Female reproductive healthcare includes services dedicated to maintaining the health of the entire reproductive system. This specialized area of medicine addresses everything from routine check-ups and screenings to complex issues related to pregnancy, childbirth, and fertility. An OBGYN, or obstetrician-gynecologist, is a medical doctor who specializes in this field. Here is information on the role of OBGYNs in family planning and reproductive services:
What Is an OBGYN?
OBGYNs complete extensive training to manage and treat conditions related to the female reproductive organs. This healthcare field combines two distinct but related specialties: gynecology and obstetrics. An OBGYN is trained in both areas, so they offer comprehensive care to women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) throughout their lives.
Gynecology focuses on the general health of the reproductive system, offering diagnostic services, preventive care, and surgical treatments. Obstetrics is the specialty concerned with pregnancy and everything relating to it. OBGYNs care for people throughout their pregnancies, manage labor and delivery, and provide care after the baby is born.
How Do They Help With Family Planning?
Family planning is a central component of an OBGYN’s practice, involving decisions about when to have children or how to avoid pregnancy. OBGYNs provide personalized guidance and medical services to help individuals and couples achieve their reproductive goals. For those who wish to prevent pregnancy, physicians offer various contraceptive methods.
Contraception
A provider can explain the effectiveness, benefits, and potential side effects of different contraceptive options, including:
- Hormonal Birth Control Pills
- Patches
- Injections
- Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
- Barrier Methods
After discussing someone’s health history and lifestyle, the OBGYN can help select a suitable form of contraception, and they are qualified to perform procedures for long-acting reversible contraceptives like IUDs and implants.
Fertility
When individuals or couples are trying to conceive, an OBGYN can be a valuable resource. They can provide preconception counseling to optimize health before pregnancy and evaluate potential causes of infertility if a couple is having difficulty conceiving. This may involve initial testing to identify issues with ovulation, sperm function, or the reproductive organs. Based on these findings, an OBGYN can suggest treatments or refer patients to a reproductive endocrinologist for more specialized care.
What Reproductive Healthcare Services Do They Offer?
OBGYNs provide a broad spectrum of services to maintain reproductive health and address medical conditions. Routine examinations are fundamental to preventive care, and they often include a pelvic exam, a clinical breast exam, and general health assessments. A Pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer that has reduced mortality rates from the disease. OBGYNs also screen for and treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs), manage menstrual disorders like heavy bleeding or painful periods, and diagnose and treat conditions such as:
- Endometriosis
- Uterine Fibroids
- Ovarian Cysts
They perform a variety of surgical procedures, from minimally invasive techniques to major operations, when necessary to treat these conditions.
Schedule an Appointment With an OBGYN
Regular visits with an OBGYN are a key part of maintaining long-term health and well-being. These specialists provide continuous and comprehensive care tailored to a person’s changing needs throughout their life. Whether you need a check-up, family planning guidance, or condition management, contact a gynecology clinic for an appointment today.
