Who is an OB-GYN?
An obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) has expertise in women's reproductive systems. They support women in making informed decisions, such as maintaining general reproductive health and preventing or inducing pregnancy. Additionally, they help pregnant women make healthy decisions during and immediately after delivery. They also treat diseases and conditions affecting the reproductive organs, such as hormonal disorders, cervical cancer, breast cancer, and issues related to menopause.
OB-GYN – education and training
Becoming an OB-GYN requires years of study, practice, and clinical experience. After earning their bachelor's degree, aspiring OB-GYNs spend their first two years of medical school on general medical education, which includes studying human anatomy and physiology. In their final two years, medical students work primarily as medical apprentices in hospitals or clinics.
After receiving their degree, they must complete a residency program lasting 4-5 years. The program's initial year focuses on educating the students about the basics of reproductive and sexual health. The remaining years are reserved for academic and clinical training, equipping them with in-depth knowledge about practical situations in their field. After completing their residency, some might gain additional training in one of the subspecialties of gynecology by pursuing a fellowship program.
An OB-GYN cannot operate without acquiring a state license. Therefore, the final step is to obtain a state license by passing a three-step exam called the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). They can also opt to receive their certification from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) by clearing a specialty board exam.
Why visit an OB-GYN near you?
Depending on your age and overall health, you may visit an OB-GYN for routine checkups or specific reproductive goals. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that you should start seeing them at ages 13 to 15. You can contact them for counseling, tests, and follow-up if discomfort or other symptoms suggest a potential issue with the reproductive system or your menstrual cycle. You can also visit them if your menstruation has started, is irregular, has lasted a long time, or the blood flow has changed.
Experiencing occasional periods slightly heavier or longer than usual isn't typically a cause for alarm because the menstrual cycle often self-corrects over time. However, if irregularities persist, it’s crucial to seek guidance from your gynecologist. Consistently experiencing significantly more intense periods than usual over several cycles could indicate an underlying issue. Conditions such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids may be at play, leading to severe pelvic pain and heavier bleeding.
Signs of an abnormal period may include unusually heavy bleeding, intense cramping before and during menstruation, bleeding lasting longer than a week, or unexpected bleeding on non-menstrual days. If abnormal periods occur frequently, you should schedule a consultation with your gynecologist for further evaluation and appropriate management. Intermenstrual bleeding, though unsettling, isn’t necessarily indicative of a severe issue. For example, some women may experience spotting during ovulation, while others might encounter it when initiating a new birth control regimen.
Missing a birth control pill can also lead to irregular bleeding. As women approach menopause, fluctuations in their menstrual cycles are common. However, irregular vaginal bleeding warrants attention under certain circumstances:
- Unexplained bleeding occurs between menstrual cycles.
- Experiencing bleeding while pregnant could indicate complications.
- Encountering bleeding after menopause should always be investigated promptly.
If you have a breast cancer history in the family or are older than 40 years, you must see an OB-GYN for early evaluation. Determining the seriousness of breast pain or a breast lump typically requires a mammogram or breast ultrasound. In the interim, your gynecologist can assess your condition and advise you on the urgency of undergoing breast imaging. Except for a breast infection during breastfeeding, most breast concerns necessitate further evaluation by a radiologist before a definitive diagnosis can be reached.
You should visit them for a yearly pelvic exam if you are 21 or older. Experiencing pelvic pain during specific activities, such as exercise or intercourse, is one of the signs to visit your gynecologist. Pelvic pain may also be accompanied by sensations of bloating or heaviness in the abdomen and, in severe cases, fever and vomiting. Pelvic pain can signal the presence of an ovarian cyst.
Unfortunately, many women delay seeking medical attention until the pain becomes severe, often leading to emergency room visits where imaging tests like CT scans or pelvic ultrasounds reveal the presence of an ovarian cyst. It's crucial to follow up on these findings. While most cysts are benign, your gynecologist needs to assess whether the cyst appears concerning or potentially cancerous. Regular follow-up appointments with an OB-GYN ensure appropriate monitoring and management of ovarian cysts. You should consult them if you want family planning and birth control guidance.
Additionally, you should visit an OB-GYN near you if you experience unpleasant cramps, blood in the urine, a change in vaginal discharge, or pain during sex.
What procedures does an OB-GYN perform?
An OB-GYN manages women's health during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum (the period after giving birth). They have extensive training in performing various procedures. The following are the procedures performed by them:
- Hysterectomy helps OB-GYN diagnose and treat uterine problems. It can determine the cause of repeated miscarriage by removing scar tissue.
- Dilation and curettage — is a procedure in which an OB-GYN uses a sharp curette (an instrument used for scraping) to remove a portion of the uterine lining. Doing so helps them diagnose uterine cancer and polyps (tissue overgrowth in the uterine lining).
- Amniocentesis — helps OB-GYN to gather samples of fluids and cells from the uterus during pregnancy. It allows them to detect whether a pregnancy has genetic disorders.
- Tubal ligation — is a surgical procedure to avoid pregnancy. Tubal means fallopian tubes and ligation refers to tie-off. In the tubal ligation process, women get their tubes tied.
- Myomectomy — is a procedure performed by an OB-GYN to remove uterine fibroids. These fibroids are noncancerous tumors developed in the uterus. It can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, infertility, or pelvic pain.
- Colporrhaphy — is a surgery done to repair the vaginal wall and is commonly used to treat enteroceles (hernias).
- Fluid-Contrast Ultrasound (FCUS) - is a procedure adapted from a standard pelvic ultrasound. OB-GYN uses it to assess the current condition of the uterine cavity and the uterus lining to help identify fibroids or polyps.
- Selective salpingography - is a simple X-ray test used to identify obstructions and diseases of the fallopian tubes. It is taken by passing a catheter into the fallopian tube and injecting a dye to identify abnormalities. In some cases, injecting a dye can easily open the blockage in the fallopian tubes. Otherwise, an OB-GYN will perform a transcervical balloon tuboplasty or a wire guide canalization.
In addition, OB-GYNs receive training in treating breast cancer so they can assist in identifying early symptoms and obtaining the proper care. They can use the pap test to find cervical cancer and guarantee that patients receive high-quality care and a full recovery. They can also perform surgeries to remove ovaries and the uterus where the tumor is present.
What is Asherman’s syndrome, and how can an OB-GYN near you diagnose it?
Asherman’s syndrome is a rare condition where scar tissue, or adhesions, forms inside the uterus, reducing its space. This can lead to symptoms like abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, and fertility problems. Thankfully, it’s treatable, and treatment often helps improve symptoms.
This condition is acquired and develops due to specific events such as surgeries, infections, or cancer treatments. You may be at a higher risk if you’ve had uterine surgeries like a hysteroscopy, complicated D&C, or C-section, or a history of pelvic infections or cancer treatments.
Common symptoms of Asherman’s syndrome include:
- Light periods (hypomenorrhea)
- No periods (amenorrhea) or irregular bleeding
- Severe pelvic pain or cramping
- Difficulty conceiving or carrying a pregnancy
Sometimes, symptoms may not be noticeable, and periods might remain normal. However, if you experience pelvic pain or irregular periods, it's essential to consult your healthcare provider.
An OB-GYN can diagnose Asherman’s syndrome if you’re experiencing symptoms such as pelvic discomfort, abnormal bleeding, missed periods, or fertility challenges. Diagnosis often involves reviewing your medical history, especially if you’ve undergone procedures like D&C, C-section, or radiation therapy or have a history of pelvic infections.
Your OB-GYN will evaluate your medical history and perform a physical exam during your visit. To detect uterine scar tissue, they may also perform a sonohysterogram.
What are some tips for having a healthy pregnancy?
Preparing your body for pregnancy and maintaining it throughout the process involves many different aspects of your life. Change your eating patterns and include a healthy variety of meals when trying to conceive. Start exercising to maintain your fitness levels during pregnancy. It can lessen the chance of labor complications and miscarriage. Read some books on pregnancy, research online, and educate yourself. To avoid mishaps, visit the best OB-GYN near you for pregnancy for routine checkups.
Prenatal vitamins — supplements that give necessary vitamins and minerals to pregnant women are helpful. You should avoid chemicals that could be harmful to a developing fetus. Additionally, it will help if you do not smoke or drink alcohol. When you are pregnant, you should avoid exposure to dangerous tests and chemicals. Hence, when you see a medical professional, tell them about your pregnancy.
The easiest way to find out when you ovulate and conceive is to keep track of your cycles. Increasing your daily calorie intake by 300 to 500 when pregnant is also recommended. Avoid cheese made of raw milk, as it may contain harmful microorganisms. Visit dentists frequently, too. You run an increased risk of gum disease during pregnancy, which could harm the health of your unborn child.
How can you find the best OB-GYN in West Palm Beach, FL?
Finding the best OB-GYN near you for pregnancy is essential if you are expecting or considering having children. They will be a great guide throughout the pregnancy and after giving birth. Visit them as often as necessary for your pregnancy to progress safely and smoothly. However, finding the best OB-GYN in West Palm Beach, Florida can sometimes be time-consuming, which can delay your visit. Hence, Zocdoc helps you find and choose the best provider.
On Zocdoc, you can search for providers based on your symptoms, preferred location and date, and insurance plan. You can use Zocdoc's insurance checker if you have doubts about your plan. If your insurance plan isn't listed on Zocdoc, you can try uploading a picture of your medical insurance card (this option is not available for vision or dental insurance). We'll scan the image and show you the most likely plan. If you have trouble uploading the card, contact our service team for assistance. You can check Zocdoc's patient help center if you have more insurance-related queries. You can also apply filters to locate providers depending on their gender, language, hospital affiliations, and whether or not they treat children.
Zocdoc displays details of each provider, like education and training, professional membership, awards, visit reasons, areas of expertise, and licensure, among other crucial information. You will also find verified patient ratings and reviews on each provider's profile. Going through them will help you find the best OB-GYN near you for pregnancy. You can book both in-person and virtual appointments on Zocdoc.
All the appointments on Zocdoc are easy, 100% free, and safe.
OB-GYN statistics in West Palm Beach, Florida
The Florida Department of Health reports that in FY 2022-2023, there were around 1,958 licensed OB-GYNs in Florida.
The Florida Department of Health reported over 3,581 infants who weighed significantly less at birth (below 1500 grams) in 2023. Additionally, almost 36.2% (80,098) of total births in Florida were cesarean section deliveries. Nearly 7,658 (3.6%) of mothers who gave birth did not receive prenatal care. The Florida Department of Health also reports that in 2021, there were approximately 20,943 breast cancer, 1,691 ovarian cancer, and 1,093 cervical cancer incidences in Florida.
The American Cancer Society estimated that in 2025, there will be approximately 1,820 new cases of ovarian cancer, 23,920 cases of breast cancer, 5,720 cases of uterine cancer, and 1,160 cases of cervical cancer in Florida. In addition, the estimated deaths in Florida are 1,050 from ovarian cancer, 3,210 from breast cancer, 1,040 from uterine cancer, and 410 from cervical cancer.
Sources
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists[1]
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists[2]
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists[3]
American College of Surgeons
Mayo Clinic[1]
Mayo Clinic[2]
Victoria Advocate
Cleveland Clinic[1]
Verywell Health
University of Colorado OB-GYN
Johns Hopkins Medicine
WebMD
Healthline
Learn.org
Florida Department of Health[1]
Florida Department of Health[2]
Florida Department of Health[3]
Florida Department of Health[4]
Florida Department of Health[5]
Florida Department of Health[6]
Florida Department of Health[7]
Cancer Statistics Center
University of Rochester Medical Center
Houston Methodist
Cleveland Clinic[2]
