network" doctors and save some money on bills or clinical procedures.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.
You can learn more about each doctor by visiting their profile. It contains information on their academic qualifications, clinical interests, medical expertise, hospital affiliations, achievements in the field, etc. Zocdoc also provides verified reviews and ratings by the previous patients of these doctors. Such information helps you choose a competitive healthcare provider with whom you can be comfortable. Once you select an OB-GYN near you, you can book an in-person visit or online appointment at your convenience.
All bookings made via Zocdoc are simple, secure, and 100% free!
Women's health statistics in California
As per data published by Kaiser Family Foundation, between 2018-2020, about 74% of women aged 18-64 in California reported having a Pap smear. As of 2018, the cervical cancer incidence rate per 100,000 women in California was about 7.4, and the death rate was about 2.2. Your OB-GYN can detect such issues early and offer the necessary care and treatment. Thus, it is critical that despite being healthy, you see your OB-GYN at least once a year.
Sources
St. George’s University
Wooster Community Hospital
WebMD
Healthline
Kaiser Family Foundation[1]
Kaiser Family Foundation[2]
Kaiser Family Foundation[3]
Mayo Clinic[1]
Mayo Clinic[2]
Mayo Clinic[3]
Mayo Clinic[4]
Mayo Clinic[5]
