OBGYN is an acronym for “gynecologist/obstetrician.” A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in treating the female reproductive system, while an obstetrician delivers babies and cares for women during and after their pregnancy. An OBGYN, therefore, can do all of these things.
An OBGYN will diagnose and treat diseases affecting the female reproductive system. Such diseases can include cancer and certain infections. They can also perform surgery for urinary tract or pelvic organ problems. They also treat conditions like infertility, genital warts, sexually transmitted diseases, incontinence and polycystic ovary syndrome. An OBGYN will also treat problems related to menstruation or menopause. They can also provide birth control.
What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy is one that doesn’t develop within the uterus. Instead, the fertilized egg will implant in the abdomen, ovary, cervix or, most commonly, the Fallopian tube. The developing embryo does not have room to grow within the tube, so it either dies or ruptures the tube. If the latter happens, the woman can suffer severe bleeding and shock. Ectopic pregnancies are the most common cause of death during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Does an OBGYN Handle Birth Defects?
An OBGYN can offer tests for birth defects like Down’s syndrome. Such tests fall into two broad categories. Screening tests are perfectly safe for both the mother and fetus. They include procedures like ultrasound and blood tests. The invasive tests are somewhat riskier, but highly accurate. Amniocentesis, for instance, can cause a miscarriage in one out of 250 pregnancies, but it also has an accuracy rate of 99.4 percent.
OBGYNs can also advise their patients on how to prevent some birth defects. Being obese can increase the risk of having a child with certain birth defects, so the doctor will advise a heavy woman to lose weight before getting pregnant. Similarly, an OBGYN will encourage a woman to avoid drinking during pregnancy, for alcohol can also cause birth defects. Taking multivitamins, on the other hand, decreases the risk of birth defects.
How Do They Treat Infertility?
Infertility is a problem with multiple causes, so the first step is identifying the cause. In about 50 percent of the cases, the problem turns out to be with the man. They might have an abnormally low sperm count, for instance. Consequently, the OBGYN will examine both the woman and the man.
For a successful pregnancy to happen, the following must be true:
- The woman must produce healthy eggs
- The man must produce healthy sperm
- The Fallopian tubes must not have scars or other obstacles that prevent the fertilized egg from reaching the uterus
- The egg must implant in the uterus and develop into a healthy embryo
After the OBGYN has completed the examination and tests and made their diagnosis, they can offer the appropriate treatments. If they find blocked Fallopian tubes, a common cause of infertility in women, they can perform the necessary surgery. They can prescribe medication to regulate ovulation. The OBGYN can also refer the couple to a fertility expert for more help.
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Located in Clermont, South Lake Obstetrics & Gynecology is here for you. If you are looking for a gynecologist and/or obstetrician in the Orlando area, look no further. Contact us today to book your appointment!