OB-GYN stands for obstetrician-gynecologist. It is the medical specialty that provides care to women through their reproductive years as well as to women who are trying to conceive, are currently pregnant, or are nursing. An OB-GYN (often simply written as “OBGYN”) is a doctor who specializes in obstetrics, the branch of medicine concerned with pregnancy and childbirth, and gynecology, the field of medicine that focuses on women’s reproductive health. OBGYNs are often referred to as the leading specialists in women’s health as they have advanced knowledge and training on the function and anatomy of the female reproductive system, disorders and dysfunctions of the reproductive system, and treatments for conditions affecting this organ system; they are also the leading professionals in regard to pregnancy and childbirth, including high-risk pregnancies and congenital conditions.

Obstetrician/gynecologists (OBGYNs) are responsible for delivering babies, providing prenatal care, and managing women’s health. Gynecology is the medical specialty that focuses on the care of women in the reproductive age group, including the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the female reproductive organs. Obstetrics is the branch of medicine concerned with the health and wellness of pregnant and nursing mothers and their babies, as well as the prevention of pregnancy-related complications such as high-risk pregnancies and gestational diabetes.

OBGYNs work closely with women who are pregnant and those who have just given birth, and they are responsible for providing women with information and advice on fertility, pregnancy, family planning, pregnancy care, breastfeeding, and infant care.
 
OBGYNs are trained surgeons who can perform a wide range of procedures, both surgical and noninvasive, including:

– cesarean section
– instrumental deliveries during childbirth
– hysterectomies
– removing growths, such as ovarian cysts
– surgery to repair pelvic organ injuries
– pap smears to test for cervical cancer
– STI tests
– fertility treatments
– pelvic ultrasounds
– infertility treatments and counseling
– management of urinary issues, including UTIs & incontinence
– treating common problems, such as anemia
– breast exams
– breast health management, including mammograms

OBGYN (obstetrics and gynecology) is a dual specialty, a combination of women’s reproductive healthcare and pregnancy-related care. Gynecology is a distinct field of medicine that revolves around the first line of care provided to women, such as routine checkups, reproductive health, and disease screening. While gynecology and OBGYN are interrelated, the two specialties are in fact different fields. In addition to being obstetricians, OBGYNs are also gynecologists. However, not all gynecologists are OBGYNs, as they do not all practice obstetrics.

Yes, you can go to an OBGYN if you are not pregnant; these medical professionals provide care for all women’s health needs, not just those related to pregnancy and childbirth. For example, many women have an OBGYN as their primary care provider (instead of a family doctor or internist) as they can provide a higher level of care in relation to women’s health needs.
 
If you are looking for an OBGYN, come to Women’s Health Consulting today. Call us or book an appointment with our OBGYN, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 200 S. Michigan Avenue, #1550, Chicago, IL 60604. We serve patients from Chicago IL, Cicero IL, Oak Park IL, Forest Park IL, Berwyn IL, Maywood IL, and Logan Square Chicago IL. We look forward to serving you!