The transition from teenager to adult is filled with many changes and discoveries about your growing body. But a gynecologist can help you navigate through these changes and provide life-saving preventative care as well as long-term treatments for discomfort related to your reproductive system.
The Benefits of a Gynecologist
You may have heard more about OB/GYNs than just gynecologists, but in reality, the “GYN” part refers to gynecological care. While a gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in women’s reproductive health, an obstetrician is a doctor who cares for women during their pregnancy, delivers the baby during labor, and cares for the baby just after birth.
Therefore, a gynecologist’s everyday routine consists of examinations, diagnosing patients, prescribing treatments for reproductive system issues, etc. An OB/GYN, on the other hand, is trained to do all the things a gynecologist and an obstetrician do. Your OB/GYN will deal with some of the most important health issues in your life, including prescribing the right birth control, helping you through childbirth, and caring for you through menopause.
What Does a Gynecologist Do?
An OB/GYN can also screen for cancer, treat infections, and perform surgery for pelvic organ or urinary tract problems. Having trained in obstetrics and gynecology, new physicians may choose one field or practice both areas as OB/GYNs. Physicians who focus on gynecology (also known as gynecologists) do not deliver babies or treat pregnant women. Instead, they conduct cancer screenings, treat urinary tract issues, and more.
In the same way, doctors who focus on obstetrics do not treat health issues outside of pregnancy.
OB/GYNs focus on both areas, and in some cases, OB/GYNs act as primary care physicians (PCPs), in place of an internist or family practitioner. However, it is recommended that you have a PCP along with your OB/GYN.