We don’t really know as lay persons how many exact branches of fertility treatments do we have available and where to go to access. But, our primary shall always be to understand and internalize which doctor is meant to help you with what problems so that you can rush to the right one when required. A gynecologist and obstetrician are two such categories which are often confused with one another. We have the best of both worlds here at icareheal but in order to do that you need to know the categories better and we are here to help you with the same. Below listed are some points that make gynecologist & obstetrician different from each other in many ways.Many people think OB/GYN and gynecology are the same thing. This is not true! An OB/GYN encompasses two specialties – obstetrics and gynecology – while gynecologists specialize in gynecology only. While a physician can have both medical specializations, there are differences between the two.

A woman’s needs change throughout life, and it’s important to know who you need to see for specific conditions and issues.

Obstetrics:

An obstetrician is an expert in obstetrics, which is about all aspects of pregnancy, from prenatal care to postnatal care. An obstetrician is meant to deliver the babies, whereas a gynecologist is not. An obstetrician can also provide therapies to help you conceive, such as fertility treatments. If you deliver a premature baby, an obstetrician can also provide guidance in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). An obstetrician is meant to make sure you have a healthy pregnancy and that you deliver a healthy baby.

Obstetricians are also trained to handle pregnancy complications, such as:

• Ectopic pregnancy, in which the fetus grows outside of the uterus
• Signs of fetal distress, in which the fetus is not doing well for various reasons
• Placenta issues
• Preeclampsia
• Delivery through Cesarean section

An obstetrician can also help you after you have delivered your baby and are dealing with issues such as postpartum depression.

Gynecology:

A gynecologist des moines ia is an expert in caring for the reproductive health of a woman from the time she gets her first period all the way to post-menopause.

Any conditions that affect the reproductive system, such as those with the cervix, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, or vagina, are diagnosed and treated by a gynecologist. Gynecologists also perform recommended screenings such as breast exams, pap smears, and pelvic exams on their patients. They also can perform hysterectomies and tubal ligations. A gynecologist can also provide human papillomavirus (HPV) shots to protect against cancer-causing HPV.

Gynecologists are also responsible to advice on sexual matters, such as responsible sexual practices, contraceptives, and protection against sexually transmitted diseases. All in all, if it’s a non-pregnancy issue that is related to female reproductive health, a gynecologist is the one that you need to go and consult

A gynecologist can diagnose and treat issues, such as:

• Irregular menstruation
• Vaginal infections
• Conditions that cause pain during sex
• Cancers of the reproductive system
• Prolapse of pelvic organs
• Endometriosis
• Cervical and vaginal polyps
• Ovarian cysts
• Uterine fibroids

Many doctors specialize in both obstetrics and gynecology to provide comprehensive care to patients. This way, they can address the full spectrum of their patients’ healthcare needs. These physicians are called OB/GYNs.

Here at icareheal, we have Dr. Shalini Singh who is a celebrated Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility specialist practicing in Delhi for more than ten years now. She was trained at the prestigious World Laparoscopic Hospital, Gurgaon and holds an MBBS and MS degree. She has over two decades of accredited, clinically oriented medical experience, focused on reproductive health care and ambulatory primary health care for women, including health maintenance, disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, consultation, and referral. She is equipped with additional training as maternal fetal medicine specialists and is prepared to care for, and to consult on, patients with high risk pregnancies and is capable of managing complex problems related to reproductive endocrinology and infertility.

Things you can discuss with your gynecologist:

Too much pain during periods: For many women, getting their period is an unpleasant time. Cramps, breast soreness and headaches are just a few of the most common menstruation symptoms. But for some women, period pain goes beyond cramps and can be incredibly severe. If your periods are very painful or have been getting worse over time, it can be a sign of endometriosis or uterine fibroids.

Odor, bumps or growth down there: While vaginal odor can be an uncomfortable topic, it’s important to talk to your doctor if there is a foul or fishy smell, or if there’s a change from your normal smell that seems to be lasting for a few days. If you notice a growth in your vagina or around your labia it can seem worrisome. Is it an ingrown hair, a pimple, a cut from shaving or possibly something more concerning? Bumps are often benign, but it’s important to have your gynecologist run an  examination when you feel something.

Sexual discomfort: It’s very important to discuss with your gynecologist about sexual discomfort. You may be uncomfortable bringing it up, but your gynecologist can help explain and treat your concerns.

             Vaginal dryness: Many women have issues with vaginal dryness during intercourse. Dryness can often be dependent on a woman’s age and mitigating factors in her life. If a younger woman has this issue and has been on birth control for a long time, there may not be enough estrogen present, and she may need to change her birth control. Not providing enough time to engage in foreplay and arousal before sex, can lead  to dryness. If a woman is postmenopausal and has dryness, it can be due to low estrogen, and her gynecologist can prescribe vaginal estrogen.

            Pain during sex: If you have pain during sex, try different positions to find one where you feel most relaxed. Sometimes you still may need to speak with your gynecologist, though. You can also try lubricants to get rid of the pain or the dryness in case of experimental sex.

Kelly Stokes