Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN)

Obstetrics and gynecology care for all conditions

Gynecologists diagnose and treat issues relevant to women’s health and the female reproductive system, while obstetricians support you with pregnancy, labor and delivery and postpartum issues. Providers trained in both branches of women's healthcare are called obstetrician-gynecologists or OBGYNs.

Your needs for gynecologic care change as your body evolves. The right provider for you may also change depending on your needs, preferences and stage of life. Obstetricians-gynecologists provide a continuum of care for women, starting with the first visit in the early teenage years, through your reproductive years, the time leading up to menopause, the post-menopause years and beyond.

There are many good reasons to make time for an annual OBGYN visit. A few of the many things your obstetrician-gynecologist can help you with include:

• Bladder issues such as incontinence (leaking urine) and urinary tract infections
• Breast health checkups
• Sexual health concerns around sexuality and intimate relationships, including safe sex practices and sexually transmitted disease prevention and management
• Family planning and birth control
• Fertility and reproductive health concerns
• Menopause-related concerns, such as hot flashes, sexual dysfunction, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse and mood swings
• Menstrual problems and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Osteoporosis
• Pre-pregnancy counseling and support throughout pregnancy, from prenatal visits through labor and delivery
• Reproductive endocrinology, thyroid dysfunction and other hormone disorders
• Urogynecologic issues, such as bowel control problems, pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic pain

In addition to helping with health conditions and concerns, your OBGYN can advise you on healthy eating, exercise and other lifestyle habits that promote good overall health.

You can also talk to your gynecologist about women’s mental health issues that affect your quality of life, such as stress, anxiety and depression.

Advanced obstetrics and gynecology treatments and services

If your provider suspects you may have a gynecologic disorder, you have many diagnostic procedures and treatment options available to you. Your provider will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan of action.