OB/GYNs are essential for life-saving preventive care (including lab tests and physical exams) that a general doctor cannot perform. An OB/GYN practices the area of medicine associated with reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth.
What Does an OB/GYN Do?
You may have heard more about OB/GYNs than just gynecologists, but in reality, the “GYN” part is the gynecological practice. 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.
An OB/GYN, on the other hand, is trained to do all of these things. Your OB/GYN will deal with some of the most important health issues in your life, including prescribing the proper birth control, helping you through childbirth, and caring for you through menopause.
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.
To get well-rounded care, most women should see both a gynecologist and an obstetrician if they do not have physicians who practice both in their area. If you’re sure you never plan to have children, you only need to see a gynecologist.
However, many gynecologists specialize in gynecology and obstetrics, so all your bases are covered with one physician. Dr. Susan Fox is a certified and qualified OB/GYN who can help with womanhood’s specific physical aspects.
Dr. Susan Fox: OB/GYN in Kendall
Dr. Susan Fox’s Center for Women strives to make each patient feel welcomed and secure.
Backed by our professional medical team, Dr. Susan Fox is a gynecologist ready to provide the best gynecological care for women with various unique needs in the Kendall area. One of the areas of care she feels is extremely important is the well woman exam.
This annual gynecologic examination should be performed to ensure your body is healthy and functioning correctly. Women should have their first examination by the age of 21 or three years after becoming sexually active.