Obstetricians and Gynecologists are often referred to as obstetricians or obstetricians. Having an SpOG degree, a doctor with this specialization can not only deal with disorders in the womb, but also about women's health.
A woman's body undergoes different biological processes, including menstruation, childbirth, and menopause. If you experience health problems related to these three processes or problems with the female reproductive organs, an Obgyn doctor is the doctor you need to see to get a variety of services and treatments regarding women's health.
Obstetrics and gynecology have different meanings. Obstetrics is a branch of medicine that specializes in the study of pregnancy and childbirth. This branch of medical science focuses on the care and maintenance of the health of pregnant women and fetuses during pregnancy to the delivery process. While gynecology is a branch of medical science that specializes in the study of problems surrounding the female reproductive system.
Problems Handled by Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Obstetricians and Gynecologists can examine and treat a variety of conditions in the uterus and the female reproductive system, including:
- Overcoming problems related to menstruation.
- Treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.
- Disorders related to sexual health, such as problems with libido, pain during sexual intercourse, and vaginal dryness.
- Check for and treat fertility problems.
- Dealing with issues surrounding menopause.
- Overcoming and treating medical conditions related to the female reproductive system, such as PCOS, pelvic inflammation, uterine myoma, ovarian cysts, uterine cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometriosis.
- Diagnosing and treating hormonal disorders that affect female reproduction.
- Management of postpartum bleeding.
- Examination and treatment of abnormal vaginal discharge.
- Detect and treat problems in pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and eclampsia, ectopic pregnancy, low-lying placenta, fetal abnormalities in the womb, or miscarriage.
- Handling emergencies in labor, such as fetal distress, umbilical cord entanglement, and amniotic fluid infections.
Various Actions That Can Be Done
Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists are trained to perform various medical procedures to assist childbirth, perform surgery on the female reproductive system, and provide treatment to overcome various disorders that occur in the female reproductive system. Some of the actions that can be taken are:
- Examination of female reproductive organs, including physical examinations such as pelvic, vulva and vaginal examinations, cervix, breasts; and supporting examinations such as uterine ultrasound and transvaginal ultrasound.
- Early detection of cancer in female reproductive organs, such as cervical cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer.
- Biopsies of the uterus or cervix, such as PAP smear.
- Consultation regarding contraceptives and HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer.
- Pregnancy consultation or prenatal care (before giving birth).
- The process of delivery, both normal and by cesarean section, and care after.
- Provide postpartum breast care to support the optimal breastfeeding process.
- Dilation and curettage (curettage).
- Surgical procedures, such as hysterectomy or removal of the uterus, and myomectomy or removal of uterine fibroids in the uterus. Obstetricians can perform surgery in a conventional way or with a laparoscopic surgical method.
- Tubal ligation for female sterilization.
- Obgyn specialists, fertility consultants, can perform artificial insemination or IVF to help try to get pregnant.
When Should You See an Obstetrician and Gynecologist?
Not only pregnant women or those who are doing a pregnancy program are advised to consult a gynecologist. Healthy women are also advised to have regular check-ups every one to five years, in order to maintain reproductive health and prevent disorders that might occur. This female health check is important especially for women over the age of 21 and have been sexually active.
In addition, you are advised to consult a gynecologist if you experience changes in your menstrual cycle, approaching menopause, or to monitor the condition of the fetus and pregnancy.
Some of the symptoms that can occur are related to health problems of the female organs, namely changes in the volume or frequency of the menstrual cycle, unusual stomach cramps, pain when urinating, and pain during sexual intercourse.
What to Prepare Before Meeting an Obstetrician and Gynecologist
Before consulting with a gynecologist, you should record the various complaints you are experiencing. If you intend to see a gynecologist, put aside the embarrassment first. Because to find out the disorders or complaints you are experiencing, the doctor must ask various questions related to your menstrual cycle, reproductive health, and sexual activities. Prepare answers to various questions that the doctor may ask.
In choosing a gynecologist, you can ask questions or get recommendations from people you trust. Find out how the experiences and assessments of some of the patients who have been treated by your chosen doctor have been, as well as whether the doctor has a good personality and makes you feel comfortable.
In addition, it is important to discuss with your partner when choosing an Obstetrician and Gynecologist. Because, some husbands feel uncomfortable when their partner is examined by a male doctor.
