Obstetrics & Gynecology

Obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) is the medical specialty dedicated to women's health — encompassing the female reproductive system throughout all stages of life. OB-GYN physicians complete four years of residency training that encompasses two distinct but interconnected disciplines: obstetrics (pregnancy and childbirth) and gynecology (the female reproductive organs outside of pregnancy). Prenatal care begins ideally before conception with preconception counseling and folic acid supplementation, continuing through the three trimesters with scheduled visits for genetic screening, anatomical ultrasound, glucose tolerance testing, and Group B Streptococcus screening. OB-GYNs manage high-risk conditions including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm labor, intrauterine growth restriction, and multiple gestation. Labor and delivery management encompasses monitoring fetal well-being through electronic fetal monitoring, managing labor dystocia, performing operative vaginal deliveries (forceps, vacuum), and surgical delivery by cesarean section — which accounts for approximately 32% of U.S. births. Postpartum care addresses hemorrhage, infection, and breastfeeding support. Gynecological surgery includes laparoscopic hysterectomy (the most common non-obstetric surgery among women), myomectomy for uterine fibroids, ovarian cystectomy, excision of endometriosis, and pelvic floor reconstruction for prolapse and incontinence. Robotic-assisted surgery with the Da Vinci system has expanded minimally invasive options. Preventive gynecology centers on cervical cancer screening (Pap smear and HPV cotesting), breast examination, and STI screening and treatment. Contraceptive counseling spans the full spectrum of options including IUDs, implants, oral contraceptives, and sterilization. Gynecologic oncology manages cancers of the cervix, uterus, ovary, vulva, and vagina. Reproductive endocrinology and infertility, urogynecology, and maternal-fetal medicine are subspecialties built upon the OB-GYN foundation.