The Difference Between Obstetrics and Gynecology

Women’s health is a grand spectrum of study and practice, from a young girl’s first menstrual cycle to the years of menopause. In the medical field, you will find a variety of specialists. Particularly gynecology and obstetrics. It is important to know the difference between the two practices so that when you require medical attention, you can get the right treatment from the right specialist.

You can contact us if you are looking for a gynecologist or obstetrician. At Lively Wellness & Aesthetics, we provide medical care for all aspects of women’s health, including gynecology, annual examinations, pap smears, and obstetrics. Call or visit us in Odessa, TX, to schedule a consultation. 

A Trusted Specialist Near You

Regardless of the stage you are going through, Dr. Lively will take care of you. He has the expertise and experience to assist you with your well-being. Dr. Lively is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. With over twenty years of experience, he allows patients to feel comfortable. This makes it easier to share your intimate concerns, so our treatments can be more effective. You can be sure that you are in good hands with us. We offer many different services, including the following:

• Endometrial ablation for heavy periods using NovaSure.
• Hormone therapy.
• Well-woman examinations and pap smears.
• Colonoscopy to evaluate abnormal pap smears.
• Gynecologic cancer screenings.
• Menstruation problems.
• Contraception, including IUDs and Implanon.
• Menopause treatment, including hormone replacement therapy.
• Incontinence treatment.
• Treatment for abnormal cervical cells using LEEP.

What is an Obstetrician?

An obstetrician is a healthcare provider that specializes in treating women before, during, and after pregnancy. This also covers the first few months after childbirth. These periods are referred to as prepartum or postpartum, which is during and after pregnancy. An obstetrician may deal with women during healthy pregnancies and pregnancies with a chance of developing complications. Some cases may include the parent being HIV positive. 

What is a Gynecologist?

A gynecologist is a medical healthcare provider that specializes in the female reproductive system. You will typically see a gynecologist when you have started your menstrual cycle. A gynecologist will check and address any issues related to the pelvic floor, abnormal bleeding, polycystic ovary syndrome, and infertility. A gynecologist can also provide care to women that are pregnant or in their menopause phase. 

Because the female reproductive system is so complex and involves many distinctive phases, it is important to have regular check-ups to detect and address any health conditions that may impact you later in life.

If a medical practitioner practices both medical professions, they will be addressed as an OB/GYN. This is the study of both gynecology and obstetrics. Which means they specialize in both fields. 

When Should I visit a Gynecologist?

You are recommended to visit a gynecologist for an annual screening or any time you have concerns about pelvic, vulvar, and vaginal pain or abnormal bleeding. Conditions that are commonly treated by a gynecologist may include the following: 

• Family planning, including sterilization and contraception.
• Any issues relating to pregnancy, menstruation, fertility, and menopause.
• STIs.
• Urinary and fecal incontinence.
• Premalignant conditions, such as cervical dysplasia or endometrial hyperplasia.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome.
• Cancer in the reproductive tract.
• Pregnancy-related tumors.
• Congenital abnormalities related to the female reproductive tract.
• Emergency care.
• Pelvic inflammatory diseases.
• Sexuality health issues, including sexual dysfunction.
• Endometriosis.

In addition, a gynecologist offers both specialized gynecological and general health care, which includes preventative medication for women. 

When Should I Visit an Obstetrician?

An obstetrician can provide regular prenatal healthcare to pregnant women. They can also diagnose and treat pregnancies with complications and risks. An obstetrician can also deliver your baby and monitor your health post-pregnancy. An obstetrician may be responsible for the following:

• Evaluating your unborn baby’s growth rate, position, and size.
• Detecting congenital abnormalities and complications concerning maternal-fetal medicine providers.
• Prenatal screening, lab tests, and examinations.
• Managing labor and labor induction, emergency deliveries, and medications.
• The treatment of health conditions that may affect your pregnancy or baby.
• Provide postpartum care for you and your baby for up to six months.
• Conducting ultrasounds, urinalysis, and blood tests to monitor your pregnancy.

Qualifications That Make Gynecology and Obstetrics Different

While both gynecologists and obstetricians deal with healthcare for the female body, there are a few qualifications that make them different.

A gynecologist must first graduate from medical school after studying for four years. This means they are fully trained medical doctors with a license to practice. This is followed by a four-year obstetrics-gynecology residency program. The training will include the following:

• Genetics and genetic counseling.
• Female general healthcare, hormones, breast health, the reproductive system, and sexual function.
• Screening for cancer that affects women.
• Surgical training to correct female pelvic, urinary tract, and reproductive issues.

Further specialization can require three additional years of study that may include maternal-fetal medicine, gynecological oncology, and pediatric gynecology.

An obstetrician must go through the same process. However, when it comes to specialized qualifications, an obstetrician will receive extra training in subspecialties like maternal-fetal medicine. This focuses on caring for pregnant women. 

Your Trusted OB/GYN in Odessa, TX

As a woman, your privacy is important. Although you may require medical attention, you might not feel comfortable with a gynecologist or obstetrician. The experience we create allows all women to feel comfortable. If you are looking for an OB/GYN, we are here for you.

With many years of experience in women’s healthcare, Lively Wellness & Aesthetics offers premium healthcare for women of all ages. Contact us online or call us at 432-653-1536 to schedule a consultation.