Why Is Having An OB/GYN Important?
Many patients start seeing a gynecologist during the late teens and early 20s. Most women visit these specialists at least once a year throughout a lifetime. Typically, women start seeing gynecologists at age 18 or when the female starts being sexually active. Gynecologists will go over a woman’s medical history, both familial and personal. Gynecologists will also perform breast and pelvic exams. Many gynecologists double as obstetricians, physicians that provide medical care while a woman is pregnant, during delivery, and postnatal.
Helping a woman throughout her life
As a woman grows older, medical needs will change. A woman’s reproductive system goes through different stages. First, the menstrual cycle, then potentially childbirth, and, finally, menopause. The right OB/GYN will be able to assist women throughout all these phases and refer women to specialists when dealing with certain problems like fertility struggles. Furthermore, a good OB/GYN knows all health is interconnected. Reproductive issues could be a sign of an underlying health condition.
Do I still need a PCP?
Gynecologists are trained to look for specific things during a pelvic exam like cysts and other abnormal growths. When conducting breast exams, doctors look for abnormalities like lumps that could be a sign of cancer. For pregnant women, OB/GYNs are continually monitoring the woman’s health and the baby to identify any complications or problems. OB/GYNs play a vital role in a patient’s lifetime to help the woman lead a healthy life and birth healthy children. Although many healthy women choose use an OB/GYN as a PCP, having a healthcare provider for other ailments like during cold and flu season is a good idea.
Choices and mindset
Selecting an obstetrician is a personal decision as people look for different types of birthing experiences and techniques. Women with other health conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders may need to see other specialists while some OB/GYNs opt to treat medical conditions outside of women’s health. When choosing an OB/GYN these topics should be discussed.
Finding an OB/GYN
Seeing an OB/GYN regularly is an essential part of overall health management. To learn more about OB/GYNs and get a referral, consult a healthcare provider. Another great resource is The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology that provides a tool to local a doctor by city or zip code.