obstetricsgynecology

Obstetrics and gynecology, commonly abbreviated OB/GYN, is a medical specialty focusing on female reproductive health across the lifespan, including pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period, and disorders of the female reproductive tract. The obstetrics component covers prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postnatal care. The gynecology component addresses menstrual disorders, contraception, infertility, pelvic floor disorders, endometriosis, fibroids, and cancers of the reproductive organs.

Practitioners—OB/GYN physicians—receive combined training in both areas. Residency typically lasts four years and includes clinical experience in obstetrics, gynecology, and related procedures. Many OB/GYNs pursue subspecialty fellowships, such as maternal-fetal medicine (high-risk pregnancies), gynecologic oncology, reproductive endocrinology and infertility, and urogyneology/pelvic reconstructive surgery. Some provide primary care for women or focus on adolescent gynecology.

Common procedures include cesarean delivery, operative vaginal delivery, hysterectomy, laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, and minimally invasive reproductive surgery. Routine services include prenatal visits, fetal testing, ultrasound, Pap smears and cervical cancer screening, management of contraception, menopausal care, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections.

Obstetric and gynecologic care is guided by professional guidelines from organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and international bodies. The field emphasizes patient safety, informed consent, and culturally competent care. It also addresses public health issues such as maternal mortality, access to prenatal care, and cancer screening.