The Differences Between Obstetrics and Gynecology
This blog article provides a general overview of the differences between OBs and GYNs. Both medical specialties are trained to diagnose and manage a wide range of women’s health issues. Providers from these specialties may collaborate closely together, especially in cases where there is overlap between their areas of treatment. Some physicians are OB/GYNs, meaning they practice both obstetrics and gynecology.
The primary difference between the fields of obstetrics and gynecology is that gynecologists primarily focus on non-pregnancy-related women’s health issues. Obstetric education and training encompasses both obstetrics AND gynecology. For that reason, seeing an obstetrician can be an appropriate choice even for women who are not pregnant or are not planning to become pregnant. If you prefer to have all aspects of your reproductive healthcare managed by one provider, an OBGYN can be an excellent choice! Monarch Medical is an OB/GYN provider in Twin Falls, Idaho. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
What are the Differences Between Obstetricians and Gynecologists?
Obstetricians (OBs)
Obstetricians primarily deal with pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. They are specially trained to monitor women during all aspects of pregnancy. Obstetric providers do everything from fertility care and prenatal care all the way through delivery and postpartum care for both the mother and newborn baby.
Gynecologists (GYNs)
Gynecologists primarily focus on the reproductive health of women. They diagnose and treat conditions related to the female reproductive system, such as menstrual disorders, ovarian cysts, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), disorders of the pelvis, and menopause-related issues.
Frequently Asked Obstetrics Questions
When Should I See an Obstetrician?
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or experiencing issues related to pregnancy, such as fertility problems, miscarriage, or complications during pregnancy, you should see an obstetrician. They provide prenatal care, monitor the health of both the mother and the fetus during pregnancy, and oversee labor and delivery.
What Procedures Do Obstetricians Perform?
Prenatal Care
Prenatal care involves performing regular check-ups throughout the pregnancy. This is done to monitor the health of both the mother and the developing fetus. An obstetrician monitors and assesses fetal growth and performs ultrasound scans. OBs can also provide guidance on proper nutrition, exercise, and prenatal testing.
Labor and Delivery Management
Obstetrics oversee the delivery of the fetus. Their role can include monitoring labor progression, discussing and administering pain relief options, and performing necessary interventions such as C-sections.
Postpartum Care
Obstetricians provide care to mothers and newborns after childbirth. This healthcare often includes monitoring the healing of the mother as well as detecting and managing postpartum complications.
OBs can also help address concerns related to breastfeeding, mental health, and postpartum contraception options.
Fetal Monitoring and Testing
OBs perform various tests and procedures to assess fetal health during pregnancy. They can perform tests such as fetal ultrasound, non-stress tests, biophysical profiles, and amniocentesis.
Management of High-Risk Pregnancies
OBs specialize in managing pregnancies complicated by factors such as advanced maternal age, multiple gestations (twins or more), gestational diabetes, hypertension, and other medical conditions.
What Conditions Do Obstetricians Treat?
Pregnancy-Related Complications
Common pregnancy-related complications include preeclampsia (high blood pressure), preterm (early) labor, and fetal abnormalities. Obstetricians are trained in healthcare for both the mother and the fetus and can help create treatment plans for these common conditions as well as many others.
Infertility
OBs may diagnose and initiate treatment for infertility issues. They may also refer patients to fertility specialists.
Postpartum complications
Common postpartum conditions that OBs treat include postpartum hemorrhage, postpartum depression, and infections following childbirth. In cases of postpartum depression, OBs will often coordinate care and refer their patient to a mental healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Gynecology Questions
When Should I See a Gynecologist?
If you have concerns or issues related to your reproductive health that are not necessarily pregnancy-related, such as menstrual irregularities, pelvic pain, contraception, STIs, or menopause symptoms, you should see a gynecologist. Gynecologists also perform routine screenings and preventive care for women’s health, such as Pap smears, HPV testing, breast exams, and pelvic exams.
What Procedures Do Gynecologists Perform?
Pelvic Exams
Gynecologists can perform routine pelvic health exams to assess the health of the reproductive organs, including the uterus, ovaries, and cervix. The bladder is often also assessed as part of these exams.
Pap Smears
A pap smear is a quick outpatient procedure that involves the collection of cervical cells. The cell samples are then sent to a laboratory to check for any pre-cancerous changes or abnormalities.
Hysterectomy
GYNs perform hysterectomies, which involve the surgical removal of the uterus. This procedure is intensive and usually reserved for conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, or certain cancers.
Endometrial Biopsy
An endometrial biopsy is a procedure that involves removing a small sample of tissue from the uterine lining (endometrium). The test is typically done to investigate endometrial abnormalities or help with a diagnosis for abnormal bleeding issues.
Laparoscopy
A laporascopy is a minimally invasive surgery that involves the use of a medical camera inserted via small incisions. This procedure is typically used for diagnostic imaging for conditions such as endometriosis. However, laparoscopic surgical procedures can also be used to treat and remove endometriosis lesions and ovarian cysts.
What Conditions Do Gynecologists Treat?
Menstrual Disorders
Gynecologists can diagnose and treat a variety of menstrual disorders. This includes conditions such as irregular periods, heavy bleeding (menorrhagia), painful periods (dysmenorrhea), and absent periods (amenorrhea).
Pelvic Pain
GYNs diagnose and treat other common conditions that cause pelvic pain. This includes conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and pelvic adhesions.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
GYNs diagnose and manage sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HPV, and HIV. They can also offer guidance on contraceptive measures to take to reduce the risk of contracting or transmitting STIs.
Contraception
GYNs provide counseling on and prescribe various contraceptive methods, including birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants, and sterilization procedures.
Menopause Management
Gynecologists can help address and control symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and osteoporosis.
Should I see an OB or a GYN?
The short answer is that it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and specific health needs. If you’re unsure, you can discuss your options with your primary care physician or schedule an appointment for a consultation with Monarch Medical in Twin Falls, Idaho to determine the most suitable provider for your needs.
The long answer is that, while gynecologists primarily focus on non-pregnancy-related women’s health issues, an obstetrician’s training encompasses both obstetrics and gynecology. For this reason, seeing an obstetrician can still be an appropriate choice for many women, especially if you prefer to have all aspects of your reproductive health care managed by one provider.
If you have specific concerns or conditions related to your reproductive health, such as menstrual irregularities, pelvic pain, or issues with fertility, you contact the team at Monarch Medical. We are here to provide comprehensive women’s healthcare in Twin Falls, Idaho for a wide range of women’s health issues beyond just pregnancy-related care!