Who is an OB-GYN?
OB-GYN refers to obstetrics and gynecology, a medical specialty dealing with two facets of female reproductive health. Its specialists treat various disorders affecting women from adolescence to maturity.
An obstetrician specializes in helping women throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and after giving birth. They ensure that the mother and the unborn child receive the best prenatal care to facilitate a smooth delivery.
Gynecologists treat diseases affecting the vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and cervix. They also handle urological problems since the intestine, bladder, and urine systems are closely associated with the female reproductive organs.
Educational qualifications of an OB-GYN
The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) sets the education and training standards for OB-GYNs. The requirements for the educational framework include the following:
- Graduation from an accredited medical school
- Certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine
- Completion of an OB-GYN residency, primarily in gynecology and obstetrics. This training is four years long, and its certification is by the American Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)
- Qualification in the ABOG test for the specialty selected by the aspiring OB-GYN to earn board certification as a doctor
To maintain their credentials, OB-GYNs must take tests every six years.
What are some types of OB-GYN subspecialties?
OB-GYNs may focus their practices on a specific specialty and enhance their qualification. Here are some possible areas of expertise below:
- Gynecologic oncology: It is a medical branch focusing on cancers affecting a woman's reproductive system, such as ovarian or cervical cancer.
- Reproductive surgery: While delivering babies is the main focus of reproductive surgeons, they also perform both men's and women's reproductive systems.
- Maternal-fetal medicine (MFM): It is a crucial aspect of obstetrics and deals with treating a woman and her child before, during, and after childbirth. MFM specialists are critical in assisting women with a history of high-risk pregnancies or chronic diseases.
- Female pelvic medicine: Also called urogynecology, this practice focuses on pelvic conditions, such as pelvic ache, irregular feces, overactive bladder, and several others.
- Infertility: Failing to get pregnant after a year of frequent, unprotected sexual activity is commonly called infertility. Since OB-GYNs have a profound grasp of reproductive hormones, these experts can counsel patients on ways to conceive and provide infertility treatments. If needed, the doctor may prescribe more specialized treatment.
When should you see an OB-GYN?
Various signs can call for a visit to the OB-GYN. Although the doctor could classify some symptoms as serious medical issues, others might not be as severe. These signs might point to undiagnosed diseases harming your health. Therefore, if you experience any of the following, you must see your OB-GYN:
- Vaginal bleeding post menopause: Women may occasionally have vaginal dryness and hot flashes after menopause. However, vaginal bleeding is abnormal and can indicate severe medical conditions like cancer, endometritis, and uterine fibroids.
- Breast swelling or discoloration: Causes of these conditions may include menstruation or pregnancy. However, underlying conditions such as breast infections or inflammatory breast cancer can also cause unwanted swelling or discoloration.
- Pelvic or chest hair: This may indicate polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This condition can drive facial or chest hair growth due to heightened estrogen levels and may necessitate an OB-GYN visit. Obesity, high blood pressure, adult acne, and irregular periods are other signs of PCOS.
- Abdominal bloating: When short-lived, it may be due to food allergies. However, the condition may also indicate ovarian cancer if it lasts over a week. Feeling satiated instantly after eating, experiencing frequent urination problems, having trouble eating, and suffering chronic symptoms such as fatigue and postmenopausal bleeding are typical symptoms of ovarian cancer. If you have chronic or unusual bloating, consult your OB-GYN.
A few tips for a healthy pregnancy
Pregnancy is a joyous period of life, but also one that needs precautions and carefulness. The following tips, if adopted, will help you maintain your optimal health, as well as that of your fetus:
- Schedule an early appointment with your healthcare provider upon confirming your pregnancy or if you suspect one. Regular checkups are vital to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Follow your healthcare provider's recommended tests for timely intervention and prevention of any unwanted concerns.
- Maintaining a healthy weight gain during pregnancy eases the process and can aid postpartum weight management. Consult your healthcare provider to set suitable goals, considering your age, weight, and health. Regularly monitor your weight at home or during healthcare visits.
- Follow a healthy diet that comprises fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit the consumption of salt, solid fats, and sugar-sweetened drinks and foods. Consume food containing folic acid, such as orange juice, strawberries, spinach, broccoli, beans, fortified bread, and low-sugar breakfast cereals. Most healthcare professionals recommend taking prenatal vitamins and supplements.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, fish with high levels of mercury, and other foods that may cause illness. Choose safe seafood options and limit caffeine intake to less than 200 mg per day.
- Most women can and should be physically active during pregnancy. Regular physical activity ensures you and your baby gain appropriate weight and reduces backaches, leg cramps, and bloating. It can also help lower the risk of gestational diabetes, postpartum depression, preeclampsia, and the need for a cesarean section. You can also choose prenatal yoga classes. Consult your healthcare professional for guidance on physical activities to avoid.
- Consider creating a childbirth plan. A birth plan outlines your preferences for childbirth and post-birth scenarios, including where you want to deliver, preferences for pain management, and breastfeeding intentions.
- Undergo gestational diabetes testing between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy, as it can often occur during pregnancy.
- Provide your doctor or midwife with your personal and family health background. This information will help you and your healthcare provider determine whether additional tests, such as genetic testing, are necessary.
- Following childbirth, gradually reintroduce regular, moderate-intensity physical activity to your routine as you work toward achieving a healthy weight again. You must also continue with doctor visits as advised.
What should you expect when you visit an OB-GYN near you?
At an OB-GYN checkup, you can discuss more than just sexual health. These visits focus on your overall physical and mental well-being.
First, your OB-GYN reviews your personal and family history, looking for conditions that might affect your health. They ask about your past healthcare, family diseases, lifestyle, and environment. Topics might include eating habits, exercise, alcohol and drug use, housing safety, and any violence at home. They also review your mental health, asking about stress, depression, and anxiety, and may recommend a mental health professional if needed.
Addressing specific health concerns is a vital part of the visit. For example, if you have symptoms like unusual discharge, painful urination, or menstrual issues, your OB-GYN will discuss these immediately and might recommend tests or a physical exam, including urine or blood tests.
If you're planning a pregnancy or need birth control, you discuss your goals. Your OB-GYN explains how fertility changes with age and offers advice on pregnancy care. If you're not planning a pregnancy, you explore birth control options and ensure you're happy with your current method.
For women approaching or experiencing menopause, your OB-GYN discusses symptoms and coping strategies. They also review age-related health conditions like incontinence, painful sex, bone loss, and heart disease and offer prevention or management tips.
Physical exams, though not always needed, might include pelvic exams, cervical cancer screenings, and breast exams. Your OB-GYN checks for any signs of problems, screens for cervical cancer, and examines your breasts for changes.
If you have specific concerns or lack a primary care doctor, your OB-GYN may also check your ears, nose, throat, skin, heartbeat, thyroid gland, and lung function. Vaccination is another important topic, with recommendations based on age and health status.
The conversation remains open, honest, and respectful throughout the visit, ensuring you receive the best care possible.
Find OB-GYNs near you in Webster, New York
An OB-GYN may examine you and address your questions regarding the changes in your body, whether you are beginning your menstrual cycle, are pregnant, or intend to start a family. They can also provide you with a customized treatment plan for your particular needs. They give medical prescriptions, suggest contraception methods, and offer dietary and lifestyle suggestions.
Finding a competent OB-GYN in your region might take a lot of time. Fortunately, Zocdoc makes it simple to access licensed medical professionals anytime from the comfort of your home.
Visit the Zocdoc website and complete the form with your conditions, address, insurance details, and preferred appointment time. Explore the provided list of top-rated healthcare professionals. You can also add qualifiers to your search, like location, gender, day of the week, hospital affiliation, spoken languages, etc.
Zocdoc helps patients make informed decisions by outlining each provider's educational background, which includes clinical training, expertise, certifications, licenses, awards, and accreditations. Another way to select the best medical provider is to read genuine, verified patient reviews.
If you need help finding OB-GYNs who accept your insurance, our online patient help center is available. On Zocdoc, you can link your medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your account. Remember, each appointment can only use one insurance plan.
If you have multiple insurance plans, include your secondary insurance details in the appointment notes. If your provider uses Zocdoc's intake forms, you can enter your secondary insurance information quickly.
Through Zocdoc, you can schedule both in-person and online appointments. Look for a purple video symbol on the provider's profile or use the video availability filter to determine which providers provide online meetings.
Booking appointments with OB-GYNs near you on Zocdoc is simple, safe, and 100% free.
Women's health statistics for New York, United States
Quantitative data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that as of 2021, nearly 21,570 obstetricians and gynecologists were actively providing services in the United States. New York had the highest employment rate, with more than 2,240 obstetricians and gynecologists in active practice. Around 1,060 doctors worked in outpatient care facilities, and about 15,640 OB-GYNs practiced in doctor's offices.
According to a 2018 New York State Department of Health analysis, the United States is one of the few nations where maternal mortality has grown since 2000. In 2010, New York stood 46th on the list of the highest maternal mortality rates among U.S. states. From 2016 to 2018, it moved to 23rd rank with a maternal mortality rate of around 18.1 deaths per 100,000 live births. This rate was lower compared to 2008–2010, when it was 24.4.
In 2018, roughly 117 fatalities related to pregnancy occurred in New York. The leading causes of death were bleeding (8, 20%), embolism (8, 20%), and mental health issues (6, 15%).
Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Healthline[1]
Healthline[2]
New York State Department
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
University of Illinois College of Medicine
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
