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.

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