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 obstetrician is a great way to ensure the well-being of your baby as well as your own. Many doctors have undergone additional training to offer their female patients continuity of care and extra support during pregnancy.
Overlap Between Gynecology and Obstetrics
Because of their similar nature, gynecology and obstetrics often overlap. Since both services are built around female reproductive health, there are instances in which you may benefit from seeing an obstetrician, a gynecologist, or both.
How to Choose the Appropriate Care for Your Needs
If you still aren’t sure which healthcare provider to contact, it’s best to evaluate your situation and base your decision on who is best equipped to care for your individual needs. Consulting with your primary care provider can provide additional support and guidance if you have relatively complex needs and need clarification on which services suit you. They’ll also be able to refer you to any specialists if necessary.
Grand Peaks Obstetric Services
While we currently do not have a gynecologist on our team, many of our healthcare providers are dually trained in obstetrics. Their knowledge and skillful services include:
- Birth control and family planning
- Prenatal care, including ultrasounds, nonstress tests, and community support resources
- Labor and delivery support, including C-sections
- Postpartum follow-ups, including well-baby visits and the establishment of the baby as a new patient
Many primary care providers at Grand Peaks are familiar with your unique health history and the specialists you may have consulted. They may have even guided you on your reproductive concerns in the past. Finding another doctor you can trust and then explaining your needs to them can be overwhelming. Ask a member of the Grand Peaks team if your Primary Care Provider offers OB services as well. If the answer is no, they can refer you to a provider within the clinic that does.
Access to specialized, female-centric healthcare services is paramount to a woman’s well-being. Grand Peaks OB providers are equipped with years of industry experience and a passion for providing women with the highest possible level of care. You can trust you’re in safe hands. Reach out to our team today.
