obstetriciangynecologist

An obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) is a physician who specializes in women's reproductive health. The specialty combines obstetrics and gynecology. Obstetrics focuses on pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, while gynecology covers the health of the female reproductive tract and associated disorders. OB-GYNs diagnose and treat conditions such as menstrual disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, infertility, pelvic pain, contraceptive counseling, and menopause management. They also provide comprehensive prenatal care, monitor fetal development, screen for pregnancy complications, manage labor and delivery, and perform cesarean sections when indicated.

In gynecology, they perform routine exams, cervical cancer screening, pelvic ultrasounds, procedures like colposcopy, D&C, and treat conditions such as fibroids, abnormal bleeding, and reproductive cancers. They may perform gynecologic surgeries including hysterectomy, oophorectomy, laparoscopy, and minimally invasive techniques, as well as sterilization procedures such as tubal ligation.

Training: After earning a medical degree, physicians complete a 4-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology and may pursue subspecialty fellowships (e.g., maternal-fetal medicine, reproductive endocrinology and infertility, gynecologic oncology). Certification is typically through a national board.

Practice settings: hospitals, clinics, or private practices; teamwork with midwives and other specialists for high-risk pregnancies. OB-GYNs provide preventive care, urgent care for obstetric emergencies, and longitudinal care for women's health across the lifespan.