Who is an OB-GYN?
Irregular periods, abdominal cramps, and excessive bleeding are some common symptoms women usually ignore. However, they can indicate potential diseases such as polycystic ovarian syndrome. Therefore, women should regularly visit an OB-GYN to manage their reproductive health.
An OB-GYN (obstetrics and gynecology) is a medical doctor who treats numerous diseases related to women's reproductive health. A woman's body experiences several biological changes, including menstruation, reproduction, and menopause. An OB-GYN is qualified to understand these changes and identify unusual signs.
They can provide complete care to women during childbirth, pregnancy, and postpartum. They also offer preventative screenings, disease diagnosis, and medical treatment to address any problem. Some OB-GYNs can also perform surgeries to treat various diseases. Hence, regular visits and checkups are essential for women to keep track of their reproductive health and diagnose any disorders early.
OB-GYNs work across multiple healthcare sectors, such as private clinics, government hospitals, nurseries, etc.
Education and qualification of an OB-GYN
To become a licensed OB-GYN, one must complete a three-year bachelor's degree from an affiliated medical college. After graduation, some doctors join residency training for four years. During training, they learn about preventative care, diagnosing various disorders, managing reproductive issues, and other gynecology and obstetrics-related education.
After residency training, OB-GYNs must pass the licensure exam to work in their respective states. Some doctors may study further to gain specialization in different disciplines. Some of the medical subspecialties an OB-GYN can specialize in are as follows:
- Maternal-fetal medicine: Specialists of maternal-fetal medicine provide care to women with high-risk pregnancies while ensuring the health of the mother and baby. They receive specialized training to handle difficult deliveries.
- Reproductive endocrinologists: These doctors are infertility specialists. They can diagnose infertility problems and provide treatment plans based on analyzing reports. Some endocrinologists also provide in-vitro fertilization procedures.
- Gynecologic oncologists: These doctors have a specialization in cancer treatment. They can treat cancers of the female reproductive organs, such as cervical, ovarian, and breast cancer.
- Female pelvic specialists: These OB-GYNs specialize in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgeries. They can diagnose disorders related to the pelvic floor and associated structures. Moreover, these doctors can perform various surgeries to reconstruct prolapsed pelvic organs.
What conditions does an OB-GYN treat?
An OB-GYN can treat various conditions related to women's reproductive health, such as:
- Breast disorders
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Vaginal infection
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Hormonal disorders
- Cervical cancer
- Fibroids
- Hirsutism
- Urinary tract infection
- Endometriosis
- Menstrual disorders
- Incontinence
In addition to providing treatment for the above conditions, an OB-GYN can conduct surgeries such as tubal ligation, hysterectomy (uterus removal), and myomectomy. They also perform cesarean deliveries and personal amniocentesis to detect fetus abnormalities. Moreover, they can do pap smear tests for pelvic exams.
What procedures do OB-GYNs perform?
OB-GYNs are trained surgeons capable of performing various procedures, including cesarean sections, instrumental deliveries during childbirth, and hysterectomies. They also remove growths, such as ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids, and conduct surgeries to repair pelvic organ injuries.
In addition to surgeries, OB-GYNs perform routine and in-office procedures like Pap smears for cervical cancer screening, STI tests, and pelvic ultrasounds to monitor pregnancy and check pelvic organs. They also provide infertility treatments, including egg retrieval for IVF and egg-freezing, and manage urinary issues like urinary tract infections and incontinence.
OB-GYNs address broader health concerns by performing breast exams, offering breast cancer screenings, and treating common issues like anemia. They may also screen for mental health conditions, fill prescriptions for common ailments, and refer patients to specialists when necessary.
What is a pelvic exam?
A pelvic exam involves a physical and visual assessment of the female reproductive organs, typically conducted by a gynecologist or OB-GYN. The doctor examines the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes to check for signs of infection or illness. A pelvic exam may be part of an annual checkup or performed to investigate symptoms like pelvic pain or check for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
During the pelvic exam, the patient will lie on an exam table with their feet in footrests while the doctor presses on the lower abdomen to feel for the organs. The doctor will also insert a lubricated speculum into the vagina to examine the internal organs and may perform a Pap smear in order to test for cervical cancer. A bimanual exam follows, where the doctor uses two fingers to check for abnormalities in the reproductive organs.
Pelvic exams during pregnancy help monitor pelvic health, cervical changes, and infections. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends yearly pelvic exams starting at age 21, but one should discuss the required frequency with a healthcare provider based on individual needs.
When should you see an OB-GYN?
Visit an OB-GYN near you for an annual exam or if you are having any of the following issues:
- Excessive vaginal bleeding: Periods are painful, and some women may experience heavy bleeding. Aside from being a menstrual condition, excessive bleeding can sometimes signify diseases such as polycystic ovarian symptoms. If you are experiencing this issue, visit a certified OB-GYN immediately.
- Breast issues: Breast lumps or sensitivity are common during the menstrual cycle. But if you notice discharge or bumps and prolonged breast soreness, it can indicate cancer. Therefore, booking an appointment with an OB-GYN at the earliest is best.
- Suspected infertility: If you've been trying to conceive for a while but haven't been successful, you should visit a specialist to learn the root cause of the problem and get the required treatment.
- Bumps and blisters: If you get unusual blisters and pustules on your reproductive parts, visit the OB-GYN. They can conduct screening tests to determine the cause of your blister formation and provide you with treatment based on diagnostic reports.
- Urination problem: Some women may experience pain during urination. The problem might occur due to vaginal infection. An OB-GYN visit can help get the appropriate treatment to avoid such issues.
- Pregnancy complications: If you are experiencing pregnancy complications, visit your OB-GYN regularly for consultation and treatment.
In addition to the above issues, if you think you have a sexually transmitted disease, sexual dysfunction, cystic fibroids, or need postpartum treatment, you should consult an OB-GYN near you.
How do you prepare for your visit to the OB-GYN?
Whether you are due for an annual checkup or require help for a medical issue, here are a few ways to prepare for your appointment:
- Don't schedule appointments during your period: It is best to avoid visits during your period as blood can interfere with test results. Certain situations like irregular or heavy periods may make an appointment on your period inevitable. When in doubt, call and clear your queries with the clinic.
- Avoid pelvic grooming: Hair removal can cause swelling or inflammation, which may cause discomfort during a pelvic exam. Hold off on bikini wax appointments or other hair removal methods until after your visit.
- Don't douche: You should not feel embarrassed about vaginal discharge and odors and avoid douching, as it can prevent your doctor from accurately assessing hormonal or yeast problems.
- Avoid intercourse: Don't have sex or use vaginal lubrication products for two days before the appointment, as it can make conducting a pelvic exam or pap smear tests more difficult.
- Track your menstrual cycle: Your doctor will ask you about your cycles, which can be easy to answer with the help of a physical planner, calendar, or cycle-tracking app on your phone.
Remember to bring your medical records and a list of questions or symptoms you want to discuss with your OB-GYN. You may feel nervous about showing your doctor certain areas of your body or asking embarrassing questions, which is understandable. Remember, your OB-GYN will help you achieve your health goals and address your concerns without judgment.
Preparing your teenager for OB-GYN visits
Doctors recommend yearly OB-GYN checkups starting between ages 13 and 15. A gynecological visit or having a pelvic exam may make a young girl feel nervous, embarrassed, or even scared. It would help if you discussed the reason for the visit with your daughter and what she should expect.
Explain that a well-woman visit provides information about sex, her changing body, and periods. She will also learn about preventing STDs and tips for a healthy lifestyle. Lastly, these visits will also help diagnose and treat any problems related to her periods and pelvic pain.
The nature and duration of the first visit depend on your daughter's symptoms and concerns. It may be a simple talk with the doctor or a physical exam where the doctor may check the genitals. While most girls do not require an internal pelvic exam until age 21, problems like heavy bleeding and unusual discharge may require an early pelvic exam. Encourage your daughter to ask questions and actively participate in the process, making her feel more comfortable.
How can you find the best OB-GYN in Sugar Land, Texas?
Searching for the right OB-GYN near you whom you trust can be challenging. However, through Zocdoc, you can easily find qualified providers near you. Visit the Zocdoc website and enter the doctor's specialty (OB-GYN) and your desired location (Sugar Land, Texas). Based on these inputs, the platform will immediately provide you with a list of medical experts. You can apply filters such as gender, clinic location, insurance plan, etc., to screen specific healthcare providers.
If you need assistance finding OB-GYNs who accept your insurance, our online patient help center is available. With Zocdoc, you can link your medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your account, though you can use only one insurance plan per appointment.
You can add your secondary insurance details in the appointment notes for those with multiple insurance plans. Additionally, if your healthcare provider uses Zocdoc's Intake forms, you can enter your secondary insurance information there.
Zocdoc also provides extensive profiles of all healthcare experts in their database. These profiles include detailed information about the provider's educational background, specialty, awards, certifications, language spoken, etc. It helps to read the complete profile to learn if their location and visiting hours suit you. You can also browse user-verified ratings and reviews to make an informed decision.
Once you find an OB-GYN in your vicinity that matches your requirements, you can directly schedule an in-person or online appointment through Zocdoc. Bookings appointments on Zocdoc is safe, easy, and 100% free!
Statistics about OB-GYNs in Sugar Land, Texas
As of May 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports approximately 18,900 OB-GYNs practicing in different healthcare settings in the United States. Out of this, around 1740 OB-GYNs are active in Texas.
Due to increasing medical facilities, the fertility rate is rising in Texas. In 2021, Texas' fertility rate was approximately 60.7%, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. Also, around 373,594 childbirths occurred in Texas in the same year. According to the same source, Texas' low-risk cesarean delivery rate was approximately 34.8 % in 2021.
As of 2023, the American Cancer Society reports that around 19,710 women have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the United States. Regular screenings and healthcare checkups with an OB-GYN can help in the early diagnosis and prevention of ovarian cancer.
Sources
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[2]
American Cancer Society
MedicalNewsToday[1]
MedicalNewsToday[2]
Healthline
University of Medicine and Health Sciences
WebMD
The Ob-gyn Center
7 Dimensions Medical Centre
HealthCentral
Nemours KidsHealth
