Women’s health might seem confusing if you’ve never seen anyone but your primary care doctor for healthcare before. However, as a woman, it’s important to consult with an OB/GYN – which stands for obstetrician/gynecologist. This is a doctor who specifically caters to women’s reproductive and urinary health.
Let’s discuss the differences and the overlapping similarities between an obstetrician and a gynecologist, which one will serve your needs best, and where you can go in Syracuse for outstanding women’s healthcare.
What Is an Obstetrician?
Obstetricians specialize in caring for patients during preconception, pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum (after-birth) period. They can assist with fertility treatments, monitoring the baby’s health during and right after pregnancy, and determining complications that might develop – which are all within an obstetrician’s scope.
What Does an Obstetrician Do?
An obstetrician is responsible for:
● Prenatal care (e.g., prenatal screenings, lab tests)
● Evaluating and treating fertility issues
● Measuring and evaluating the baby’s size, growth, and position in the uterus
● Detecting congenital anomalies or potential complications
● Monitoring pregnancy using ultrasound and blood tests
● Treating or managing health conditions that can affect pregnancy
● Assisting in dealing with pregnancy issues
● Preparing the mother for childbirth
● Managing labor and delivery
● Postpartum care
What Conditions Do Obstetricians Treat?
Some of the most common conditions that obstetricians treat in relation to pregnancy are:
● Preeclampsia
● Ectopic pregnancies
● Miscarriage
● Morning sickness
● Gestational diabetes
● Infections
● Muscle aches and pains
● Genetic disorders
● Fetal distress
● Issues with the placenta
● Prolapsed umbilical cord
● Uterine rupture
● Postpartum depression
What Is a Gynecologist?
Gynecologists specialize in comprehensive female reproductive and urinary health, whether a woman ever gets pregnant or not. They commonly handle patients from the onset of their menstrual cycle during puberty through post-menopause.
What Does a Gynecologist Do?
Women see their gynecologists for Pap smears, breast exams, and pelvic exams – which are checks for cancerous or precancerous conditions and infections. Gynecologists also assist patients with contraception, sexual health, and fertility.
What Conditions Do Gynecologists Treat?
Gynecologists treat any condition that affects the reproductive and urinary system, such as:
● Vaginal infections
● Pain during intercourse
● Irregular or heavy menstruation
● Ovarian cysts
● Excessive menstrual cramps
● Unusual discharge from the vagina or breast
● Endometriosis
● Uterine fibroids
● Cancers of the reproductive system
● Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
● Urinary incontinence
● Menopause-related issues
Experienced OB/GYN in Syracuse, New York
Here at University OB/GYN Associates, our skilled, board-certified OB/GYNs provide full-service medical care for sexual and reproductive health for women. Regardless of what kind of care you need, our compassionate obstetricians and gynecologists are always ready to go above and beyond to provide you with stellar and personalized care during every stage of life.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our OB/GYN services, or to schedule an appointment, call our friendly staff today at (315) 464-5162. We look forward to providing you with quality women’s healthcare!
