Gynecologists

Gynecologists are physicians who specialize in the health of the female reproductive system. They diagnose and treat conditions affecting the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, and related structures, and provide care across a person’s reproductive life. In many countries, physicians who manage both obstetric and gynecologic care are known as OB-GYNs, combining prenatal, delivery, and nonpregnant care; however, some gynecologists focus primarily on gynecology and refer obstetric care to obstetricians.

Gynecologists complete medical school followed by a residency in obstetrics and gynecology. They may pursue subspecialty fellowships in areas such as reproductive endocrinology and infertility, gynecologic oncology, urogynecology, or maternal-fetal medicine. Board certification and ongoing continuing education help maintain expertise.

Their practice includes routine preventive care, such as pelvic examinations and cervical cancer screening; management of menstrual disorders, abnormal bleeding, contraception, fertility assessment, menopause, and sexual health; and the medical and surgical treatment of conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, pelvic inflammatory disease, infections, and gynecologic cancers. Gynecologists perform surgical procedures including minimally invasive laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, hysterectomy, myomectomy, oophorectomy, tubal ligation, and dilation and curettage.

They work in outpatient clinics, hospitals, and academic medical centers; they care for adolescents through postmenopausal patients and may include transgender or nonbinary people seeking appropriate reproductive health care. They emphasize patient education, informed consent, and evidence-based guidelines for screening and treatment.