The treatment, diagnosis, and care of a woman’s reproductive system is the focus of an OB-GYN specialist. This type of doctor is also concerned with women’s health during pregnancy and childbirth. In most cases, he can also perform surgery. Preventative care, diagnostic tests, and treatments for sexually transmitted diseases are frequently handled someone with this title. He also performs necessary health screenings, advises patients on how to care for their own health, and assists them with family planning. Not only does birth control play a role in family planning, but so does surgery to permanently prevent pregnancy.
A doctor who wants to specialize in OB-GYN spends a lot of time caring for pregnant women on his or her way to becoming an OB-GYN. He employs his extensive education and training to assist women during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the postpartum period. Patients with normal, healthy pregnancies as well as those with serious medical conditions that complicate their pregnancies may benefit from this type of specialist. When vaginal childbirth is risky or not desired, this doctor may perform operations to remove babies through a woman’s abdomen.
A gynecologist’s duties are also performed an OB-GYN specialist. A person in this field, for example, performs health screenings that women require or desire, such as pap tests. He may also conduct infection checks and treat any problems that arise. In order to provide early detection of breast cancer, these doctors may also perform breast exams. This type of physician can also diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions affecting the female reproductive organs.
Frequently, an OB-GYN specialist assists his patients with family planning issues. This type of doctor, for example, may counsel his patients on birth control options and write prescriptions. He may also be able to assist patients in dealing with the side effects that can occur as a result of birth control use. Elective or medically necessary abortions may be performed some OB-GYN specialists.
A person who decides to pursue a career as an OB-GYN specialist typically devotes many years to education and training. These doctors finish college and medical school, which takes about eight years to complete. Then they usually complete residency training, which is at least four years of on-the-job training. In most states, an aspiring OB-GYN specialist must also pass a licensing exam and possibly a certification exam before becoming a practicing physician.