Gynecology and Obstetrics: What’s the Difference?
Specialized care in women's health is essential for addressing the unique medical needs that women face throughout their lives. Access to knowledgeable and compassionate healthcare professionals can significantly impact a woman's overall health and well-being.
Unfortunately, a lack of proper education often leaves many women unaware of the various healthcare options available to them, which can have serious consequences. For instance, many women are unaware of the distinction between gynecology and obstetrics. This confusion can lead to missed opportunities for continuity of care.
What Is Gynecology?
Gynecology is an area of medicine and healthcare built around women's reproductive health. It is recommended to visit the gynecologist throughout your life, whether you are going through puberty, menopause, or just need a check-up.
Various treatments and services fall under the umbrella of gynecological care. These include:
- Routine checkups: Pelvic and breast exams (recommended annually)
- Cancer screenings: Pap smears (recommended every 3-5 years)
- Reproductive health services: STI screenings, birth control management, and menopause treatments
- Menstrual disorder treatment: Including conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Pregnancy care: Prenatal and postnatal support services
While there are many reasons why you may visit a gynecologist, many women don't realize that some primary care providers are also dually trained as obstetricians and can address some of the same services.
What Is Obstetrics?
Obstetrics is a more specific form of women's healthcare service that supports women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. Obstetricians are doctors who provide medical and surgical care to women and can offer access to a wide range of services, including:
- Pre-pregnancy care: Birth control, family planning, and IUI treatments
- Prenatal care: Ultrasounds, health screenings, & generalized health of mother and baby during pregnancy
- Postpartum care: Regular check-ins on both the mom and her new baby
Throughout a pregnancy, having the support of an
EMERGENCY? Please Call 911.
For after hours assistance: (208) 356-4900
For after-hours assistance please call (208) 356-4900 and you will be assisted by our after-hours answering service. For emergencies, please call 911.
Upper Valley Community Health Services, Inc. DBA Grand Peaks Medical, Dental, Behavioral Health and Pharmacy is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Grand Peaks complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Anti-discrimination Notice. Call (208) 356-4900.
Accessibility matters to us, and we want every visitor to have a good experience on our website. To that end, we are updating this site to meet WCAG 2.1 A and AA standards so it is accessible to everyone. We appreciate your patience during this process.
Para ayuda después del horario de atención por favor llama (208) 356-4900 y nuestro servicio fuera del horario de atención le ayudará. Para emergencias por favor llama al 911.
Upper Valley Community Health Services, Inc. DBA Grand Peaks Medical, Dental, Behavioral Health and Pharmacy es una organización sin ánimo de lucro tipo 501(c)3. Grand Peaks cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables y no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al (208) 356-4900. Aviso de no discriminación.