Gynecology

An OB-GYN (obstetrician gynecologist) is a doctor whose specialized training provides them with expertise in women’s health, including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive systems and more. In the United States, they are required to complete a bachelor’s degree, four years of medical school and a residency focused on obstetrics and gynecology, and pass a board certification exam administered by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Choosing the right specialist depends on whether you need general reproductive care, services related to pregnancy, or both throughout your lifetime.

OB-GYNs deliver babies and perform surgeries and procedures such as Cesarean sections, hysterectomy,  and pelvic laparoscopy. Some OB-GYNs also serve as primary care providers for women. An advantage to seeing an OB-GYN is that they can follow you throughout your life for both gynecological and pregnancy-related needs. 

If you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, an OB-GYN is essential for prenatal care, monitoring your ongoing pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. Most women choose to stick with one OB-GYN if they are able so that the same doctor can be there for every step of the pregnancy. Similarly, an OB/GYN can follow you beyond postpartum care, allowing you to continue healthcare services with a provider familiar with your medical history.

When Should I Start Seeing an OB-GYN?

You can consult an OB-GYN at any time for any health care services for which you would also seek a gynecologist, such as routine exams, surgeries, contraception consultation, menstrual health, reproductive issues. Routine exams can start as early as 14-16 years old but generally do not include a pelvic exam. Routine gynecologic exams can be performed by primary care physicians such as internal medicine or family medicine doctors and are recommended by age 21.

If you are not regularly seeing an OB-GYN for your routine care, it would be appropriate to see one specifically for these services:

• Pregnancy: OB/GYNs can help with fertility issues if you are attempting to conceive. 
• Prenatal Checkups: If you suspect you are already pregnant, an OB/GYN is essential for regular checkups throughout your pregnancy. Early pregnancy symptoms include a missed period, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, breast changes, mood swings, more frequent urination, headaches and spotting.
• Labor and Delivery: Once it is time for you to give birth, an OB/GYN will be the main doctor to ensure that you and your child have a healthy, safe birthing experience. 
• Postpartum Care: After you have given birth, your OB/GYN can help with postpartum recovery, breastfeeding support, and managing any postpartum issues that may arise.  

How Often Should I See an OB-GYN?

For routine gynecological care, you should see your OB-GYN each year for an annual well-woman visit. For gynecological issues and concerns that arise that are not medical emergencies, you can schedule an appointment with your OB-GYN at any time.

If your OB-GYN is not available for immediate women’s health needs, such as severe pelvic pain, urinary tract infection, menstrual irregularities or sexually transmitted infection, you can visit a women’s health-focused urgent care clinic. 

If you are pregnant, your OB-GYN will let you know how often you need to be seen for prenatal care. Visit frequency will vary depending upon your age, how far along you are in pregnancy, risk factors and other conditions that could impact your pregnancy. Following your OB-GYN’s recommendations for visits will help you ensure the health and wellness of you and your baby.

For medical emergencies, even those of an obstetric or gynecological nature, such as severe pregnancy complications, please visit an emergency room.  

Pregnancy Planning With an OB-GYN

If you are starting to think about getting pregnant, it’s a perfect time to meet with your OB-GYN for a complete physical, a review of the medications you are taking, a discussion about personal and family medical history, and to get some pointers on tracking your ovulation cycles. Working (always) to arrive at or maintain a healthy weight, changing behaviors that could harm  a baby (like smoking or drinking alcohol) and starting a daily prenatal vitamin should also be on the short-list. 

If you don’t conceive after some time (again, usually one year), your provider will be able to help investigate. and help in every way possible so try not to become stressed if your friends become pregnant before you. With just a bit of forethought in a healthy partnership, an understanding of your menstrual cycle and some faith in your body, it’s very likely that you will have a healthy baby in a time frame that somehow turns out to be just the perfect time to meet your baby.

OB-GYN Subspecialties

Most OB-GYNs are generalists, which means that they provide a wide range of services related to obstetrics and gynecology. An increasing number of OB-GYNs have pursued additional training and an education in a subspeciality within the field.

The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) recognizes seven OB-GYN subspecialties. You may be referred to an OB-GYN within one of these subspecialties for more specialized treatments and care.

Maternal Fetal Medicine: OB-GYNs who care for women with high-risk pregnancies and related medical conditions, such as gestational diabetes, kidney disease, blood-clotting disorders, premature labor or high blood pressure, are maternal fetal medicine specialists.

Critical Care Medicine: Physicians who subspecialize in critical care medicine diagnose, treat and support critically injured and ill patients.

Female Pelvic Medicine and Reproductive Surgery: These providers focus on pelvic floor and urinary tract disorders experienced by women. As a result of pregnancy, age or certain medical conditions, the pelvic floor may become weakened. Physicians trained in this specialty help address issues such as urinary or fecal incontinence, bladder pain, overactive bladder, pelvic organ prolapse and vaginal or urinary tract infections through medical and surgical treatments.

Gynecologic Oncology: These subspecialists are trained to diagnose and treat cancers of the female reproductive system, including those of the uterus, ovaries, cervix and vulva.

Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility: These OB-GYNs assist with issues related to infertility and the glands and hormones of the endocrine system. Women who are having trouble conceiving can work with a reproductive endocrinologist for procedures that include in vitro fertilization, embryo transfer, and gamete or zygote intrafallopian transfer.

Complex Family Planning: Doctors within this subspecialty support women who have complex conditions. They ensure proper reproductive care for their patients by consulting with other health care providers.on the care team.

Hospice and Palliative Medicine: These OB-GYNs focus on caring for patients who have life-limiting illnesses. They work to minimize suffering and optimize the quality of life for their patients.

OB-GYN Wellness with Advantia Health

The experienced OB-GYNs at Advantia offer a comprehensive range of services, ensuring comfort and safety for both first-time moms and experienced mothers throughout pregnancy, delivery and postpartum care. Our providers provide resources and care tailored to your individual needs and concerns.

Book an Appointment!

Advantia OB-GYNs are qualified to support your routine gynecological needs, urgent obstetric or gynecological illness or concerns and family planning aspirations. Contact us today for empathetic, quality care. We’d love to help you on your health journey whatever your needs may be.