An OB/GYN is a primary care provider specializing in diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventative medicine for girls and women. An OB/GYN has experience and education in two fields of care: obstetrics and gynecology.

Obstetrics is a medical specialty that focuses on the care of women during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum. The goal of obstetricians is to provide comprehensive care throughout pregnancy to ensure the health of both the mother and baby. Obstetricians diagnose and manage any potential complications that may arise before, during, or after childbirth. In addition to providing medical attention related to pregnancy, they also offer counseling for pregnant women regarding nutrition, exercise, birth control, emotional health, and other matters.

Gynecology is a medical specialty that focuses on women's reproductive health. It covers various topics, including fertility, contraception, sexual health, and female reproductive system diseases. Gynecologists diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions while offering preventative care via screenings and physical examinations. A gynecologist also provides counseling on family planning methods, safe-sex practices, and general wellness.

Some common reasons for seeing an OB/GYN include:

• Questions or concerns about the female reproductive system, including breasts, uterus, vulva, ovaries, and urological symptoms
  
• Issues or concerns regarding fertility, pregnancy, menstrual health, and contraception
  
• Issues regarding incontinence
  
• Questions about sexual health, libido, and sexually transmitted diseases
  
• Concerns about urinary tract infections (UTIs) and yeast infections
  
  

Common gynelogical conditions

With over a decade of training, OB/GYNs have the experience to treat hundreds of illnesses, diseases, and conditions related to the female reproductive system.

Common conditions treated by OB/GYNs include:

Incontinence: Urinary incontinence--a loss of bladder control--affects people of all ages and genders. Individuals dealing with incontinence may occasionally experience urine leakage or intense feelings of urinating without time to get to a restroom.

Cervical Cancer: Cervical cancer affects nearly 14,000 women per year. This form of cancer starts in the cervix–the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina–and is often caused by exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV). While cervical cancer can affect anyone with a cervix, it most often occurs in people over 30. Common symptoms include bleeding after intercourse, a foul-smelling discharge, and pelvic pain.

Menstrual disorders: The early signs of a menstrual disorder include heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, abnormally frequent bleeding, and severely painful cramps. These symptoms potentially indicate a menstrual disorder, such as endometriosis, endometrial polyps, endometrial cancer, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Ovarian cysts: Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs or pockets within or on the surface of an ovary. In most cases, ovarian cysts are harmless and do not cause any symptoms. However, if these growths become too large, they can press into other internal organs, causing pain in the lower right side of the abdomen. If left untreated, ovarian cysts can cause the ovary to move and twist (ovarian torsion), resulting in severe pelvic pain and reduced blood flow to the ovary.

Pelvic pain/ pelvic inflammatory disease: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs. It is most commonly caused by harmful bacteria traveling through the reproductive system and infecting the uterus or fallopian tubes. Common symptoms of PID include abdominal pain, unusual vaginal discharge, unusual vaginal bleeding, and pain during sex. PID is typically a complication of a sexually transmitted infection, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, and it can result in additional complications like infertility and pelvic organ scarring.

Urinary tract infections: A urinary tract infection is a prevalent form of bacterial infection in any part of the urinary system. The urinary system consists of the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. A UTI occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract and begin to spread to the bladder and urethra.

Exams and Screenings

Yale Medicine recommends that girls start seeing an OB/GYN between the age of 13-15. It is generally recommended that after this first visit, girls and women should see an OB/GYN every year for a routine checkup. More visits may be necessary for individuals with a medical history of gynecological issues or those at risk for gynecological conditions.

In subsequent visits, the OB/GYN will perform a pelvic exam and general physical exam to get a complete picture of the patient’s overall and reproductive health.

A pelvic exam is a routine medical procedure used to examine the reproductive organs in women. The exam typically includes an external examination of the vulva and vagina and an internal examination using a speculum instrument to view the cervix, uterus, and ovaries. During this procedure, a healthcare provider may also take samples for laboratory testing or perform other tests such as pap smears or HPV testing. A pelvic exam can help diagnose any underlying health issues causing symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding or pain during intercourse.

Booking an Appointment

Here’s how to book an OB/GYN appointment on Sesame:

• Search "OB/GYN" in Sesame’s search bar
  
• Explore the list of nearby service providers
  
• Choose from video or in-person services
  
• Choose a time that best accommodates your schedule
  
• Book your visit!
  
  

Yep, it’s that easy. Don’t wait to get the health care you need. Book an in-person or video visit today.