What is an obstetrician-gynecologist?

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists:

" An obstetrician-gynecologist, or ob-gyn, is a doctor who specializes in the care of women. He or she is trained in obstetrics, which is the care of pregnant women. This includes the preconceptional (before pregnancy) period, pregnancy, labor and childbirth, and after a baby is born. Ob-gyns are also trained in gynecology. Gynecology covers a woman's general health care, including care of her reproductive organs, breasts and sexual function. It also includes management of hormonal disorders, treatment of infections, and training in surgery to correct or treat pelvic organ or urinary tract problems.

In addition, your ob-gyn offers preventive health care. This can help you to make choices that will prevent health problems. Preventive health care includes exams and routine tests that look for problems before you are sick."

"All ob-gyns get complete medical training. Their training equips them to give general care to women, as well as care related to pregnancy and the reproductive organs. Ob-gyns have graduated from college and medical school. They have completed an additional 4 year course of special training- a residency-in obstetrics and gynecology.

After residency, a doctor may be board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.To become board certified, the doctor must pass two tests. The first is a written test. This test shows that he or she has the knowledge and skills required to treat women. It covers both medical and surgical care. He or she must also show experience in treating women's health conditions for 2 years in practice after residency.At this point, he or she takes a second test - an oral exam given by a panel of national experts. This exam reviews the skills, knowledge and ability to treat different conditions."

"Your ob-gyn can detect and treat a variety of medical conditions affecting the reproductive system. An ob-gyn may also treat certain medical conditions that do not involve the breast or reproductive organs. This is especially important for women who don't regularly see a doctor other than their ob-gyn. In some cases, the ob-gyn will diagnose a medical problem and refer the patient to another doctor for treatment. In others, the ob-gyn can treat the problem along with providing routine health care. The decision on how to treat a disorder depends on how severe it is, whether it is getting worse or is under control, and the comfort level of a woman and her doctor."

Obstetrics-Gynecology-Infertility Group, PC
203-562-5181