Many of us think that Obstetrics and Gynaecology is the same thing. But this is not true. Although a physician can have proficiency in both specializations, there are differences between the two.
A woman’s body changes throughout her life, and knowing who she needs at each step is important.
Obstetrics
An obstetrician deals with all pregnancy-related issues, i.e., right from prenatal care to post-natal care. Obstetricians deal with baby birth while gynecologist doesn’t. An obstetrician can also guide you in attaining pregnancy, like he may suggest you some fertility treatments. An obstetrician can advise you on Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) in case of premature baby birth. An obstetrician ensures you remain healthy during pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby.
Obstetrics operation is specialized in dealing with pregnancy complications, like:
- Ectopic pregnancy, in this growth of the fetus, happens outside the uterus.
- Fetal distress signs, in which the fetus’s growth is not as expected.
- Placenta issues
- Preeclampsia
- Baby birth through cesarean section.
An obstetrician can help you with issues after baby birth, such as postpartum depression.
Gynecology
The best gynecologist in Meerut deals with all the issues related to a woman’s reproductive system right from the day she gets her first period to post-menopause.
Any situation which impacts the reproductive system, like the cervix, ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, and vagina, is diagnosed and treated by a gynecologist.
Gynecologist also deals with pap smears, breast exams, and pelvic exams. They also perform tubal ligations and hysterectomies. A gynecologist also gives human papillomavirus (HPV) shots to protect women from cancer-causing HPV.
Your gynecologist can also resolve your concerns related to sexual matters, like contraceptives, responsible sexual practices, and protection against sexually transmitted diseases. A woman can consult a gynecologist if it is a non-pregnancy issue related to the female reproductive system.
Below-mentioned are the issues which your gynecologist can diagnose and treat:
- Irregular menstruation
- Infections in vagina
- Painful intercourse
- Cancer in the reproductive system.
- Prolapse of pelvic organs
- Endometriosis
- Vaginal and cervical polyps.
- Cyst in ovaries
- Uterine fibroids.
Many physicians specialize in both obstetrics and gynecology. This way, they can provide comprehensive care to the patients. Such doctors are called OB/GYNs.
What is the similarity between Obstetrics and Gynecology?
Both professions are similar in the way they deal with women’s needs. Doctors who receive training in obstetrics and gynecology work very closely. These professionals have extensive knowledge of the female body and related health issues.
When to go to each?
The best thumb rule is when the woman is not pregnant; she must consult a gynecologist for any health issues. A woman can begin getting help from a gynecologist in her teenage years and continue throughout her life. During pregnancy, she must consult an obstetrician. You can even take advice from an obstetrician while trying to become pregnant.
What to expect from an obstetrician and gynecologist?
During the visit to a gynecologist, you can expect a health checkup for weight, blood pressure, and temperature. Your doctor may also recommend a urine test.
Your gynecologist will ask about your health history and perform breast and pelvic examinations. In case of a pap smear, your doctor will use a swab to take samples of your cervical tissues.
In pregnancy, a visit to an obstetrician will also start with health checkups like weight, blood pressure, and urine samples. Your doctor will check the baby’s heartbeat and examine your belly to know the baby’s size and position. She will also recommend other tests based on your health history and conditions.
When to see an obstetrics and gynecology surgeon?
How often you consult a gynecologist or obstetrician depends on age, pregnancy, and health history. You can visit a gynecologist in case of:
Pap Smears
In the case of the cervix, you should start with pap smears at 21. It would help if you repeated this every three years. A gynecologist is trained to check this important cancer screening.
Birth Control
Your gynecologist can suggest some birth control pills as per your health history and write a prescription if required.
STDs
Your gynecologist can help you to diagnose and treat sexually transmitted diseases. In case of any abnormal discharge after sexual activity, your doctor can identify the reason and resolve it.
Pregnancy
An obstetrician is trained to handle pregnancy cases; hence, you can consult any pregnancy-related concerns with him. He or she can handle the prenatal care to post-natal care to make your pregnancy journey a smooth one.
Conclusion
I hope you all are now well aware of obstetricians’ and gynecologists’ work. Look for the best fertility hospital in Meerut to get help from an obstetrician or gynecologist based on your concern.
The basic difference between the two professions is that an obstetrician deals only with pregnancy part and a gynecologist deals with all the female-related concerns except pregnancy.