Who is an OB-GYN?
OB-GYN is a branch of medicine composed of two distinct fields: obstetrics (ob-STEH-Trix) and Gynecology (GY-neh-KAH-loh-jee). It is also called Ob/Gyn and provides care for all issues related to pregnancy, childbirth, and other women's health issues (such as reproductive health or menopause).
OB-GYNs are generalist medical practitioners and must pursue four years of residency training after earning a medical degree. Typical focus areas include prenatal diagnostics, disease prevention, and reproductive health care. It is not uncommon for OB-GYNs to practice as primary care physicians for women. However, some practitioners choose to specialize in one of the fields:
- Gynecologists receive training to deliver care for all women's health issues, including menstruation, menopause, contraception, infertility, miscarriage and abortion, irregular vaginal bleeding, fibroids, and sexually transmitted infections, among others. They do not deliver babies. However, they can refer you to an obstetrician. While you do not need to see a gynecologist for contraception, you typically need one for surgical intervention in the pelvis (including tubal ligation).
- Obstetricians offer preconception, prenatal, and post-pregnancy care. They work at unpredictable hours and deliver babies. However, they rarely provide care for health issues unrelated to pregnancy. You can consult an obstetrician to learn more about the steps you can take for a healthy pregnancy—especially if you suffer from chronic or pre-existing conditions.
OB-GYNs, gynecologists, or obstetricians may go on to pursue advanced training. It often takes the form of a minimum of three fellowships in any one subspecialty area.
What are the specialty areas?
Obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) is a multifaceted field encompassing diverse healthcare services, with the majority of practitioners functioning as generalists. However, within this expansive domain, professionals often choose to specialize in particular subspecialties to provide tailored and focused care. These specialty areas include:
- Maternal-fetal medicine: Maternal-fetal medicine specialists cater to individuals with high-risk pregnancies and associated medical conditions. From managing chronic or gestational high blood pressure to addressing gestational diabetes and blood clotting disorders, these experts offer comprehensive care aimed at ensuring the well-being of both the mother and the developing fetus.
- Reproductive endocrinology and infertility: Endocrinologists specializing in reproductive health focus on addressing issues related to infertility and the intricate hormonal dynamics within the endocrine system. Offering specialized procedures such as in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, these specialists work to enhance the chances of successful pregnancy for individuals facing conception challenges.
- Gynecologic oncology: Oncologists in this subspecialty concentrate on diagnosing and treating cancers affecting the female reproductive system. From uterine and cervical cancers to ovarian and vulvar malignancies, gynecologic oncologists play a pivotal role in providing specialized care and treatment plans for individuals grappling with these complex conditions.
- Female pelvic medicine and reproductive surgery: Surgeons with expertise in female pelvic medicine and reproductive surgery focus on managing urinary tract disorders and conditions involving the pelvic floor. By addressing issues such as urinary or fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and bladder pain, these specialists offer tailored interventions to enhance patients' quality of life, particularly in the face of challenges stemming from pregnancy, aging, or specific medical conditions.
What common conditions do OB-GYNs treat?
Doctors specializing in obstetrics and gynecology treat almost all diseases associated with the female reproductive system, including those that may occur before, during, or after pregnancy. OB-GYNs treat the following conditions:
- Endometriosis is a painful condition in which the endometrium (a tissue lining the inside of the uterus) grows outside the uterus. Usually, this lining breaks down during the menstrual cycle, but it can become trapped in this condition. It may also lead to pain during periods, intercourse, and urination. An OB-GYN may recommend pain medication, hormone therapy, or surgery.
- Ectopic pregnancies are abnormal pregnancies that occur when a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus. Such pregnancies may occur in the fallopian tube, ovaries, or cervix. When an ectopic pregnancy is detected early, it is treatable with medication. However, surgery may be necessary.
- Female infertility is when a woman is unable to become pregnant. Ovulation infrequently or not at all can indicate infertility. Certain ovulation disorders, endometriosis, and cervical or uterine issues can cause infertility. However, in some cases, the causes are unknown. Your OB-GYN may offer several treatment options, including fertility medications or assisted reproductive technology like IVF.
- Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs located on or in the ovary. Primarily, ovarian cysts do not cause significant discomfort and may go away independently without treatment. However, they may become twisted or burst open (rupture). It may cause pelvic pain, bloating, and heaviness in the abdomen. Your doctor may recommend medications or surgical interventions to remove or prevent more cysts from forming.
What procedures do OB-GYNs perform?
OB-GYNs can perform a variety of procedures, ranging from minor outpatient interventions to major surgeries. Some of these procedures are:
- biopsy
- hysterectomy (the removal of the uterus)
- myomectomy (the removal of fibroids)
- tubal ligation for female sterilization
- laser surgery
- dilation and curettage
An OB-GYN is qualified to manage your well-being throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Procedures performed during these stages may include:
- vaginal delivery
- amniocentesis to determine sex and detect any abnormalities
- cesarean delivery
- in vitro fertilization
- forceps and vacuum deliveries
Additionally, OB-GYNs administer routine preventive tests and screenings, such as:
- cancer screenings
- clinical breast exams
- mammographies
- pelvic exams
- pap smears
When should girls first visit an OB-GYN?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that adolescent girls first consult an OB-GYN or gynecologist between the ages of 13 and 15. Girls may start menstruating at these ages or even before. Regardless of whether they have started their period, visiting the gynecologist can help them understand how their body is developing, what is normal, and what changes they can expect to see in the future.
During the first visit, an OB-GYN typically asks the patient about their personal and family health history. They may also record their height, weight, and blood pressure. Girls may not have a pelvic exam on the first visit unless deemed necessary by their doctor. In this visit, girls can discuss and ask their doctor questions regarding their menstrual cycles, irregular periods, vaginal discharge, puberty, hygiene, contraception or birth control, vaccinations, sexual activities, sexuality, and mental health issues.
In the case of an external genital exam and pelvic exam, an OB-GYN examines the vulva, vagina, and cervix. Sometimes, they may also check the internal organs, particularly if abnormalities are noticed or reported. They will recommend women aged 21 and above a pap smear or pap test, a type of screening for cervical cancer.
What questions should you ask your OB-GYN?
Your OB-GYN is the best resource for getting adequate and accurate information on various topics related to your sexual and reproductive health. While you may have your questions, the comprehensive list below can help you check if you need to include anything more.
General questions
- What is the best way to clean my vagina?
- How can I get rid of my vaginal smell?
- Is it okay to remove pubic hair?
- What screenings and tests should I take?
Questions about menstruation
- How can I manage PMS?
- Why do I get blood clots?
- How can I track my ovulation if I have irregular periods?
Questions about sexual activity
- What are my birth control options?
- Apart from contraception, what other safe sex practices should my partner and I follow?
- Can you give some tips for sexual hygiene?
- What are the warning signs of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
Questions about pregnancy
- How long will it take for me to get pregnant?
- How should I prepare my body for pregnancy?
- Will I be able to have a safe pregnancy if I have chronic conditions like diabetes, thyroid, hypertension, or others?
Questions about menopause
- What are the signs of menopause?
- How can I maintain my overall health after menopause?
- How can I reduce my vaginal dryness?
How to perform a breast self-exam?
A monthly breast self-exam can help you detect infection or breast cancer signs and symptoms early. Menstruating persons can do it after their period ends, while those who have attained menopause can fix a day every month. You can perform the breast self-exam in six easy steps. Make sure to ask an OB-GYN near you for more guidance.
Step 1:
- Remove your shirt and bra.
- Stand in front of the mirror with your arms by your side.
- Observe your breasts and nipples for changes in shape, size, position, color, and texture.
Step 2: Take your arms above your head to tighten your chest muscles and look for the same changes.
Step 3:
- Place your hands on your hips.
- Press firmly.
- Bow forward and backward to observe the same changes.
Step 4: Use 3-4 fingers of your right hand to thoroughly feel your left breast for any lumps in all directions—upwards, downwards, and circular movements. Repeat the same with the right breast.
Step 5: Squeeze your nipples to check for discharge.
Step 6: Lie on the bed, place a pillow under your left shoulder, keep your left arm over your head, and repeat steps 4 and 5. Do the same with the right breast.
Finding an OB-GYN near you
A friendly and competent OB-GYN maintains lifelong health and ensures a healthy pregnancy. Zocdoc has always strived to make healthcare accessible to all. You can enter your preferred specialty or insurance provider, and Zocdoc will display the top-rated OB-GYNs in your neighborhood.
Staying with an in-network provider can drastically reduce costs. Do check with your provider for more information. You can always look at their profile here on Zocdoc or enter your preferred network or insurance provider in the search query.
Zocdoc can also help you find a local OB-GYN with high patient ratings. Busy schedules or tight budgets should provide you and your baby with the most high-quality care. You can browse verified customer reviews within a few clicks to find a friendly and competent OB-GYN.
Are you suffering from pre-existing conditions? Are you worried about the risks of preterm delivery? You can always book an appointment with an OB-GYN near you and discuss this further. Try looking for a provider with experience treating patients with similar health profiles. You may also choose a specialist, such as a maternal-fetal medicine specialist.
Booking appointments with Zocdoc is always secure and free!
Women's health in the United States
Maternal mortality means the mother's death during pregnancy or within 42 days of abortion. However, we rely on the maternal mortality rate for comparisons across regions or time—i.e., maternal death per 1,000,000 live births during a set period.
In April 2021, a National Center for Health Statistics report on maternal mortality rates in the United States in 2019 suggested that there was an increase in maternal mortality between 2018 and 2019:
- Whereas 658 maternal deaths occurred in 2018, the figure rose to 754 in 2019. It was an annual increase of 14.59%
- Whereas the maternal mortality rate (i.e., maternal deaths per 1,000,000 live births) was 17.4 in 2018, it was 20.1 in 2019 — "significantly higher" than the previous year, in the official report's phrasing.
Age groups showed significant differences. For instance, women aged 40 and above had a maternal mortality rate almost six times as high as those under 25.
In 2019, 1 in every six infants was born to a woman who had received no or late prenatal care. It was equivalent to 6.4% of all live births. These figures indicate that mothers of more than 6% of all infants born alive either never benefited from pregnancy-related care or received it relatively late in the pregnancy. It includes screening and treatment for medical conditions and identification (and remediation) of behavioral patterns that may pose a risk to a healthy pregnancy—such as smoking, drinking, poor nutrition, use of illegal substances, etc.
Preterm births
Preterm birth means delivery before 37 weeks of pregnancy, often leading to smaller and weaker babies. Preterm birth is also reportedly the leading cause of newborn deaths in the USA and the 2nd most significant risk factor for infant death (i.e., death of an infant before their first birthday).
While preterm births decreased from 2007 to 2014, the past decade has reversed the trend. The CDC reports that the preterm birth rate (i.e., percent of preterm births of all live births) "rose for the fifth year in 2019". In 2019, the rate of preterm births in the United States was 10.2%, leading to approximately 383,601 preterm births.
This data assumes significance because prematurity or preterm births are significant risk factors for death and disability. As a baby grows throughout gestation (pregnancy), those born preterm may have low birth weight or suffer developmental delay, vision and hearing problems, and other disabilities such as cerebral palsy. They may also lead to emotional suffering or cause financial distress for faes.
The Healthy People 2030 is a national framework that sets data-driven and measurable objectives. Under this framework, the preterm birth rate will be reduced to no more than 9.4% of all live births in the United States by 2030.
Sources and Further reading:
- The CDC has released a preterm birth infographic that lists some of the risk factors for preterm births. You can view it here.
- For Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), such as the signs of preterm labor or preventive steps you can take, click here.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[2]
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
National Cancer Institute
American College of Surgeons
Mayo Clinic[1]
Mayo Clinic[2]
Mayo Clinic[3]
Mayo Clinic[4]
KidsHealth
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Michigan Medicine
Everlywell
Cleveland Clinic
Ochsner Health
Healthline
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