An OB-GYN is an acronym for obstetrician-gynecologist, a medical professional who usually specializes in women’s health.
The female body usually experiences various biological functions such as childbirth, menopause, and menstruation; an obstetrician-gynecologist usually deals with each of these functions. Let’s now look further into what an OBGYN does and how it can assist in matters involving women’s health.
What’s an OBGYN?
An OBGYN, as stated earlier, is a professional who deals with matters pertaining to women’s reproductive health. Some OBGYNs usually offer services similar to those offered by primary care doctors, whereas others solely focus on matters involving the female reproductive system.
Doing a google search for an “OBGYN near me” can offer preventive screening and routine medical services. Such a professional has studied gynecology and obstetrics.
About Obstetrics
Obstetrics is a branch of medicine that usually relates to surgical and medical care before, during, and after women give birth. The OBGYN usually cares for the overall health of a woman during maternity.
An OBGYN can conduct an office visit, assist with delivery & labor, and perform surgery. Some obstetrician-gynecologists usually offer their services via private or solo practice, whereas others work as a group in a hospital.
What are the Specialty Areas of an OBGYN?
A considerable percentage of OBGYNs are usually generalists, which means they usually offer a wide range of services. However, some choose to specialize in areas such as maternal-fetal medicine and reproductive infertility & endocrinology.
Which Conditions Does an OBGYN Treat?
An OBGYN treats different health conditions. You can go ahead and seek medical attention from an obstetrician-gynecologist if you experience any of the following issues:
- Pelvic pain
- Abnormal bleeding
- Urinary incontinence
- General itching
- Endometriosis
- Vaginal infections
- Hormonal disorders
- Breast disorders
- Infertility
Which Procedures Does an OBGYN Perform?
An obstetrician-gynecologist is trained to handle minor and major procedures for both outpatient and inpatient procedures. Some of the procedures an OBGYN can handle include:
- Biopsy
- Curettage and dilation
- Laser surgery
- Tubal litigation
- Myomectomy to get rid of fibroids
- Hysterectomy to remove the uterus
Looking for an OBGYN You Can Trust
You cannot just trust anyone with sensitive issues. As a result, you need to think carefully about your choices when looking for an OBGYN.
As you make a decision, you can determine whether you want to work with a male or female OBGYN. Some women prefer working with female doctors since they’ll be required to undress completely at some point.
When you meet an OBGYN for the first time, go ahead and ask them about their medical experience while gauging their attitude regarding reproductive issues such as birth control. Also, ask about their certification.
Ensure you’re completely comfortable before you become a patient to an OBGYN.
What Should You Expect from an OBGYN Visit?
After you start visiting an OBGYN, there is the likelihood there will be no exam, and you can talk freely with the obstetrics-gynecologist (OBGYN).
Before your appointment, you should avoid having sex for at least 24 hours. Sexual activity usually irritates the vaginal tissue, affecting your test results.
During the appointment, the OBGYN will first conduct a general health check. The nurse will start by weighing you and also check your blood pressure levels. Urine and blood tests will also be carried out. After that, the physical exam will be carried out. The medic will issue you a gown that usually opens from the front, and a sheet will be used to cover your lap.
The OBGYN will ask general questions about your family and personal health history. The nurse might be in the room, and they can assist in carrying out the pelvic exam.
The medic will start by examining the exterior part of the vagina, which comprises the vaginal opening and vulva area. The main focus is on checking whether there are abnormalities. After that, the doctor will examine the reproductive organs from the interior part of the vagina. A Pap test can also be carried out for women over 21 years of age.
A doctor can remove some cells from the cervix using a small brush. The cells are sent to a lab, and they will be examined for abnormalities and cervical cancer. For sexually active individuals, the test can also determine whether you’re suffering from sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis and gonorrhea.
Final Thoughts
We have managed to look into what an OBGYN is and also the role they play when it comes to women’s health. As a woman, you should understand that preventative care is the best way to handle medical and health issues. Healthy women who aren’t experiencing any health issues should go ahead and opt for preventive checkups at least once annually.
