What Is an Obstetrician-Gynocologist?

An obstetrician-gynocologist (OB-GYN) is a physician who specializes in women’s health. The field of medicine requires approximately eleven to fourteen years of training, and some OB-GYNs pursue additional training, or subspecialization. The latter path requires additional three to four years of training and a subspecialty written and oral board exam.

An obstetrician-gynic specializes in delivering healthy children, monitoring the pregnancy and addressing any complications that may arise. OB/GYN’s also monitor a woman’s health during pregnancy and after childbirth, and may be referred to them by her primary gynecologist. Listed below are some of the services an OB-GYN may provide to women during their pregnancy.

Pregnancy: An OB-GYN provides care to women throughout the entire pregnancy, from conception to delivery. They monitor the health of the mother and the unborn child during the first three trimesters of pregnancy, while gynecologists treat the baby post-birth. A woman’s first and second trimesters include screening for STDs, Pap smears, urinalysis, and genetic testing for congenital disorders and Down syndrome.

The career of an obstetrician-gynacologist is extremely rewarding. Women can participate in childbirth and make a difference in the lives of their patients. A career as an OB-GYN is rewarding and fulfilling and offers solid prospects for advancement and a higher salary. The average American works into her 60s. In addition to their rewarding work in the healthcare field, an OB-GYN can also help prevent disease and assist women throughout their lives.

In addition to primary care, an OB-GYN can specialize in gynecologic oncology, reproductive endocrinology, and fertility. Among other subspecialties, gynecologic oncology and reproductive endocrinology encompass the field of infertility, including assisted reproductive technologies, IVF, ZIFT, and re-insemination.

OB/GYNs can be your Primary Care Doctors

An OB-GYN will also be familiar with your overall lifestyle, including alcohol consumption, smoking, and sexual practices. This information is critical for determining if certain tests and treatments are necessary. If you’re a smoker, the OB-GYN will also be familiar with the type of smoking cigarettes and alcohol you consume. The latter may be more appropriate for you than a smoke-free environment.

While the field of obstetrics and gynecology is not expanding as rapidly as other fields, there’s a good outlook for employment. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs in this field will increase by 500 over the next decade. However, it will remain a small growth rate for new doctors, possibly due to a 10% decline in self-employed OB-GYN physicians.

OB/GYN doctors are physicians specializing in women’s reproductive health. Their training covers everything from diagnosing and treating women’s cancers to delivering babies. They also treat infections and perform surgery to restore the health of female reproductive organs. The two types of OB-GYNs are often interchangeable and have many specialties. You may need to consult a doctor from one specialty to another.

OB-GYNs can be your primary care provider. Some choose to work exclusively with OB-GYNs or choose a different primary care physician. But not all of them are comfortable doing so. Be sure to discuss this with your OB-GYN before you make your first appointment. You may be surprised by the costs of medical care. In any event, an OB-GYN can provide you with ongoing care for you and your baby.

Choosing an OB-GYN is important for women’s health. It is important to know your body’s cues and how to recognize symptoms of health issues. While OB-GYNs focus on the care of women during pregnancy, midwives focus on providing routine care for women. They also provide specialized care in obstetrics, including c-sections and vaginal births.