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Some of the questions that a lot of patients ask are, what is obstetrics and gynecology? What is the difference between obstetrics and gynecology? Why is it important to have an obstetrician near me? Both medical fields cater to women’s health needs, but the main difference between obstetrics vs gynecology is that they cover two different aspects of the female’s reproductive system.
In this article, we will be discussing the differences between obstetrics vs gynecology, the tests that doctors within these fields can perform, and when to schedule an appointment with one or the other.
What Is Obstetrics and Gynecology?
You may be wondering, what is obstetrics and gynecology? What is the difference between obstetrics and gynecology? Can obstetricians and gynecologists work together?
Obstetricians and gynecologists both specialize in feminine health. However, obstetrics is a medical field that specializes in pregnancy care, while gynecology deals with the reproductive system’s health. Sometimes, gynecologists deal with problems related to the bowel and bladder, as they are related to the reproductive organs.
An obstetrician is known as OB, while a gynecologist is known as GYN.
These fields are closely related, and both doctors graduate with a general medical degree before they obtain their four-year residency training. As a result, most of these specialists work in both fields.
Keep on reading as we address the following: OBGYN meaning, what is obstetrics? obstetrician definition, what is a gynecologist?, etc.
OBGYN Meaning
Sometimes, you may come across the term “OBGYN”, but, what does it stand for? What is an OBGYN?
OBGYN meaning: It stands for an “obstetrician” and “gynecologist”, so, an obstetrician-gynecologist specializes in pregnancy and the female’s reproductive health. OBGYNs study obstetrics and gynecology, and provide routine check-ups and preventive screening.
They specialize in maternal-fetal care, infertility, pelvic medicine, and reproductive surgery.
What Is an Obstetrician?
Obstetrician definition:
An obstetrician, or OB, is a doctor that supports women before, during, and after their pregnancy. They also deal with complications that can arise during pregnancy or when the mother is in labor. Therefore, they are trained to handle any situation they come face to face with – for example, they support women that give birth vaginally and those that go through an emergency cesarean.
During your pregnancy, an obstetrician may:
- Check if there are any health conditions present such as ectopic pregnancy, where the fetus grows outside the main cavity of the uterus, fetal distress, when the baby doesn’t have enough oxygen, and high blood pressure among others.
- Advise you about staying healthy.
- Prepare you for your baby’s birth.
- Help you deal with pregnancy symptoms such as, morning sickness, heart burn, back and leg pain
You may meet other healthcare professionals during prenatal visits – nurses, nurse-midwives and physicians, as they work with obstetricians.
Further to that, an obstetrician doesn’t only help women with pre and postnatal care. They may recommend that parents attend pregnancy and childbirth classes that focus on the changes that can occur throughout pregnancy and also mental health, such as postpartum depression.
Obstetrician Near Me
Now that you have a better understanding of what is obstetrics, you may be asking, where is the best obstetrics clinic near me? Why is it important to have an obstetrician near me when pregnant?
Most of the time, women visit their obstetrician when they experience their first pregnancy symptoms such as; a missed period, nausea, swollen breasts, etc. Those that visit a family doctor and are at risk for complications are advised to see an obstetrician.
During your prenatal visits, the obstetrician can provide information as to what you can expect in the delivery room. They also monitor your progress when you go into labor and your recovery after delivering the baby.
For individuals located in close proximity to Boca Raton, Florida, our health services at Women’s Healthcare of Boca Raton are available upon request for obstetrics and gynecology care.
Now, we can move on to the next section: What is a gynecologist?
What Is a Gynecologist?
A gynecologist, known as GYN, is a doctor that specializes in the female’s reproductive organs and can treat cancer of the ovaries, cervix, uterus, vagina, and fallopian tubes – in fact, women start seeing the gynecologist when they become sexually active. They also visit their doctor if they’re going through menopause.
Women see their gynecologist for their annual pap smear, but they may also visit their clinic if they experience pain and discomfort in their breasts, uterus, and genitals. Gynecologists also help patients with infertility issues, irregular menstruation, and painful intercourse.
Specialists that work in gynecology assist patients with contraception. For example, if you don’t want to get pregnant and are interested in taking contraceptive pills or getting an IUD, a gynecologist can help you choose the right option for you.
Gynecologists can also diagnose and treat the following conditions:
- Bacterial and yeast infections.
- Painful intercourse.
- Irregular or painful menstruation.
- Menopause-related diseases.
- Ovarian cysts.
- Fibroids: Non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterus.
- Endometriosis: Occurs when uterine tissue grows outside the uterus.
Further to that, a gynecologist can also perform surgeries, such as:
- Hysterectomy: The removal of the uterus.
- Tube ligation: Tubal sterilization or having your tubes tied.
- Oophorectomy: A surgical procedure that removes one or both of your ovaries.
- Salpingectomy: The removal of the fallopian tubes.
- Cone biopsy: The removal of precancerous cells in the uterus that your doctor has identified during a pap smear.
- Labiaplasty: Surgery to reduce the size of the external genitalia.
Your Gynecologist Appointment
A lot of patients begin to see their gynecologist when they’re between 13 to 15 years old. Gynecologists provide routine check-ups, and they advise their patients to schedule an appointment if they experience discomfort or have concerning symptoms.
Some patients see their healthcare provider more than once a year if they are receiving treatment for chronic conditions.
Your OBGYN at Women’s Healthcare of Boca Raton
If you’re planning to get pregnant, or you are due for your annual pap smear, or have any concerning symptoms, it is always a good idea to contact an OBGYN to receive the best advice moving forward.
Dr. David Ellman is a board-certified OB/GYN that will provide expert medical experience for your needs. Visit our website to learn more about Dr. Ellman and the service he provides. Book an appointment today.
Dr. Ellman is a Board Certified OBGYN who established his medical practice in South Florida over 25 years ago. His office, Women’s Healthcare of Boca Raton, is located in Boca Raton, Florida at West Boca Medical Center. Dr. Ellman attended Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, where he received his medical degree. He went on to intern at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston- an affiliate of Harvard Medical School- and continued his residency at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York- an affiliate of Cornell Medical School.
Dr. Ellman has practiced Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Boca Raton area since 1995. In addition to treating patients at West Boca Hospital, Dr. Ellman also treats patients through his own private practice, Women’s Healthcare of Boca Raton, located on the West Boca Medical Campus.