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 health and care of women before, during, and after pregnancy. During the prenatal period, obstetricians work with pregnant women to assess their overall health and well-being, diagnose any potential issues or complications that may arise, and guide proper nutrition and lifestyle choices to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Obstetricians also monitor the progress of labor and delivery to ensure the safety of both mother and baby. After giving birth, they conduct postpartum examinations to look for any conditions that childbirth might have impacted. In addition, they can help new mothers with breastfeeding support or refer them to other healthcare professionals. Obstetrics also involves providing preventive healthcare services such as vaccines and screenings to reduce the risk of future illnesses or diseases in mothers and babies.
Gynecology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the health and well-being of women, particularly the reproductive system. It involves diagnosing and treating disorders related to female organs such as the uterus, cervix, vagina, fallopian tubes, ovaries, breasts, and vulva. The term gynecology also encompasses preventive care for women throughout their lives, emphasizing contraception use and other preventive measures as well as cancer screening tests like mammograms or pap smears. Gynecologists are specialized healthcare providers who can provide comprehensive medical care to women from adolescence through adulthood.
Some common reasons for seeing an OB/GYN include:
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.
Some common gynecological conditions include:
Pap smears and pelvic exams are crucial to detecting health complications related to the female reproductive system.
A pap smear is a simple test that detects abnormal cells on the cervix, which can be an early indication of cervical cancer. During a pap smear, a healthcare provider will use a small brush or spatula to collect cells from the surface of the cervix. This sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis. A positive result may indicate that further testing or treatment is needed to prevent or treat cervical cancer.
Gynecologic cancers include:
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.
OB/GYNs offer counseling services for women about birth control methods. This counseling provides an opportunity to discuss different types of contraception and determine what would work best for you. Birth control counseling includes discussing the advantages and disadvantages of various methods and providing information on how to access them. An OB/GYN will also educate patients on how to use each type correctly to maximize its effectiveness. Additionally, they may answer questions about potential side effects or complications related to each method, so you have all the facts before deciding. Ultimately, birth control counseling helps ensure that you are informed and prepared when choosing which contraception is right for you.
Here’s how to book an OB/GYN appointment on Sesame:
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