The female body is complicated with many biological functions which change from time to time; therefore, the need to visit a gynecologist periodically is a must. Let’s know first what an OB-GYN is and when should any woman or teen visit them. An OB-GYN, also known as obstetrician-gynecologist, is a doctor who specializes in women’s reproductive health. An OB-GYN has expertise in female reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth. The female body goes through many different biological functions, including menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Reaching out to an OB-GYN gives you extra care for all these health issues. Let’s have a look at what they do and when you should consider seeing one.
Those who are trained as an OB-GYN specialize in both obstetrics and gynecology:
• Obstetrics includes pregnancy and childbirth.
• Gynecology comprises of the whole female reproductive system, treating a wide range of various health conditions, including sexually transmitted infections and menopause, etc.
Some OB-GYNs offer general health services like your primary care doctor while others concentrate or focus on the health care of the female reproductive system. OB-GYNs provide routine medical services and precautionary screenings, and for this, these doctors have studied both obstetrics and gynecology.
What is obstetrics?
Obstetrics is the branch of medicine associated with medical and surgical care before, during pregnancy, and after childbirth. Obstetrics prime focus is to take care of a woman’s overall health during maternity; this health care includes the entire pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period.
What is gynecology?
Gynecology is the branch of medicine that places emphasis on women’s bodies and their reproductive health. It consists of the diagnosis, treatment, and care of women’s reproductive system, which includes reproductive organs such as the vagina, uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. This branch of medicine also includes screening for and treating problems related to women’s breasts. Gynecology is the predominant field of women’s health from adolescence through adulthood. It epitomizes on most of the reproductive care you are going to get during your lifetime. But when a woman is pregnant, she needs to go to an obstetrician.
So, we can say both fields are closely related and deal with women’s reproductive health, and approximately 90 percent of OB-GYNs are generalists, which means they have expertise in both streams of medicine.
When should you see an OB-GYN?
As we say, prevention is better than cure, so the best way to take care of health issues is with preventive measures. A periodic annual health check-up is a must for a woman even if she is not experiencing any reproductive health issues. You must know while visiting your doctor; you can go through many tests, evaluations, pelvic exam, and screenings depending on your age and health. If you still have questions hovering in your mind about OB-GYN, try to contact Bluebonnet OB/GYN to learn more.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend and advise to visit an OB-GYN between the ages of 13 to 15 as it helps to begin and to establish a healthy and open relationship between the teens and the doctor. The doctor is not going to perform any physical test or pelvic exam unless it is needed. Visiting a doctor at the right age is going to help build a strong base between the doctor and the teenager through talking and sharing views. Mostly any women should have their first pelvic exam and pap test around the age of 21 or when they first become sexually active. ACOG also recommends that all women must see their gynecologist annually because the specific tests a woman needs at each visit swerve with age, lifestyle, and various other health risk issues.
Any woman should see her OB-GYN if she finds out she is pregnant or for any reproductive system issues, including:
• STD Test
• pregnancy complications
• suspected pregnancy
• miscarriage
• pain during intercourse
• pain or other signs associated with urination
• infertility
• to ask questions about sexual or reproductive health
Furthermore, associated with annual check-up, women should visit their OB-GYN if they find any changes in their reproductive cycle. These changes include:
• First menstrual cycle
• Changes in the menstrual cycle
• pregnancy
• perimenopause
• menopause
• heavy or low menstrual bleeding
• unusual cramps
• pain during urination
• pain during intercourse
Some women go to visit their OB-GYN for every health issue instead of a primary care physician. You must know that all OB-GYNs are not experts in solving every health issue. You should take suggestions from your doctor about whether they feel they’re the right person to serve your general health needs or not and then act accordingly. Seeing an expert OB/GYN can give you precise consultation and proper guidance, so take care of your health by visiting your doctor from time to time.