What is an OB-GYN?

Medical science has undoubtedly progressed a lot in the past few decades. It would not be wrong to say that medical science is one of the most developed fields. Rising health issues specifically related to fertility are likely to be addressed in modern medical science.

Overview

Fertility and reproduction-related issues are getting common these days at an alarming rate. But the good news is the increasing rate of treatments, doctors offer to address such issues related to reproduction. An OB-GYN is also known as obstetrician-gynecologist, is a doctor who specializes in women’s health, menstruation, childbirth, menopause, etc. are different biological functions that a female body experience. For all such biological functions of the female body, OB-GYNs offer care. Let us see more about what they do and when one should consider seeing one.

What is an OB-GYN?

An OB-GYN has expertise in women's reproductive health including pregnancy, and childbirth. As a primary care doctor, some OB-GYNs in India also offers a wide range of general health. OB-GYNs also offer preventive screenings and routine medical services. The term “OB-GYN” can refer to the doctor who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology.

What is obstetrics?

A branch of medicine associated with medical and surgical care before, during, and after a woman delivers a baby is known as obstetrics. Obstetrics generally focuses on caring for a woman’s complete health during maternity. This includes:

• Pregnancy
• Labour
• Childbirth
• care during the postpartum period

What is gynaecology?

A branch of medicine that focuses on women’s bodies and their reproductive health is called Gynecology. It comprises of the diagnosis, treatment, and care of women’s reproductive system. This includes the:

• vagina
• uterus
• ovaries
• fallopian tubes

Along with the above, also the issues associated with the woman’s’ breasts, breast tumors, and breast related issues are diagnosed and treated under gynaecology.

Gynaecologists in India help a woman from puberty through adulthood. Gynaecology is the all-encompassing field of women’s health and comprises most of the reproductive care one woman needs to receive during the lifetime. But when women get pregnant she will need to go to an obstetrician.

What are the speciality areas of OB-GYNs?

OB-GYNs are mostly generalists and work across a wide range of OB-GYN services. Some of the OB-GYNs can also opt to specialize in one or more different subspecialties. These subspecialties include:

• Maternal-fetal medicine
• Reproductive endocrinology and infertility
• Gynecologic oncology
• Female pelvic medicine and reproductive surgery specialists, etc.

What procedures can OB-GYNs perform?

OB-GYNs are well qualified and trained surgeons who can perform a wide range of surgeries and procedures. As per the top Ob-Gyns in India, procedures and surgeries offered by them are;

• cesarean sections
• instrumental deliveries during childbirth
• hysterectomy
• removing growths, such as uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts
• surgery to overhaul pelvic organ injuries

Along with the above-mentioned, OB-GYNs can also perform a wide range of routine and in-office procedures, including:

• To test for the cervical cancer - Pap smears
• STI tests
• fertility treatments, such as egg retrievals for In vitro fertilization (IVF) or egg-freezing
• pelvic ultrasounds to monitor pregnancy and check the pelvic organs
• infertility treatments and counselling
• management of urinary issues, such as urinary incontinence and urinary tract infection
• treating anaemia and other such common problems
• Breast exams and breast health management
• General health needs such as filling prescriptions for common ailments, screening for mental health issues, blood work for common diseases, referring people to specialists, etc. are also addressed by the OB-GYNs.

When should someone see an OB-GYN?

A woman must visit OB-GYN under the following circumstances:

• STD testing
• Miscarriage or suspected pregnancy
• pregnancy complications
• pain during sex
• pain or other symptoms related to the urination
• suspected infertility
• to enquire about the sexual or reproductive health