What is an OB-GYN?
An OB-GYN (obstetrics-gynecology) is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats conditions associated with the female reproductive system. While OB-GYNs are generally known to provide consultation and guidance during pregnancy, the scope of their treatments extends to other diseases related to the female reproductive system.
To become an OB-GYN, one must complete four years of medical school and an additional residency training program. During this residency, they practice medicine under the supervision of a medical professional for around four years. OB-GYNs also take specialty board examinations and must apply for a license to practice in a particular state. After completing their required training, they must obtain certification from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology by clearing a specialty board exam.
We can better understand the importance of OB-GYNs with reproductive and pregnancy facts and figures. For example, pregnant women are more at risk of getting COVID-19, according to a study cited by the National Library of Medicine (NLM). The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services documented a declining teen pregnancy in the last few decades. OB-GYNs play a significant role in treating, counseling, and educating about the risks and precautions of pregnancy.
So, what treatments do OB-GYNs offer? What types of diseases and conditions do they treat? The following sections will take you through these questions and help you find the right OB-GYN near you.
Subspecialties of OB-GYN
Subspecialties within obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) encompass a range of highly specialized fields that focus on specific aspects of women's reproductive health. These subspecialties include:
- Gynecologic oncology: Gynecologic oncologists specialize in addressing and treating malignancies of the female reproductive system, such as ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar. They provide comprehensive cancer care, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and more, with a focus on preserving reproductive function and improving quality of life.
- Female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery: Urogynecologists are specialists in this field. They address pelvic floor disorders such as urinary incontinence and fecal and pelvic organ prolapse. They offer surgical and nonsurgical interventions to restore pelvic health and improve quality of life.
- Reproductive endocrinology and infertility: Doctors specializing in this are experts in diagnosing and treating hormonal disorders related to reproductive health, as well as infertility issues. They utilize advanced techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and reproductive surgery to help individuals and couples achieve pregnancy.
- Maternal-fetal medicine (MFM): Maternal-fetal medicine specialists specialize in managing high-risk pregnancies dealing with complications that may arise during pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum. They provide comprehensive care for both the mother and fetus, addressing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, multiple pregnancies, and fetal anomalies.
- Critical care medicine: It involves the specialized management of critically ill pregnant or postpartum women and those with obstetric emergencies. It addresses unique challenges, such as maternal-fetal physiology and the impact of pregnancy on critical illness.
- Complex family planning: It entails comprehensive counseling and management of intricate reproductive health issues. It includes contraception for medically complex patients, management of infertility, and addressing complex contraceptive needs in individuals with medical comorbidities or exceptional circumstances.
- Hospice and palliative medicine: It focuses on providing compassionate care and symptom management for women with life-limiting illnesses or those facing end-of-life issues. It prioritizes comfort, respect, and quality of life for patients and their families.
Diseases and conditions managed by OB-GYNs
OB-GYNs treat several diseases and conditions of the female reproductive system. Some of them are as follows:
- Pregnancy-related complications: Treating pregnancy-related complications is well within the scope of OB-GYNs. Conditions like hypertension, preterm labor, miscarriage, and postpartum stress are some of the well-known pregnancy issues. OB-GYNs diagnose and treat these conditions and ensure sound pre and postnatal care.
- STD testing and treatment: OB-GYNs diagnose and treat sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia, HIV, herpes, hepatitis, etc. If you're unsure whether you're suffering from an STD, consulting an OB-GYN is crucial.
- Infertility: A plethora of factors can cause infertility. Pesticide exposure, anabolic steroids, and mental health issues can cause infertility. OB-GYNs can help diagnose and treat problems causing infertility. The treatment usually involves medication alone but may require surgery in some instances.
- Incontinence: Incontinence generally happens among older women. Childbirth complications may cause it. Usually, incontinence occurs after menopause in women between the ages of 50 and 60. For incontinence, OB-GYNs generally prescribe diet changes and exercises.
Treatments offered by OB-GYNs
Before seeing one for your symptoms or condition, it's a good idea to be aware of the treatments that OB-GYNs provide. The following points highlight some of the treatments OB-GYNs offer:
- Cesarean section: This is a surgical procedure involving a child's delivery through an incision between a female's abdomen and uterus. Also known as C-section, the process is safer when a standard delivery is unsafe for the woman and child.
- Growth removals: OB-GYNs perform surgical procedures in case of abnormal growth in reproductive organs. Examples of abnormal growth include ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids.
- Hysterectomy: Hysterectomy is used to remove the uterus surgically. It is a standard procedure for women in their 40s and 50s. A hysterectomy can become necessary for women with conditions like heavy periods, pelvic pain, uterus prolapse, and other uterus-related conditions.
- Surgical treatment for pelvic injuries: Severe pelvic fractures require surgical treatment and fall within the purview of OB-GYNs. Pelvic fractures can happen due to impact accidents, bone diseases, athletic activities, or other related events and conditions that impact the pelvic bones.
- Fertility treatments: Fertility treatments don't always involve surgery. OB-GYNs can prescribe medication to treat conditions causing infertility. That said, OB-GYNs may suggest and perform surgical procedures to diagnose the reason behind fertility issues.
When should you visit an OB-GYN near you?
You are usually recommended to visit an OB-GYN for a preventive checkup at least once yearly. During this visit, your OB-GYN may conduct physical exams, immunizations, and lab tests to check for certain diseases. The type of tests depends on your age and overall health.
Besides an annual checkup, you should visit the OB-GYN when you notice changes in your reproductive cycle. Expected or routine changes include your first menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. Some unusual and unexpected changes in the reproductive cycle may also include changes in the volume or frequency of menstrual bleeding, pain during urination, and pain during intercourse.
An OB-GYN can also help you with your reproductive goals, such as birth control, contraception, safe sex tips, treatment and prevention of sexually transmitted infections, and abnormal vaginal discharge. Suppose you are pregnant or trying to conceive. In that case, you may see an OB-GYN for infertility treatments, prenatal care, genetic testing and screenings, labor and birthing options, advice on breastfeeding, and postpartum depression.
If you have pain during or before menstruation, an OB-GYN can help you manage cramps, premenstrual syndrome, cysts, and fibroids. If you are going through or have already gone through menopause, you may see an OB-GYN for concerns such as low libido, hot flashes, incontinence, and bone loss.
Some women also see an OB-GYN instead of a primary care physician. You should consult your doctor to see if they are the right person to meet your general health needs.
How to prepare for your OB-GYN visit
Understanding how to prepare for an OB-GYN visit ensures you maximize your time with your doctor. The goal of your appointment is to assess and maintain your health. This guide addresses key topics to help you approach your visit with confidence and clarity:
- Understanding the necessity of pelvic exams: Doctors typically include pelvic exams as a routine pap smear. However, many OB-GYNs agree that pelvic exams may not be necessary for women under 21 who are not sexually active. According to the Mayo Clinic, pelvic exams are generally recommended when a woman becomes sexually active or reaches the age of 21.
- Asking the right questions: Prepare a list of questions or concerns to discuss with your OB-GYN. No topic is off-limits. Addressing issues such as unusual bleeding between periods, pain during intercourse, or noticeable changes in your body is vital. Open communication about these concerns aids in maintaining long-term health. For individuals over 18, all discussions with your doctor remain confidential.
- Blood tests and routine screenings: Blood tests and other lab work are often standard for OB-GYN visits. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends cervical cytology and HPV testing, as HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer. Routine exams also screen for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV.
- Informing your OB-GYN about supplements: Compile a list of vitamins and supplements you take, as these can significantly impact your health, just like prescription medications. Share details of any recent changes in your medications or procedures performed by other healthcare providers. This information allows your OB-GYN to provide more comprehensive care.
- Incorporating self-exams into your routine: Self-examinations are a proactive approach to detecting potential health issues early. Use a hand mirror to check for any changes in the color of your genital area, as well as for extra tissue, bumps, or blisters. Discuss these findings with your OB-GYN during your visit. While no standard screening exists for vulvar cancer, the American Cancer Society emphasizes that pelvic exams and recognizing early signs and symptoms increase the chances of early detection and effective treatment.
- Age-specific health considerations: Your age and life stage influence the focus of your OB-GYN visit. Teenagers and young women may discuss birth control, fertility, and STI prevention. Women in their 30s might explore hormonal changes, vaginal dryness, or reduced libido. Menopausal and post-menopausal women should continue annual pap smears until their late 60s. Discuss your specific needs with your OB-GYN to tailor a health plan that suits you.
Choosing the right OB-GYN near you in Westbury
Are you looking for an OB-GYN in Westbury? Choosing the right one can be a complicated process. If you've visited an OB-GYN, you may know the scope of questions you may have to answer. You may have to go through a thorough physical examination and answer questions about your menstrual cycle and sexual activity. Naturally, you may not feel comfortable answering these questions to an OB-GYN you don't completely trust.
Let's assume you somehow find an OB-GYN as a recommendation from someone reliable, but—Is the doctor in your vicinity? Does your medical insurance plan cover the doctor? Do the available appointment times align with your daily schedule?
Sounds complicated? Try Zocdoc – a platform where you can book a doctor's appointment in minutes. You can sign up on Zocdoc for free and find doctors around Westbury who also accept your medical insurance plan. All you need to do is – sign up for Zocdoc, enter the type of doctor you're looking for, a suitable time slot, and your medical insurance provider & plan. Zocdoc will list the best OB-GYNs near you that meet your required criteria. If you have multiple insurance plans, you can add your medical, dental, and vision plans to your Zocdoc account; however, you'll only be able to search for and book appointments using one plan at a time. You can note your secondary insurance carrier and plan details in the provider's notes section for additional coverage during the final booking step. If your provider utilizes Zocdoc's Intake forms, you can add your secondary insurance information when completing the forms online. For more insurance-related questions, please visit Zocdoc's patient help center.
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Reproductive statistics and data from Westbury, New York
Doctors have been on the frontline during COVID, OB-GYNs included. They cared for pregnant women at risk during the peak of the pandemic and were able to perform safe deliveries for their patients. Let us look at some statistics that may help us better understand the role of OB-GYNs in Westbury and New York's reproductive health.
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2020, New York State had the eighth lowest teen pregnancy rate. There were around nine births per 1,000 females 15-19 years of age, much lower than the national high of about 27.9 in Mississippi. According to the New York Department of Health, the teen pregnancy rate was approximately 13.6 in 2017 in Nassau County. It was lower than the state's average teenage pregnancy rate based on New York Department of Health data.
Sources
St. George's University
Nemours KidsHealth
National Center for Biotechnology Information
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
New York State Department of Health
Healthline
Medical News Today
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Mayo Clinic
UCLA Health
WebMD[1]
WebMD[2]
University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC)
American Board of Obstetrics + Gynecology
National Center for Biotechnology Information
