As a woman, ensuring you watch your health over time is extremely important. However, being proactive about health as a woman is about more than just visiting your primary care physician. Taking a trip to the OB/GYN at least once a year for a check-up is crucial to maintaining all-around physical health. Learn everything there is to know about an OB/GYN and what you can expect on your next visit.
What Is An OB/GYN?
Those who have never heard OB/GYN broken out would be forgiven for not actually knowing what it stands for. The OB’ stands for Obstetrics and the GYN’ stands for Gynecology, both of which are fields of medicine that deal with female anatomy. These professionals work specifically with the female reproductive system and help to diagnose and treat, as well as advise on, matters related to this system.
The Difference Between Obstetrics And Gynecology
Despite being a popular misconception, there is a distinct difference between obstetrics and gynecology that most people are unaware of. Obstetrics refers to the field of medicine which relates to working with pregnant women from start to finish, whereas gynecology focuses more broadly on all women’s health issues that relate to the reproductive system.
While a person typically studies and achieves certifications within both fields lumped together, hence being called an OB/GYN, it is possible for a person to only specialize in one of these fields. For example, someone who dedicates their work to Obstetrics may only choose work with pregnant women, rather than also providing gynecology services.
What Types Of Procedures Can An OB/GYN Perform?
There are a large number of procedures that an OB/GYN is certified and capable of performing. Realistically, nearly any female reproductive issue can be addressed by an OB/GYN, but the most commonly seen procedures include:
- Cesarean sections (C-Sections) for childbirth
- Assistance with natural delivery during childbirth
- Various surgeries to replace organs within the pelvic region
- The removal of any growths, including cysts, that may occur in the female reproductive system
- Testing for STDs or STIs
- Pap smears to test for cervical cancer
- Pelvic ultrasounds to generally inspect the reproductive organs
- Counseling and treatment for infertility
- Management of various urinary issues including UTIs
- Breast exams and breast management, including cancer screenings
- General health needs that require the touch of a specialist
A large number of women choose to see their OB/GYN as their primary care physician as well, considering an OB/GYN qualifies, but it is possible that an OB/GYN will choose to not offer those services. If you don’t already have an OB/GYN and don’t have anyone who can refer you, speak with your PCP who can give you a list of accredited professionals.
Signs To Potentially Visit Your OB/GYN
For those who are considering visiting an OB/GYN specialist in Houston, there are a number of key signs which may indicate you should schedule a visit sooner, rather than later. The most prominent signs to see an OB/GYN in the near future include:
- Abnormal or painful periods, regardless of the specific symptoms
- Breast pain or new lumps that have emerged
- A variety of urinary issues that don’t seem to fade
- Odd pelvic pain that cannot be accounted for
- Menopause symptoms
- Irregular vaginal bleeding
- Any new and noticeable lesions
- Sex that is unexpectedly painful
- Recurring issues regarding the female reproductive system
Common Steps Involved In An OB/GYN Appointment
For women who are currently healthy and aren’t experiencing noticeable symptoms of any issues, visiting the OB/GYN once a year is recommended by experts, but this can be increased if there are any issues that arise. However, for the most part, the following five steps are what a woman can expect from her OB/GYN visit:
1. A Discussion Regarding Family History
For those who are visiting an OB/GYN office for the first time, the first thing that will occur is a discussion regarding family history. This will be where any historical issues will be talked about to determine risk factors that you may be facing based on your background. Therefore, before your first appointment it’s always best to brush up on historical family medical records, specifically female, if you have access to them.
2. A General Mental Health And Wellbeing Review
Typically, all OB/GYNs will sit down and just chat with you for a little while to gauge how your all-around health is. This will cover mental health as well as your general health to also identify if there are any key issues that should be examined during the appointment.
3. Looking Into Any Issues Brought Up During The Appointment
Next, an OB/GYN will dive deeper into any specific problems that may have been brought up so far during the appointment. They will also ask you directly if there is anything you are concerned about and wish to bring up with them. From there, they will most likely dive into a physical exam or discuss more specific matters.
4. Discussions About Pregnancy And Birth Control
Naturally, at an OB/GYN appointment, there will be a discussion regarding fertility and any plans you may have regarding children. For those who don’t wish to have children now, this is when birth control would most likely be discussed.
5. A Physical Exam
Finally, as part of the yearly checkup, the OB/GYN will perform a physical examination to ensure that everything appears visually alright. They will also likely take samples during this examination to test for certain diseases or signs of cancer to ensure your overall health is strong.
Be Prepared For Your Next Appointment
For a woman who has never been to the OB/GYN, the first visit can be a little jarring. Even if you have been to your OB/GYN before, there can always be something new that comes up in an appointment which throws you for a loop. By preparing yourself in advance by reading up on the services an OB/GYN performs and what your appointment may look like, you can be ready for your visit.
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