It is no surprise that some people do not know the difference between gynecologist and ob gyn. There is no shame in not knowing the difference between the two, either. These specialties take years of school and training to learn, so most people don’t know ob gyn and gynecologist difference.
The difference between ob gyn and gynecologist is that they cover different aspects of female health. You have come to the right place if you’re wondering the difference between ob gyn and gynecologist.
OB GYN and Gynecologist Difference
When it comes to learning the difference between gynecologist and OB GYN, you should begin by understanding the two are entirely different medical specialties. However, the two specialties are commonly available at the same provider, making deciphering the two a bit more confusing. They both share the commonality of providing care for female health. However, the practices of each type of doctor are very different.
Women may find themselves visiting an OB GYN provider for a variety of reasons. For example, a young woman who just had her first period may be making her first appointment to soothe angry cramps. On the other hand, maybe you are pregnant and need a routine care provider to support you through delivery. Or perhaps, you are experiencing the onset of menopause and want to subdue your symptoms.
To begin, you will likely visit a gynecologist before you see an OB GYN. A gynecologist will cover your overall female health needs. General female health needs could range from sexual health, the menstrual cycle, screening, and more. In contrast, an obstetrician is specifically trained to provide prenatal care and work with pregnant or postpartum women. Your obstetrician can help you through all stages of childbirth, including prenatal care, delivery, and how to recover after you give birth.
Before you make an appointment, we can help you identify what kind of doctor you should see. Women’s Care of Bradenton will work with you to discover if an OB or GYN is best for you. Once we do that, we look forward to helping you begin your journey taking charge of your female health.
Let’s take a closer look at the two specialties and discover what exactly makes the responsibilities that make their two jobs different.
What is an Obstetrician
The difference between ob gyn and gynecologist is that an obstetrician will cover all your needs regarding childbirth, through delivery, and beyond. If you’re pregnant or think you are, you should see an obstetrician right away. At Women’s Care of Bradenton, we will offer personalized care based on your specific case. An obstetrician is well equipped and trained to manage and address any complications that could arise during pregnancy. The following complications an obstetrician can help treat are:
- Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is when a woman’s baby’s fetus develops on the exterior of the uterus. In a healthy pregnancy, the fetus will grow and be safe inside the mother’s uterus. However, if left untreated, an ectopic pregnancy can be fatal. This is because the fertilized egg can not survive outside of the uterus for long. Your OB can treat this rare condition with medications at the early stages. However, if left undiagnosed, an ectopic pregnancy can require surgery. Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy are pelvic pain and irregular vaginal bleeding. One of the reasons it is so important to have regular OB visits at the beginning of your pregnancy is to detect complications like an ectopic pregnancy. When your doctor sees complications early, it may be easier to mitigate the effects of the difficulty.
- Fetal Distress
Your OB can detect fetal distress. There are a variety of reasons why your fetus may be unwell. The most typical explanation of fetal distress is because your baby is not getting sufficient oxygen. In addition, complications with the placenta or umbilical cord can cause fetal distress. You may be experiencing fetal distress if you have intolerable cramping, vaginal bleeding, or experience weight gain. Your OB can detect fetal distress by monitoring your baby’s heart rate and movement or checking the amniotic fluid.
- Preeclampsia
High Blood pressure can cause pregnant women to develop preeclampsia. The three primary symptoms of preeclampsia are a sudden increase in blood pressure, protein in your urine, and swollen hands or feet. During pregnancy, your OB will check your blood pressure to check for the rare condition. Another reason to attend and schedule regular pregnancy appointments is to catch complications like preeclampsia. This condition poses a life threat to mother and child if gone unnoticed.
- Cesarean section
Your OB may recommend a Cesarean section if a natural, vaginal birth poses a threat to the mother or child.
- Other
Other complications can arise during pregnancy, including placenta issues, family planning, postpartum depression, and more. Therefore, it is vital to have prenatal appointments with your doctor to see if you need the attention and care of an OB.
What is a Gynecologist
The difference between gynecologist and ob gyn is that your gynecologist will be your go-to for all other aspects of female health besides reproductive health and pregnancy. We recommend women make their first gynecologist appointment at their first period or when they are first sexually active. A parent or guardian could suggest taking their young girl if she is nervous.
You should get in the habit of routinely visiting your gynecologist annually. At Women’s Care of Bradenton, we offer well-women’s exams that can sometimes take the place of seeing your primary care physician. We will take your weight, height, blood pressure and physically check your abdomen for any irregularities. In addition, we will perform a pelvic exam.
You can discuss most things related to your female health when you visit the gynecologist. For example, if you experience an irregular period or a painful menstrual cycle, your doctor can help put you on the best care path to ease your symptoms.
Maybe you are sexually active. You could be looking for the best birth control for you, or maybe you want an STI screening for a clean bill of health. If you are experiencing any atypical symptoms, you should call us right away to schedule an appointment. Visiting the gynecologist is your first step in achieving preventative care for all aspects relating to female health.
A gynecologist can also help you ease the symptoms associated with menopause. For example, if you are in your 40s or 50s, have not had your period for six months to a year, and are experiencing symptoms like mood swings or hot flashes, you could be experiencing menopause. Your gynecologist can help put you on the proper care path to minimize the symptoms of menopause. Hormone therapy is a widespread way to mitigate menopause symptoms.
Your gynecologist can help you address other concerns you may have, including irregular bleeding, pelvic pain, acne, mental health, or mood swings. Sometimes, conditions like acne or mood swings may not make you think about female health. However, the female body is complex, and hormones can affect us in ways you may not realize. Be sure to bring up your complete medical history to your gynecologist and include any medicines, vitamins, or over the counters you are taking.
Conclusion
There are many critical differences between an OB and a GYN, even though both of their responsibilities pertain to female health. If you want to discuss your overall health or have any female health concerns, give us a call. We will schedule an appointment for you with one of our healthcare professionals. Let’s get your health on the right track today.