What Is an OBGYN and How Can They Help Me?
An obstetrician-gynecologist, or OBGYN, is a specialized doctor who provides care to women when pregnant and throughout all stages of life. This field of specialist deals with the health of a woman's reproductive system, breasts, pregnancy (pre and post), childbirth, age-related changes and some forms of cancer. They are seen when a woman starts her menses, when trying to become pregnant, when becoming pregnant and any time a woman wants to speak with a doctor about specific issues. This makes it important to find a doctor you feel the most comfortable with. It also helps to learn more about obstetric care and what can be expected from a trip to an OBGYN.
What is obstetrics?
Obstetrics is a specialized area of medicine that deals with pregnancy, labor, childbirth and the postpartum period that a woman goes through. Doctors who provide obstetric care help with childbirth, give prenatal and postnatal care, do surgeries and conduct office visits. They are whom the woman would go to if they were trying to become pregnant, are currently pregnant or have just had a baby.
What is gynecology?
Gynecology is a medical specialty that deals with the health of a woman's reproductive system. Diagnosis, treatment, care and screenings are all done through this type of doctor when it involves the breasts, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, uterus or other parts of the woman's reproductive system. This doctor sees women starting in puberty and continues to see them through menopause.
Subspecialties
Mostly all OBGYNs practice in a general sense, so they provide a range of care to their patients. Some may focus on subspecialties to provide more individualized care for specific issues. These subspecialties can include:
- Infertility
- Maternal-fetal medicine
- Oncology
- Reproductive surgery
Why see an OBGYN?
There are many issues patients can see an OBGYN for. A woman would usually see this specialist over the general physician if they experience or need help with any of the following:
- Pregnancy
- Needing a pap smear
- Urinary incontinence
- Abnormal bleeding
- Urinary tract or vaginal infections
- STDs
- Birth control options
- Hormonal disorders
- Breast issues
- Endometriosis
- Infertility
An OBGYN can also perform a range of surgeries and procedures for the women who come to see them. These could include a hysterectomy, tubal ligation, IUD placement, vaginal or cesarean deliveries, pelvic and breast exams, mammograms, laser surgery and a range of other procedures that may be required for the health of the reproductive system or unborn baby.
Find a new doctor
When choosing an OBGYN, call our office. We will help you feel comfortable and welcome so you can have the best experience. Female reproductive health is important, so it is necessary to find an OBGYN to turn to when you need checkups or other care. We can be that provider.
Schedule an appointment
For more information or to schedule an appointment with us, call (346) 201-4716. Our office is located in Tomball. Call Donald Eckhardt Jr., M.D. , Kari Eckhardt W.H.N.P., C.N.M. today.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Pap smears are routine screenings that check for abnormal cells in the cervix, which may indicate cervical cancer or other conditions. Getting these screenings helps detect these conditions early when they are easier to treat. Patients need to understand their results and when further screening is needed.Also known as a pap test, a pap smear…
Visiting the gynecologist annually can lead to better health outcomes. The most common example is effective treatment made possible by the early detection of diseases, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and breast cancer. A gynecologist can also discuss and provide birth control options, menstruation and menopause management, and other services. Before heading into your…
Pelvic pain can affect patients of all genders and sexes. Thankfully, an OB-GYN can identify and treat the cause to relieve symptoms. For chronic conditions, these healthcare providers can assist in managing pelvic pain to minimize its impact on the patient’s life.The pelvis is the lower part of the abdomen, the region below one’s belly…
Finding the right birth control is easy with the help of an OB-GYN. These healthcare providers help patients explore their options with their personal and medical history in mind. The goal is to help patients select a type of contraception that fits their lifestyle and needs—without causing major side effects.Birth control, or contraception, can be…