Information about Obstetrics and Gynecology

Obstetrics and gynecology are two subjects that are very closely related to each other. We might say that these are twin subjects. These two stream deal with the reproduction system of women. Gynecology focuses on the reproductive health of women and the organs that play a vital part in the reproductive system like vagina, ovaries, breasts, and uterus. On the other hand the obstetric deals with pregnancy, childbirth and overall well being of a pregnant woman. These two are commonly called together as OBGYN.

What is the difference between Gynecology and Obstetrics?

Two different aspects of women reproductive system are dealt with these two subjects. Obstetrics deals with women who are pregnant, unborn baby, delivery, labor and bleeding after the childbirth. An obstetric makes sure that the baby and the mother is in good health and the labor and delivery are done without facing any complications. They decide whether any other special intervention is needed to assure safe and quick delivery.

Gynecology is mainly concerned with the ailments of the reproductive organs such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, breast, vagina, cervix, and ovaries etc. A gynecologist also treats problems in the urinary system, bowel and bladder as these are very closely related to the reproductive system of women.

Obstetrics

Obstetricians deals with problems and complications that arise during pregnancy such as ectopic pregnancy, conditions when the embryo entered in the fallopian tube, compression caused fetal distress, high blood pressure problems, etc. These problems can be the forerunner of some serious illness of the unborn child. Obstetrics are specially trained to handle all these complications. They safely guide the whole process of pregnancy and childbirth. They decide how the baby must be delivered, vaginally or through preplanned caesarian. They are trained to handle the changes during both caesarian and normal delivery. If the baby is not in the birth position, the doctor manipulates it to bring it to the correct position. After the delivery, they ensure that the health of both the mother and the child is good and they make the transition to everyday life normally without any deadly complications. They handle sensitive cases of women who have had miscarriages before. The obstetricians may recommend that the couple should attend the pregnancy education lessons.

Gynecology

The field of gynecology is not very specific. It focuses on the health of reproductive organs since puberty and continues till menopause and beyond. Women visit gynecologists for their annual pelvic test and Pap test. Women also see a gynecologist if they have any pain, irritation in the uterus, vagina, genital or breasts. They also guide with contraception, infertility issues, untimely pregnancy, etc.  Gynecologists are visited when a woman has a bacterial infection, yeast infection, irregular period, painful period, painful intercourse, etc. Some complicated diseases that usually happen after the menopause may require surgical intervention.  Some common surgical procedures are as follows-

• Oophorectomy
• Cone Biopsy
• Tubal Ligation
• Salpingectomy
• Hysterectomy

Most of the gynecologists are also obstetricians. They have great skill, knowledge and professional capability. Their combined effort ensures high-quality reproductive health care for women.