Who is an OB-GYN?
An obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) is a physician who focuses on women's health and reproductive systems. The female biological system processes through various cycles, such as menstruation, childbirth, and menopause. Besides having expertise in women's reproductive health, OB-GYNs assist in pregnancy and childbirth.
An OB-GYN delivers infants, checks for gynecologic cancers, suggests contraceptive alternatives, and carries out some surgeries like sonograms, cesarean sections, and pelvic laparoscopy.
In which areas do OB-GYNs specialize?
While almost 90% of OB-GYNs are generalists, the rest are specialists, which means they pursue further education and training in a sub-specialty related to obstetrics and gynecology. This training equips doctors to offer focused treatment and care in the following areas:
- Maternal and fetal medicine: OB-GYNs specializing in this field cater to patients with complicated pregnancies. The medical concerns arising from a high-risk pregnancy include gestational high blood pressure or diabetes, blood clots, and premature contractions and labor.
- Reproductive endocrinology: Endocrinology focuses on the study of hormones, and reproductive endocrinologists concentrate on hormonal issues that affect or cause infertility and complicated childbirth. These OB-GYNs assist with medical procedures like in vitro fertilization and intrafallopian embryo transfer.
- Gynecologic oncology: These specialists are trained to diagnose and treat cancers of different parts of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, vulva, vagina, cervix, and uterus.
- Female pelvic medicine: OB-GYNs specializing in pelvic medicine and surgery cater to patients with urinary tract and pelvic floor disorders. Pelvic floor health might deteriorate due to pregnancies, old age, or certain medical conditions. It can result in vaginal or anal incontinence, urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder pain and inflammation, and pelvic organ prolapse.
What are the typical gynecological symptoms that require a consultation?
All women experience vaginal bleeding and discharge during menstruation. Mild symptoms are treatable, but severe cases that go untreated for a very long time can result in infertility. Some extreme vaginal conditions could be cervical cancer or STDs such as gonorrhea. To identify any unusual illnesses in the early stages, look out for the following signs:
- Imbalanced period schedule (too early or too late)
- Unusual vaginal bleeding before, during, or between periods
- Pelvic pain is not associated with menstrual cramps.
- Breast pain and lumps
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Vaginal bleeding or pain during or after sexual activity
- Vaginal redness, swelling, or itching
- Vaginal tumor or lump that looks abnormal
- Heavy vaginal discharge
- Unpleasant odor or disconcertingly colored vaginal discharge, such as brown, green, or yellow
What are the most common female gynecological disorders?
The female reproductive system comprises the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and external genitalia. Due to many factors, women can experience gynecological disorders quite frequently. Let us understand some of the common ones:
- Dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation, is of two types: primary and secondary. During the adolescence and ovulatory cycles, women can experience primary dysmenorrhea in the form of cramps and abdominal pain. Once the woman becomes pregnant or completes her delivery, the pain naturally goes away. Secondary dysmenorrhea develops when a pelvic problem is present. Common causes include uterine fibroids, pelvic endometriosis, copper-T implantation in the uterus, chronic pelvic infections, and more. The patients are typically young parents in their thirties.
- Leucorrhea is a condition where a woman experiences heavy and thick white or yellowish vaginal discharge. It has no unpleasant odor or itchiness and is non-contagious. It might happen biologically around the time of the menstrual cycle, during ovulation, or adolescence.
- Amenorrhea causes prolonged delayed periods and is of two types: pathological and physiological. Physiological amenorrhea can develop before menarche(getting the first period), during pregnancy, when nursing, and after menopause. The three types of pathological amenorrhea include cryptomenorrhea, primary and secondary. It occurs when an underlying illness is associated with the delay caused in periods.
- PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is primarily defined by increased testosterone production by the ovaries. Multiple (more than 12) follicular cysts of 2 to 9 mm diameter are present, along with enlarging ovaries. Patients notice symptoms like menstrual irregularities, infertility, rising abdominal fat, the prevalence of hirsutism, and acne.
- Fibroids are the most frequent uterine benign tumors in females. Even though 20% or more of women over thirty have fibroids, fortunately, 50% of them continue to be asymptomatic. Heavy menstrual flow, menstrual irregularities, infertility, painful sex, irregular bleeding, miscarriages or early delivery, and lower abdomen or pelvic discomfort are all common symptoms.
- Endometriosis is a disorder that causes the uterine lining (endometrium) to appear abnormal in places like the uterus's muscular layer, ovaries, tubes, and occasionally beyond the pelvis. Infertility, painful periods, painful sex, heavy vaginal bleeding during and between periods, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and fatigue are all symptoms of endometriosis.
- Pelvic inflammatory illness affects various upper genital tract organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, pelvic peritoneum, and surrounding tissues.
- Vaginitis is a form of vaginal inflammation and infection. Due to the lack of estrogen among young girls, the vagina has a weaker defense and is more prone to infections, making vaginitis more prevalent in childhood. Infection by microscopic organisms throughout the reproductive age is the most frequent cause of vaginitis.
- Menopause is the period when menstruation permanently stops at the end of reproductive life due to decreased ovarian activity. Usually, women enter menopause between the ages of 45 and 55.
- Pain during sex is the most typical sexual problem, often known as dyspareunia. Tight hymen, narrow vagina, pelvic inflammatory disease, and urethral disease are some of the causes of this condition.
What procedures are OB-GYNs trained to perform?
The medical training of OB-GYNs equips them with performing a range of inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures. These include:
- Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus
- Myomectomy: Removal of uterine leiomyomas or fibroids
- Vaginal and cervical biopsy: Removal of tissues following a pap smear, which is then sent for lab testing to screen for cancer
- Tubal ligation: This is a form of permanent birth control and involves cutting, tying, or sterilizing the fallopian tubes
- Dilation and curettage: Removal of uterine tissues as a part of the treatment procedure for conditions such as heavy bleeding and endometriosis or to clear the uterine lining after a miscarriage or medical termination of pregnancy
Regular OB-GYN care and its importance for women
Early detection can enhance survival rates for a variety of disorders, including many forms of cancer. Breast cancer ranks second in women's most frequently diagnosed cancer, followed by ovarian and uterine cancer, according to the American Cancer Society's list of the top six causes of cancer mortality in females. As a result, medical specialists recommend sticking to a consistent strategy for physical examinations and having appropriate screening tests depending on your risk factors and demographics. Women should receive preventative treatment and screenings for diseases specific to them, depending on their age and other risk factors, such as pap tests, pelvic examinations, mammograms, and more.
What is the difference between an OB-GYN and a maternal-fetal medicine doctor (MFM)?
If you have chronic health issues, such as heart disease or diabetes, during your pregnancy, even the best OB-GYN near you will recommend a maternal-fetal medicine doctor (MFM). This specialist will offer focused care and monitoring throughout your entire pregnancy. This extra support ensures the safety of both you and your baby, working alongside your OB-GYN to make your pregnancy as secure as can be.
Maternal-fetal medicine doctors, also known as perinatologists, are OB-GYNs with advanced training adept at effectively handling diverse high-risk pregnancies. Although all OB-GYNs are MFM doctors, not all OB-GYNs are MFM doctors.
An MFM doctor has completed three years of additional training to manage high-risk pregnancies, including diagnosis and treatment for both mother and child.
MFM doctors cater to women facing chronic health conditions before, during, or after pregnancy. They are especially beneficial for those over 35 or those dealing with issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, obesity, eating disorders, depression, cystic fibrosis, thyroid disease, sickle cell disease, multiple sclerosis, lupus, or cancer. Additionally, if you've experienced a premature delivery or high-risk pregnancies before, an MFM doctor will be recommended to you.
An MFM doctor can also help with postpartum issues such as severe bleeding, high blood pressure, or gestational diabetes.
Often, an MFM doctor collaborates with the OB-GYN to:
- Offer tailored care recommendations.
- Vigilantly monitor the mother throughout the pregnancy.
- Supervise and implement necessary tests or treatments for both mother and baby.
Annually, about 20% of pregnancies are considered "high risk." While OB-GYNs can manage at-risk pregnancies effectively, incorporating an MFM doctor into your standard care is a wise choice. With both specialists on your team, high-risk concerns and conditions receive attention and care during your OB-GYN appointments.
Yoga for women's health
It is a known fact that yoga benefits both physical and mental health. Research highlights how it is useful in treating and managing various diseases and conditions, including some specific to women:
- PMS symptoms: Many women face PMS or premenstrual symptoms every month. These include both physical and emotional changes. Staying active and exercising like walking or jogging can help fight these. However, when we talk about yoga, a study in the Journal of Education and Health Promotion indicates that women who practice yoga report a more significant reduction in their PMS symptoms compared to those who do aerobic exercises.
- Prenatal benefits: Yoga is beneficial for expecting mothers in several ways. It reduces the stress, anxiety, and back pain that often accompany pregnancy. Also, according to the National Institutes of Health, there is evidence that practicing yoga can help females cope with pain during labor. However, talking to your OB-GYN before starting with it is essential. They can guide you according to your body type, specific condition, and goals.
- Menopause relief: Although it is still being researched, some studies suggest that yoga is excellent for managing challenges associated with menopause. Research held by the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology shows that weekly yoga classes, along with other forms of menopause symptom control, helped women improve their vasomotor symptoms, like night sweats and hot flashes. They also enhanced their overall well-being and sexuality.
- Others: Apart from this, yoga can help women maintain their flexibility and balance, preventing injuries and falls. It also improves mental health, reducing stress, depression, and anxiety and enhancing sleep quality and bone strength.
Besides, consulting an OB-GYN can help you with personalized advice.
Locate the best OB-GYN near you in Staten Island, New York
Patients can live better, happier, and occasionally longer by treating illness and other health concerns early on. You must pay attention to what your body is telling you. Women face unique health issues and situations, such as menopause, pregnancy, and gynecological disorders, such as uterine fibroids and pelvic floor dysfunction. So, if something seems unusual, it's best to call your doctor and discuss it.
If you don't have or know an OB-GYN specialist, Zocdoc can help you find the best OB-GYN specialist in Staten Island for your needs. Go to the Zocdoc website and enter the problem you're experiencing, such as "irregular periods & Staten Island, New York." After that, the system will show you a comprehensive list of the top OB-GYN specialists in your area who meet your search parameters.
Click on their profile to view their qualifications, accreditations, licensing, awards, area of expertise, and past patient testimonials. Other search parameters include gender, spoken languages, hospital ties, etc. You can also find in-network specialists by adding your insurance plan in the search bar. If you don't find your insurance plan listed on Zocdoc, try uploading a photo of your card (this is only available for medical insurance cards, not vision or dental). Scanning the image of it, we'll display your likely plan. If you have trouble uploading the image, contact our service team. For any insurance-related queries, visit Zocdoc's patient help center.
After vetting the doctors on your shortlist, you can schedule an appointment with the best OB-GYN near you. Many doctors provide after-hours, weekend, and online appointments. You can select a time that works for you and the doctor. Bookings with Zocdoc are safe, risk-free, and completely free.
Statistics on OB-GYNs in New York
According to the May 2022 report of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are about 21,450 specialists in the United States, and most OB-GYNs (2480) are located in New York.
New York was ranked 46th among U.S. states for maternal death rate in 2010 by the Maternal Mortality Review 2018 published by the New York State Department of Health. The most current rankings placed New York State in 23rd place, with around 18.1 fatalities per 100,000 live births between 2016 and 2018, and this was a significant decrease compared to 2008-2010, when the rate was nearly 24.4 deaths per 100,000 live births.
According to the same New York State Department of Health study, there were about 117 pregnancy-related fatalities among New York State citizens in 2018. Pregnancy was directly responsible for nearly 41 of these fatalities. The majority (62.4%) of these deaths involved adults aged 30 and over. The leading causes of pregnancy-related mortality were embolism (20%), hemorrhage (20%), and mental disorders (15%). More than half (51.2%) of these deaths occurred within 42 days after the pregnancy's termination. Pregnancy-related deaths occurred more frequently during vaginal birth than during cesarean sections (about 34.1% vs. 29.3%).
Source
St. George's University
New York State Department of Health
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Healthline[1]
Medindia
UCSF Health
Healthline[2]
Mayo Clinic
Nationwide Children's Hospital
American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
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