Who are OB-GYNs?
An obstetrician-gynecologist, or an OB-GYN, is a healthcare specialist in female reproductive health. Trained OB-GYNs have gained specialization in both obstetrics and gynecology. Obstetrics entails working with pregnant women and delivering babies, while gynecology involves treating many conditions affecting the female reproductive system. These conditions include chronic pelvic pain and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
OB-GYNs can also conduct blood work, ultrasounds, pelvic exams, and pap smears. They can answer questions and advise patients about sex, pregnancy, infertility, etc. Generally, women see their OB-GYNs once a year, with many also consulting them as their primary care providers. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggests that people should begin visiting their OB-GYNs between the ages of 13 and 15.
The OB-GYN will not undertake a pelvic exam if no medical problems exist or the patient is not sexually active. They will focus on establishing a relationship between the teenager and the doctor. Pap smears and other exams must begin once the patient turns 21 or is sexually active.
Education and training of an OB-GYN
To become an OB-GYN, one must complete high school and obtain a bachelor's degree. Subsequently, it is mandatory to graduate from medical school. During the first two years, their education will focus on general medical education, such as human physiology and anatomy. The instruction during the final two years focuses on gaining clinical experience, with students apprenticing the senior doctors.
After medical school, doctors interested in pursuing OB-GYN must complete a residency in this field. A residency in OB-GYN is around four years long and allows prospective OB-GYNs to learn various procedures.
After completing their residency, doctors may choose to undertake specialty board examinations. OB-GYNs are required to pass a day-long oral test. The ACOG is the certifying authority for all OB-GYNs in the United States. Meeting state licensure requirements is also essential.
OB-GYNs can work in various settings. Apart from being obstetrics and gynecology practitioners, they can also teach medical students or supervise residents. Many others may also undertake academic publications or support patient or consumer organizations.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in women
Generally, STIs or STDs are transmitted in women via oral, vaginal, or anal sexual contact with an infected person. Most women might not even know that they have a sexually transmitted infection because it does not usually show any symptoms. However, if left untreated, STIs can increase the risk of cervical cancer and even cause fertility issues. The most common STIs in women include:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Genital herpes
- Syphilis
According to the Healthline website, almost 1 in 6 Americans may have genital herpes, but since it doesn't display any symptoms, most are unaware of it. One of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in women and a leading cause of cervical cancer is HPV. In the advanced stages, STIs do show various physical symptoms, such as:
- Vaginal itching
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Unusual vaginal discharge with a foul smell
- Vaginal or pelvic pain
- Rashes or sores
- Pain or burning sensation during urination
- The presence of blood in the urine
- Pain during sexual intercourse
Pregnancy and STIs
Sexually transmitted infections can infect the developing baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or post-childbirth. They can even be life-threatening for the mother and the baby. Sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis can easily pass on to the fetus and cause fatal infections. Untreated syphilis can lead to premature delivery and cause problems in multiple organs of the baby, like the heart, eyes, ears, bones, and skin. Gonorrhea infection, if left untreated, can cause blood infections, joint infections, blindness, or eye infections in the baby.
For this reason, OB-GYNs generally conduct a comprehensive STI panel screening at the beginning of pregnancy to detect and treat any STIs early. If the woman comes into sexual contact with an infected person post initial STI screenings, then they need to get tested again for STIs to ensure a healthy pregnancy and childbirth. Most OB-GYNs advocate the need for women to practice safe sex for their overall health and well-being.
How to protect yourself from STIs
Follow the OB-GYN's instructions on safe sex practices during pregnancy. If you are sexually active or are engaged in unprotected sex, get checked for STIs regularly to avoid passing the infection on to the developing baby.
Make an appointment with the best OB-GYN near you immediately if you experience STI or STD symptoms and begin the recommended treatment. Avoid any sexual activity until you are thoroughly treated. Follow the doctor's instructions on resuming sexual activity after treatment.
An OB-GYN visit will help you understand your sexual health and learn about various sexually transmitted infections and diseases. It ensures early diagnosis and treatment, preventing STIs from transforming into life-threatening complications.
What to expect during OB-GYN appointments
Twenty-four hours before your OB-GYN appointment, avoid having sex or douching. Sexual activity may irritate vaginal tissue and affect your Pap test results.
Typically, your appointment will start with an overall health check. The nurse will record your blood pressure and weight. You might also undergo blood and urine tests and a physical exam. The nurse will request that you change into a gown that has a front opening and use a sheet to cover your lap in an examination room.
The OB-GYN will likely begin by asking basic questions about your family's and personal health history. A nurse or other health professional may accompany you and the OB-GYN for the pelvic exam.
The doctor will first look for abnormalities outside your vagina, including vaginal opening and the vulva area. The doctor will then perform an internal examination of your reproductive organs. The doctor holds the vagina opening using a speculum to view the insides of your vagina and cervix. You must bend your knees and feet in stirrups during the pelvic exam to keep them apart.
In women over 21, a Pap test is typically done during the pelvic exam. With a little brush, your OB-GYN will take a sample of cells from your cervix. They will later send the sample to a laboratory to be examined for cervical cancer, the human papillomavirus (HPV), and other abnormalities.
If you have a history of sexual activity, the doctor may also conduct tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV. During the pelvic exam, the OB-GYN will take a tissue swab and check blood tests to check for STIs.
The OB-GYN will then perform an internal bimanual exam. The doctor begins by inserting one or two gloved fingers into your vagina and then placing the other hand on top of the lower part of your abdomen to feel your uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries from outside your body. If necessary, your doctor may also perform a rectovaginal exam. Your OB-GYN may also perform a breast exam to check for lumps or other abnormalities.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in the United States
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), PCOS affects about 6% to 12% of women of reproductive age in the United States. PCOS is also attributed to significant cases of female infertility. The condition develops due to multiple small cysts forming inside the ovary. Generally, PCOS affects women of childbearing age, but it is a lifelong condition. Women with PCOS might develop insulin resistance, increasing their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Women with PCOS are known to have excess levels of androgens, male hormones that can stop eggs' release and cause ovulation failure. The increased hormone levels can lead to acne, irregular periods, thinning of scalp hair, excess hair growth on the face and body (hirsutism), etc. In patients who are significantly overweight, PCOS can also enhance the risk of other health problems such as diabetes, gestational diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, stroke, etc.
The exact reason why women develop PCOS is still unknown. However, it is possible to undertake a timely diagnosis, begin treatment, and manage weight to reduce the risk of developing other diseases. It has been observed that women whose mothers and sisters have PCOS or type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop PCOS in the future. Being overweight has also been linked to PCOS and is known to worsen its effects. If you have concerns regarding the regularity of your menstrual cycle or experiencing signs of excess androgens or inability to conceive, in that case, you must see an OB-GYN to get tested for PCOS.
Finding the best OB-GYN near you in Orland Park, IL
Are you experiencing symptoms of PCOS or other reproductive health issues but are unsure of whom to seek treatment from? Zocdoc might be the solution to all your problems! You can conveniently find specialists in your area through its user-friendly and easily navigable interface. You can also conduct a symptom-specific search on Zocdoc for more accurate results.
Once you have entered the relevant details, Zocdoc displays a list of practitioners in Orland Park, IL, and their information. By browsing through this, you can learn about their qualifications, areas of expertise, experience, licensure, and affiliations. You can also learn their ratings, awards, accreditations, languages they speak, etc.
Zocdoc also makes finding in-network specialists who accept your insurance plan easy. After you have browsed and created a shortlist, you can rely on reviews by previous patients to help you make the final call. Zocdoc constantly verifies these reviews, so they are trustworthy.
The booking process on Zocdoc is simple and involves choosing slots based on the doctor's availability. You can book in-person and virtual appointments with the best OB-GYN near you safely, securely, and at no additional cost.
OB-GYN Statistics in Orland Park, Illinois
The Illinois Department of Public Health concluded that Cook County, where Orland Park is, reported about 23,189 induced pregnancy terminations in 2018, the highest in the state. Across the state, families terminated about 42,441 pregnancies in 2018. It was a marked increase from 39,329 terminations in 2017.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published demand and supply projections in March 2021 for women's health service providers between 2018 and 2030. Per their findings, there was a supply of 2,070 obstetrician-gynecologists in 2018 in Illinois. The supply adequacy was 104%, i.e., the highest amongst all the states in the midwestern United States. The demand in 2018 was for 1,990 more obstetrician-gynecologists.
The report also mentioned the numbers in 2030, where the supply will be 1,870, i.e., still the highest in the Midwest. The supply adequacy will be ~102.7%, which will demand 1,870 more obstetrician-gynecologists. The need for women's welfare and reproductive health care services is ever-increasing. Many OB-GYNs practicing in the state significantly reduce our healthcare system load.
Sources
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Illinois Department of Public Health
MedicalNewsToday
5Chicago
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Mayo Clinic
WebMD
Healthline[1]
Healthline[2]
Cleveland Clinic
National Library of Medicine
