What is OB-GYN?
Obstetrician-gynecologists, or OB-GYNs, are medical professionals trained in obstetrics and gynecology. Obstetricians perform various procedures and routine checkups and provide preventative care to women during pregnancy, labor, postnatal care, and delivery. On the other hand, gynecologists treat issues related to the female reproductive system, such as pelvic pain, breast pain, fibroids, irregular menstruation, and infections.
Some standard settings where OB-GYNs practice include outpatient clinics, IVF centers, fertility centers, birthing facilities, and hospitals.
Education and training of OB-GYNs in the US
Gynecologists specialize in standard reproductive system care, while obstetricians are experts in everything from prenatal to postpartum care. Like most physicians, OB-GYNs must study medicine to earn certification in Internal Medicine or Pediatrics.
After graduating from medical school, a doctor of obstetrics and gynecology must complete the following:
- The American Board of Internal Medicine certification examination
- The residency program in obstetrics and gynecology, which lasts for four to five years
- American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology certification
Subspecialties of OB-GYN
The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) recognizes several subspecialties within obstetrics and gynecology. In addition to being certified in these subspecialties, OB-GYNs may pursue other opportunities within other specialties.
Here are the most common OB-GYN specialists:
- Gynecologic oncologists—These specialists usually offer chemotherapy, surgery, and palliative care and can treat and help patients manage cancers of the reproductive system.
- Female pelvic medicine specialists - OB-GYNs specializing in this can perform reconstructive surgery to treat the genitourinary system, cystoscopy, and urodynamics.
- Reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialists - Practitioners in this sub-specialty learn how to treat hormonal and infertility issues using laparoscopic surgery and in vitro fertilization.
- Maternal-fetal medicine specialists—Experts in this field train to treat routine and high-risk obstetrical cases Using obstetric ultrasonography and other fetal procedures.
- Critical care medicine specialists - Doctors undergo training to diagnose, treat, and support critically ill and injured patients.
- Complex family planning specialists - They provide abortion and contraception care to patients with complicated medical conditions. These specialists have training and knowledge about clinical care, research, and education.
- Hospice and palliative medicine specialists—Those pursuing this subfield learn how to prevent and relieve patients of life-limiting illnesses in an interdisciplinary setting.
What do obstetricians and gynecologists do?
Obstetricians and gynecologists are licensed to handle different medical problems. Obstetricians perform the following:
- NICU care
- General postnatal care
- Vaginal and cesarean section births
- Pregnancy healthcare
- Fertility treatment
Gynecologists manage the following:
- Urinary tract problems
- Uterine conditions
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Reproductive wellness checks
- Cervical and breast cancer screenings
Since OB-GYNs undergo training in both, they can serve patients simultaneously. However, not every obstetrician is also a gynecologist. If you need help determining what your doctor can treat, consider checking the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology website for their certifications.
Common conditions treated by OB-GYNs
OB-GYNs diagnose and manage various conditions that affect the reproductive system. These conditions include:
- Endometriosis: It is a condition in which tissue identical to the uterine lining begins to grow outside of the uterus. This misplaced tissue can cause significant pain, impacting your menstrual cycle, daily life, and overall well-being.
- Vaginal boils: These are painful, pus-filled lumps known as boils that form under the skin in the pubic area. These boils are usually caused by an infection from Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in the hair follicles, a condition called folliculitis when a follicle becomes infected.
- Ovarian cysts: Fluid-filled or semi-solid sacs that develop on or inside one or both ovaries. Depending on their nature, these cysts can vary in size and cause discomfort or other health issues.
- Uterine fibroids: Also known as leiomyomas, uterine fibroids are noncancerous muscle and connective tissue tumors that grow in or on the uterus wall. They are the most common type of benign tumors in women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB).
- Irregular bleeding: This includes any form of bleeding from the vaginal area that may occur either due to menstruation or unrelated to the menstrual cycle. Trauma, infections, or other medical conditions can cause this bleeding.
- Vaginal infections (Vaginitis): This refers to a variety of conditions that lead to inflammation or infection of the vagina, typically occurring during the reproductive years, ranging from the late teenage years to the early 40s.
- Pelvic pain: This pain, located in the pelvic region, is often related to reproductive organs in women and AFAB individuals, but it can also affect all sexes and stem from infections, issues with the pelvic bone, or problems involving non-reproductive internal organs.
What procedures does an OB-GYN perform?
OB-GYNs undergo training in performing a variety of procedures. The most common ones are:
- Mammograms - The purpose of a mammogram is to screen for breast cancer. OB-GYNs may refer their patients for mammograms if they notice any breast changes.
- Breast exams - OB-GYNs perform these tests with or without mammograms. They examine the breasts for lumps and other changes.
- Biopsies - During this examination, tissues or cells are removed from the body and tested under a microscope to detect diseases like cancer.
- Ultrasounds - Ultrasounds use sound waves to capture images of the inner parts of the body. During pregnancy, they detect problems within the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
- Pap tests - OB-GYNs collect cells from the cervix and get them tested at a lab for cervical cancer.
Tips on maintaining your reproductive health
Sexual and reproductive healthcare plays a prominent role in women's holistic well-being. Being physically healthy and making sound decisions regarding reproductive health is essential. Women's healthcare includes carrying out safe health practices, maintaining healthy intimate relationships, and making good decisions related to family planning.
It is advisable to visit an OB-GYN near you for regular health checkups. Being proactive in taking care of your health can prevent any severe issues from developing, and the doctor can detect any potential problems and start treatment early.
Other than getting professional diagnosis and treatment for medical issues, you can also take some easy steps to maintain a healthy reproductive system. Having a basic healthcare routine in place can be highly beneficial in preventing any significant problems. Some of these habits you can practice for a healthier body are:
- Be sexually responsible - This includes practicing safe sex and making well-informed decisions while being sexually active. It can be helpful to take tests to scan for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and also make sure your partner is free from STDs. Make sure to use protection every single time you engage in any sexual activity. It is not just a form of contraception but also protects you from a lot of sexually transmitted diseases.
- Get vaccinated - There are a few recommended vaccinations for sexually active women. You must make sure to have these administered to protect yourself from HPV (the virus that causes cervical cancer) and hepatitis B (a liver infection that can spread through sexual contact).
- Maintain feminine hygiene—It is healthy to maintain feminine hygiene by washing your intimate area with mild soap and clean water. Using chemicals or harsh soaps can cause a pH imbalance, irritation, and itching, which might warrant medical attention.
- Eat healthy—Proper nutrition is vital for maintaining a healthy reproductive system. Be mindful of the food you consume. A healthy diet is essential, especially when planning to conceive. Include plenty of calcium, magnesium, folic acid, and vitamin D in your diet. Leafy greens, fish, and protein sources are also essential. Reduce foods high in cholesterol and saturated fats. A healthy diet and lots of hydration also keep your menstrual cycle consistent and healthy.
What to expect from an OB-GYN?
During your appointment with the gynecologist, you will receive a health check (blood pressure, weight, temperature) and urine and blood tests.
In addition to asking about your health history, the OB-GYN may perform a standard breast and pelvic exam. If you require a pap smear, the gynecologist will take a sample of cervical tissue by using a special swab.
Your OB-GYN will also perform a health check (blood pressure, weight, and urine sample to check for gestational diabetes or preeclampsia). If you are expecting, your doctor will listen to your baby's heartbeat and feel your belly and may conduct different tests depending on your health history and any conditions you may suffer from.
How can you find the best OB-GYN near you in Sewickley, Pennsylvania?
OB-GYNs provide specialized care for women's reproductive systems. They can assist in diagnosing and treating issues and diseases related to the female body. However, to ensure a healthy reproductive system and overall health, one must connect with an experienced and trustworthy OB-GYN in their area, say, Sewickley, Pennsylvania. Finding a provider in a specific location may seem tedious, but not with Zocdoc.
Our comprehensive database of healthcare professionals across the US helps you locate the proper health specialist within minutes. Zocdoc allows you to search for a trusted doctor based on your symptoms, disease, zip code, specialty, and insurance plan.
Our extensive database of OB-GYNs includes specialists and general practitioners. To ensure that the list contains only the best OB-GYNs near you, we verify their credentials and achievements based on client testimonials, also available on the platform for you to peruse.
On Zocdoc, you can search for doctors who accept your insurance. Using our insurance detector, you can find providers who will take your insurance for payments, ensuring you do not have to pay from your pocket. To search, just type in your provider's name. You can also use our card capture tool to enter all your health benefits before your appointment.
Despite entering your information online, many doctor's offices still want you to bring your insurance card. Therefore, be sure to get it to your in-person meetings. Check out Zocdoc's patient help center for other insurance-related questions.
All bookings on Zocdoc are simple, secure, and 100% free!
Statistics about the OB-GYNs and maternal health in Pennsylvania and the US
According to data produced by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) in September 2023, the number of professionally active OB-GYNs in Pennsylvania was around 2,859 (11%). After going through a database of 30 million profiles, Zippia estimated that there were more than 23,154 OB-GYNs in the country. About 85.2% of OB/GYNs are women, while 14.8% are men.
According to data published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, in 2020, 861 women died either during childbirth or within 42 days of delivery in various parts of the US. The maternal mortality rate was at about 23.8 deaths for every 100,000 live births, which was higher than the rates in 2019 (20.1 deaths per 100,000 live births) and 2018 (17.4 deaths per 100,000 live births). Moreover, among 11 developed countries, the US had the highest maternal mortality rate in 2020.
Sources
WebMD
Healthline
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Kaiser Family Foundation
Zippia
National Center for Biotechnology Information
University OB/GYN Associates[1]
University OB/GYN Associates[2]
Cleveland Clinic[1]
Cleveland Clinic[2]
Cleveland Clinic[3]
Cleveland Clinic[4]
Cleveland Clinic[5]
Cleveland Clinic[6]
Cleveland Clinic[7]
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