What is OB GYN? Difference Between Gynecology and Obstetrics

What is OB GYN? Difference Between Gynecology and Obstetrics

What is OB GYN?

OB/GYN consultation is mostly opted by female individuals during maternity; most people confuse OB/GYN with obstetrics, whereas the two departments are completely non-identical to each other. Gynecologists are highly specialized professionals in the field of medicine solely studying the female body and its reproductive system.

what is ob gyn

What Does an OB/GYN Do?

A gynecologist guides interested individuals from preconception through postpartum, that includes decision-making in family planning, contraception and others. Couples who look for guidance on birth planning, labor and assistance during conception, mostly prefer consulting a gynecologist instead of visiting physicians through different stages of parenthood. 

Additionally, a woman throughout her life goes through several stages of hormonal changes during which a gynecologist is the best consultation to look for the evolving needs. Whether it is menopause, weight gain from hormonal imbalance, fibroid tissues or complications in the ovary – a gynecologist is the best medical professional in such cases. 

Difference Between Gynecology and Obstetrics

OBGYN is frequently perceived as a single specialty, although it’s actually two.  Gynecology (GYN) examines and treats women’s health issues.

OB refers to medical care before conception, during pregnancy, delivery, and after childbirth. 

Obstetrics

The field of obstetrics is mostly recognized by expected mothers because of the need to go through regular checkups, monitor the growth of the fetus and ensure that the developing child is free from physical challenges. An obstetrician is a trained professional who ensures the health of the expecting mother is well at all times to ensure the health of the baby. Different forms of screening are required to keep the mother and the child safe that are performed by an obstetrician, more so to combat potential complications. 

Additionally, high risk pregnancies that can result in complications for both the mother and the child is majorly managed by an obstetrician. Such cases are closely monitored with treatment plans, specially developed to combat any shortcomings in the growth of the child. The birth phase is also looked after by an obstetrician such as the labor and the delivery process along with the gynecologist to ensure smooth delivery of the child. 

Obstetricians possess the necessary training to manage issues that may arise during pregnancy, including:

  • An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fetus develops outside the uterus
  • Indications of prenatal distress, indicating that the fetus is under unfavorable conditions for numerous causes
  • Placental complications
  • Preeclampsia
  • Painless delivery, cesarean delivery & normal delivery
  • Managing postpartum depression following childbirth

Academic Instruction and Skill Development

Obstetricians and gynecologists specialize in uterine, vaginal, and reproductive system diagnosis and treatment. Gynecologists specialize in complete reproductive health care. After reviewing your medical history, the gynecologist will examine your breasts and pelvic. A doctor uses a swab to take a cervical tissue sample during a pap smear. 

Obstetricians specialize in the entirety of pregnancy, encompassing prenatal care through postpartum. Like other physicians, these professionals enroll in medical school to obtain their certification in Internal Medicine or Pediatrics.

Supplementary Assignments

Gynecology – Important Skills for OB/GYNs

Gynecology primarily centers on a woman’s comprehensive reproductive well-being. This provides comprehensive information regarding the anatomical and physiological constituents comprising the female reproductive system, encompassing the specific requirements that undergo modifications across various life phases. These medical professionals assess, treat, and prevent reproductive health concerns in women’s uteruses, ovaries, fallopian tubes, breasts, and vaginal health. Women’s health includes physical and mental care regardless of pregnancy.

Gynecologists and obstetricians are medical practitioners who possess particular expertise in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the uterus, vagina, and the broader reproductive system.

Gynecologists can provide counsel on sexual matters, encompassing safe sexual practices, contraception techniques, and prevention of illnesses that are transmitted sexually. In general, a gynecologist is qualified to provide the required medical attention for any female reproductive health issue unrelated to pregnancy.

A gynecologist is accountable for the identification, management, and advisory services pertaining to several ailments associated with the female reproductive system, encompassing:

  • Dysmenorrhea
  • Genital diseases affecting the vagina
  • Causes of dyspareunia
  • Reproductive system cancers
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Endometriosis is a medical condition characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.
  • Cervical and vaginal polyps
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Uterine fibroids

On the other hand, Gynecologists are skilled at conducting essential screenings, such as:

  • Pap smears
  • Examinations of the breasts
  • Examinations of the pelvic region
  • In addition to executing:
  • Hysterectomies
  • Tubal ligations
  • Screenings for cervical cancer

Gynecologists in and around the world offer advice on many common topics that are unknown to many. Some of them include caution against STDs, healthy intimate practices for couples,, and birth control methods such the right tablets, injections, and intrauterine devices (IUDs).  A gynecologist is considered to be a medical specialist who can address any female reproductive health concerns that are both related and unrelated to child birth

Many disorders related to the female reproductive system consulted by a gynecologist include:

  • Dysmenorrhea
  • Genital diseases affecting the vagina
  • Causes of dyspareunia
  • Reproductive system malignancies
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Endometriosis 
  • Cervical and vaginal polyps
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Myomectomy
  • Uterine fibroids

Few medical students practice gynecology and obstetrics both. Such doctors are capable of treating  a wide range of patients and give personalized care. Obstetricians-gynecologists are these doctors.

What To Expect On A Visit?

After obtaining pertinent details regarding your medical history, a gynecologist at Thumbay University Hospital will either cater to issues of the breasts or the area encircling the pelvis in close proximity. In many cases, a specialized probe will be utilized by a gynecologist to obtain a sample of your cervical tissue during a procedure known as a pap smear. At Thumbay University Hospital, we provide Pap Smear Package including OBG Consultation and Pap Smear Test. 

Obstetricians examine vitals first when you arrive during pregnancy. Your doctor may collect your weight, blood pressure, and urine sample to check for gestational diabetes or preeclampsia. 

Many doctors and other healthcare providers at Thumbay University Hospital have gynecological and obstetrics training. The doctor can provide complete treatment to a variety of individuals and meet their particular healthcare demands.