What Is an Obstetrician Gynecologist
What Is an Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB/GYN)?
An obstetrician is a physician who specializes in caring for women before, during, and after pregnancy and delivery. A gynecologist is a physician who focuses more generally on the health of the female reproductive system. It is common in the U.S. for physicians to be trained and certified in both specialties. These individuals are called obstetrician/gynecologists or OB/GYNs for short.
OB/GYNs are extensively educated, completing four years of medical school, a four- to five-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology, and additional years of training in their specialty. Prior to practicing, they are licensed and board certified by professional governing bodies. They maintain these certifications throughout their career with supplemental training and testing.
What Does an Obstetrician/Gynecologist Do?
Obstetricians provide care for women throughout the birthing cycle, from initial planning, to pregnancy, delivery, and afterwards. This can include fertility treatments, pregnancy exams, vaginal and cesarean deliveries, and postpartum care. Gynecologists focus on the overall health of the organs and systems specific to women. This involves preventive measures, such as cancer screenings, and the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions, such as urinary tract infections, uterine disorders, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). OB/GYNs perform both functions, with training in medical and surgical procedures.
OB/GYNs interact with their patients in both office and hospital settings, conducting physical exams, ordering tests, prescribing medications, and arranging for surgical procedures and other forms of specialized medical care. Obstetrical/gynecological care places a heavy emphasis on wellness, preventive care, and patient education. Because OB/GYNs are considered primary providers, you can typically arrange a visit without a referral.
What Are Types of Obstetrician/Gynecologists Are There?
OB/GYNs can train in a wide range of specialties within the fields of obstetric and gynecological medicine. Some of these include:
- Breast care
- Cancer
- Critical care medicine
- Family planning
- Fertility
- Pediatric gynecology
- Perinatology
- Pelvic medicine
- Pain-relief medicine
- Surgery
When Should You See an Obstetrician/Gynecologist?
Because of the OB/GYN emphasis on wellness, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that young women begin regular visits to an OB/GYN between 13 and 15 years of age. Patients won’t typically undergo preventive procedures, such as pelvic exams and pap tests, until age 21 unless they’re sexually active beforehand. ACOG recommends also that adult patients schedule a well-women visit with their OB/GYN on an annual basis.
You should also see your OB/GYN if you become pregnant or experience possible indicators of a medical condition or concern:
- Birth control issues
- Bloody discharges
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Evidence of an STI
- Painful intercourse
- Pelvic pain or discomfort
- Pregnancy complications
- Urinary tract infection
What Can I Expect at My Visit to the Obstetrician/Gynecologist?
A visit to an OB/GYN will begin like any other medical visit. He or she will conduct a physical exam, ask about your symptoms, and record your family history. As part of the exam, he or she will document your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and glucose (blood sugar) levels. Your OB/GYN will also ask you lifestyle questions, for example, whether you smoke, what your diet is like, and how much alcohol you consume.
Your OB/GYN may diagnose your condition based on this information, or he or she may order further tests, such as blood and urine samples, a pap test, or a breast exam. On confirming a diagnosis, your OB/GYN can prescribe medications that are appropriate for your condition and arrange for any additional specialist care including surgery. If your visit is obstetrical – having to do with a pregnancy – your OB/GYN will gather data on the baby’s size, heartbeat, and position in the womb.
If you’re planning a pregnancy or are anxious about possible medical symptoms, the Baptist Health OB/GYN team is ready to care for you. For more information, contact your Baptist Health Provider.