What is the difference between obstetrics and gynecology?

difference between obstetrics and gynecology

Every woman is well aware of the term “lady doctor,” which is a general term mostly used by people. But technically, few people are aware of obstetrics and gynecology and the difference between both. And what is their importance in any woman’s life? Both have an important contribution and control the different aspects of a woman’s reproductive health. In this article, you will learn more about obstetrics and gynecology, the work related to each specialty, and much more about both specialties. And also know how to schedule a consultation or appointment with a gynecologist or in obstetrics.

Difference between obstetrics and gynecology

In simple words, both specialties are related to feminine health. whereas obstetrics is a specialization in pregnancy-related issues and care and gynecology is for the entire reproductive system’s health, including bladder or bowel health. In short form, an obstetrician is called or written as “Ob” and a gynecologist is called “GYN” for convenience. Both the doctors of obstetricians and gynecologists graduate with the same medical degree in general medicine, so most of the time they work in the same fields. And because OBGYN is a combined word for obstetrician and gynecologist, it means such a doctor has specialization in the female reproductive system, maternal care, reproductive surgery, pelvic medicine, and pregnancy. OBGYN offers preventive health and regular check-ups.


Who is an Obstetrician?

In layman’s terms, an OB assists a woman throughout her pregnancy, including labor and any complications that may arise, and also supports normal delivery as well as in C-sections or cesarean deliveries. An obstetrician is in charge of any abnormal problems, such as a sudden increase in blood pressure, fetal distress, low oxygen supply, ectopic pregnancy, and so on.

  • Preparing for the birth
  • Advising on healthcare practices
  • Help in overcoming pregnancy symptoms
  • All the pre and post-delivery pregnancy issues and many other health problems that arise during pregnancy

An obstetrician is a specialized professional who supports and guides a woman at all stages of conception. And make a pregnancy a safe journey, she is also able to deal with fertility treatment, diagnostic procedures for fetus and mother both, and neonatal intensive care too. Along the journey of womanhood, you can also get the privilege of learning about more female healthcare professionals. Those may include nurse-midwives, female care attendants, and nurses, as they collectively work with an obstetrician as a team in prenatal or postnatal care. An obstetrician can also recommend childbirth classes, a healthy lifestyle, yoga during pregnancy, and sort out the issue of postpartum depression as well.


Searching obstetrician Nearby

Therefore, to restore a woman’s health, OB plays an important role, so in some ways, it is essential to search for an obstetrician nearby if you are a pregnant woman. Because a woman at the beginning of pregnancy may experience various symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, missed menstrual cycle, morning sickness, and many others, it is likely at such a time, there can be more risk to the fetus and the expectant mother, so it is advised to see an obstetrician.

female infertility

Visiting the obstetrician during pregnancy offers useful help or support that any woman expects for safe delivery. Holistic information is provided for pre-delivery and post-delivery care. Individuals residing near Crysta IVF Centres can request OBGYN care by contacting them through the website. Now, here we are adding some more information about gynecologists for a better understanding of their work and professional expertise.


Who is a Gynecologist?

A gynecologist is an expert in dealing with female reproductive health issues and organs. She can also treat ovarian and uterine cancer, fallopian tube problems, genital discomfort, fibroids, cysts, and endometriosis, assisting in contraception, infertility problems, irregular periods, menopause, and other reproductive illnesses. She can tell you the right option to choose for reproductive health problems. Apart from this, a gynecologist may also have the training to perform some reproductive organ-related surgeries (female). The most common are:

  • Oophorectomy (removing ovaries)
  • Salpingectomy (removing or operating fallopian tubes surgery)
  • Tubal ligation (birth control surgery)
  • Hysterectomy (removing uterus)
  • Labiaplasty (genital organ-related cosmetic surgery)


Visiting a gynecologist at an early age

A female can start visiting a gynecologist at a young age (13–15 years old) for her puberty-related issues and ailments. A GYN can offer a routine reproductive health check-up and can also talk to the girl’s parents about any discomfort or concerning symptoms or problems.


When are both obstetrics and gynecology doctors needed?

Hence, OB and GYN are the experts who have the professional capability, specialization, and skills to deal with the surgical or medical care of a female and her reproductive health. That may include preventive health, primary health care, consultation, referral, and diagnosis of diseases. These categories also have sub-specialties and additional training and techniques to deal with female reproductive health issues, such as high-risk pregnancy, reproductive endocrinology, infertility, and IVF (assisted reproductive techniques) too. First and foremost, a woman suffers throughout her life from a variety of health conditions that can come under both specialties (OB and GYN). Thus, obstetrics and gynecology doctors can collectively provide more comprehensive care to a woman. Here is a list of some women’s reproductive health disorders that may need both specialties:

  • Gynecologic oncology and medicinal treatment
  • Gallbladder disorders
  • Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
  • Placenta extract
  • Abortion pills and birth control
  • Endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome
  • Cesarean delivery
  • Hysterectomy
  • Endometrial cancer and cervical cancer
  • Fallopian tube cancer
  • IUD, IVF, and Artificial insemination
  • Menstrual cycle and pregnancy
  • Menopause symptoms
  • Pregnancy diabetes
  • Abortion
  • Amniocentesis
  • Ultrasonography
  • Reproductive endocrinology
  • Preventive and parental care
  • Pap test screening
  • Laparoscopic surgery

Now we can see that there is not much difference between gynecology and obstetrics. Both of them have interchangeable issues to deal with related to female reproductive health that may need both of them at the same time. Even they participate in the conferences, academic fields, and counsel the patients as well.

Women’s healthcare at “Crysta IVF” by OBGYN

If you have a hormonal imbalance test or a pap smear test, or if you have a health condition that is bothering you on a regular basis, it is best to visit or contact a well-experienced OBGYN to get the best consultation. Crysta IVF is one such place where you get a friendly atmosphere along with all the medical needs you want. Visit us online at www.crystaivf.com to book an appointment with one of the country’s most renowned doctors of obstetrics and gynecology. Contact today for a well-qualified and experienced gynecologist or obstetrician for all your reproductive health issues, including fertility, at Crysta IVF, and stay connected for more health updates.