Obstetrics and gynecology are two different yet significant fields of medical care in a woman’s life. Both practice areas often work in tandem, which is why OB/GYNs are trained in both to give their patients the best treatment.
What is Gynecology?
Gynecologists focus on the non-pregnancy aspects of a woman’s reproductive health, which are vast in number. Women often begin seeing a gynecologist when they become sexually active or at the onset of puberty if needed.
Many women also choose to visit their gynecologist if they are interested in birth control, if they have menstruation issues, or if they are struggling with the symptoms of menopause. Even if you do not have these concerns, seeing a gynecologist is key to preventing reproductive cancers, as gynecologists can administer the proper cancer screenings to you annually.
Regular gynecological exams are essential for a woman’s health. Gynecologists perform standard examinations, such as Pap smears and pelvic exams. They may also be seen for diagnosis and treatment of a variety of conditions, including:
- Cancer of the ovaries, uterus, cervix, vagina, or fallopian tubes
- Prolapse: a condition in which the pelvic organs slip forward or downward within the body, often after menopause in women
- Yeast or bacterial infections
- Painful intercourse
- Irregular menstruation or pain during menstruation.
- Other menopause-related diseases
- Endometriosis: a painful condition in which uterine tissue grows outside the uterus
- Cervical and vaginal polyps
- Fibroids: compact tumors that develop in the uterus
- Ovarian cysts
In addition, a gynecologist can perform surgical procedures on reproductive organs for several reasons, including medical conditions, permanently preventing pregnancy, and even for cosmetic reasons. Some of the most common procedures include:
- Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus
- Oophorectomy: Removal of the ovaries
- Salpingectomy: Removal of the fallopian tubes
- Tubal ligation: Permanent birth control surgery
- Cone biopsy: Removal of precancerous cells from the cervix after a Pap test
- Labiaplasty: Surgical reshaping of external genitalia
Many practices choose to combine the obstetrician and gynecologist specialties to provide more comprehensive women’s care. Both gynecologists and obstetricians complete four years of medical school and a four-year residency program in which they learn about pregnancy, fertility, genetics, adolescent gynecological care, and adult gynecological care.