All About Women’s Doctor – Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB-GYN)
Doctors who specialize in women’s health are known as Obstetrician-Gynecologists, often abbreviated as OB-GYN or OB/GYN/O&G. It is a medical specialty that includes two sub-specialties- Obstetrics (pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period) and Gynecology (health of reproductive organs like uterus, vagina, ovaries, etc.).
Some OB-GYNs provide general healthcare services such as primary healthcare, while others aim to provide medical care, specifically for the female reproductive system. OB-GYNs can perform surgeries as well as conduct labor and delivery.
What exactly does obstetrics & gynecology mean?
Obstetrics is a field of study related to medical care before, during, and after a woman gives birth. During maternity, an obstetrician maintains and takes care of women’s overall health, which may include pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
Gynecology is a field of study that deals with the female reproductive system encompassing the diagnosis, treatment, and care of the ovaries, uterus, vagina, fallopian tubes (oviduct), as well as addressing issues related to the female breasts. Gynecologists deal with all women- pubertal to adults.
Conditions that an Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB-GYN) treats:
An Obstetrician–Gynecologist diagnoses, manages, and treats a wide range of medical conditions depending on one’s health, age, and reproductive goals.
Here are some conditions under which you may need to visit an Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB-GYN)
- If you are suffering from abnormal bleeding
- If you have pain in the pelvic region
- If you are suffering from genital itching
- In case of urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- If you have breast-related issues
- If you have hormone-related disorders
- In case of infertility
Procedures that Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB-GYN) performs:
Obstetrician–Gynecologists (OB-GYN) are well-trained in performing various kinds of major and minor surgeries. These surgeries and procedures may include biopsy, dilation and curettage, tubal ligation for female sterilization, laser surgery, hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), myomectomy (removal of fibroids), etc.
They also perform in-vitro fertilization, vaginal delivery (natural delivery), a cesarean delivery (C- section), forceps and vacuum deliveries, amniocentesis (a test to determine the sex of the baby and to detect genetic abnormalities) as well as manage health during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period.
Pelvic examination (pap smear), clinical breast examination via mammography, cancer screening, etc. are some of the tests that an obstetrician–gynecologist (OB-GYN) may use to diagnose the cause of a disease.
When should you see an Obstetrician–Gynecologist (OB-GYN)?
- Women who have attained puberty or entered adulthood must visit an obstetrician–gynecologist (OB-GYN) at least once a year.
- Apart from annual check-ups, one must visit a doctor in case of any changes/commencement of the reproductive cycle like the first menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause.
- In case of any abnormal changes in the reproductive cycle such as pain during intercourse, changes in the frequency of the menstrual cycle, pain while urinating, or unusual abdominal cramps. In such cases, your doctor will conduct a physical examination (such as a pelvic test), evaluation, and screening test if required, depending upon your age and health.
- You must visit OB-GYNs if you are sexually active. They will guide you on various issues such as birth control, contraception, sterilization, safe sex tips, etc. They will also guide you about how to prevent or treat serious sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like HIV.
- If you are planning for a baby, you should also see an OB-GYN to provide prenatal care, labor, and birthing options as well.
Points to be considered while selecting an Obstetrician–Gynecologist (OB-GYN):
If you are planning to see an Obstetrician–gynecologist (OB-GYN), consider the following points before selecting the right OB-GYN depending upon your goals:
- You need the best prenatal care during pregnancy as regular check-ups will help you eliminate complications that can affect you and your baby. Your doctor will plan a schedule and fix your appointments as a part of regular check-ups.
What to expect on the visit in case of pregnancy?
- On your visit during prenatal care, your doctor will do an ultrasound to keep track of the baby’s health. Ultrasound during pregnancy can detect abnormalities such as Down syndrome or ectopic pregnancy.
Ultrasound during the first trimester helps in detecting the number of embryos (single, twins, or multiple) developing inside the womb. Gestational age and expected due date of the baby can also be predicted.
Read Also: Is Having Sex During Periods (Menstruation) Safe?
Ultrasounds during the second trimester (18-20 weeks of pregnancy) will determine the development of foetal structures such as limbs, spine, internal organs, and the placental size and location.
Ultrasound performed during or at the end of the third trimester gives an idea about the overall development of the baby and the exact location of the placenta.
- Women without medical complications may be suggested a normal delivery, in which the baby is born through the vagina (birth canal). Low risk of infection, quick recovery, and shorter stay at the hospital are some of the benefits of normal delivery.
- Women with medical conditions may be suggested cesarean delivery (C-section). Deliveries through C-section reduce the chances of complications in case of multiple babies (twins, triplets, etc.) or if the baby is too large for vaginal delivery. It is also preferred under medical conditions like placenta previa, obstruction in birth canal, etc.
Top Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB-GYN) in Delhi NCR
Dr. Shashi Arora, (HOD, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Yashoda Hospital & Research Centre, Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad) is the best Obstetrician & Gynecologist in Delhi NCR. With medical experience spanning more than 40 years, she has performed 60,000+ deliveries till date. She specializes in all women-related issues including hysterectomy and advanced laparoscopic surgery.
Dr. Jyotsana Agarwal is one of the best gynecologists and obstetricians in Delhi NCR. She has an experience of 30 years in the field of gynecology, having mentored many medical practitioners. She is known for her treatment of various diseases during pregnancy.
Dr. Aparna Arya Tyagi has expertise in high-risk obstetrics management, cesarean deliveries, open gynae surgeries, infertility, and gynae cases. Besides this, she specializes in preventive oncology of the female reproductive system as well as in diagnosing and managing high-risk pregnancies.
Women must visit an obstetrician–gynecologist (OB-GYN) since the onset of puberty and her first period at least once a year and especially during pregnancy.
If you are living in Delhi NCR, Yashoda Hospital & Research Centre, Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad is the best hospital for consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist. Our OB-GYNs are well-renowned in providing the best services related to women’s healthcare. They carry out all major and minor surgeries with great care and precision.
For more details, reach us out at www.yashodahealthcare.com or call us at +91-9810922042.
