Billing Inquiries: 516-673-4706

1 HOLLOW LANE, SUITE 315, LAKE SUCCESS, NY 11042

 

What is the difference between an OB-GYN and a gynecologist?

What is the difference between an OB-GYN and a gynecologist?

OB-GYN’s are trained surgeons who specialize in obstetrics and gynecology. They can help patients with pregnancies, questions about  sex, female reproductive health, infertility, and much more. It is recommended to see an OB-GYN in Queens at least once a year to maintain health in the reproductive system. 

Obstetricians also treat patients with high-risk pregnancies before, during, and after pregnancies: 

You may have a high risk pregnancy if you have any of the following conditions: 

  • have a chronic health condition
  • are over age 35
  • are carrying multiple babies
  • have a history of miscarriage, preterm labor, or cesarean delivery
  • engage in certain lifestyle choices, such as smoking and drinking
  • develop certain complications during pregnancy that affect you or baby

OB-GYN’s also treat conditions such as:

  • ectopic pregnancy
  • fetal distress
  • preeclampsia, which is characterized by high blood pressure
  • placental abruption, or when the placenta detaches from the uterus
  • shoulder dystocia, or when a baby’s shoulders get stuck during childbirth
  • uterine rupture
  • prolapsed cord, or when the umbilical cord becomes trapped during delivery
  • obstetrical hemorrhage
  • sepsis, which is a life-threatening infection

Other services OB-GYN’s provide: 

  • Pap smears
  • STI Testing
  • Pelvic Exams
  • Ultrasounds
  • Blood work
  • Cesarean sections
  • Instrumental deliveries during childbirth
  • Hysterectomy
  • Removing growths, such as ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids
  • Surgery to repair pelvic organ injuries

What is a gynecologist? 

A gynecologist is a doctor that specializes in women’s healthcare and the reproductive system.
They specialize in STD/STI testing, menstruation concerns, hormone disorders, and more. However, unlike an OB-GYN, a gynecologist is not a trained surgeon nor is specialized in childbirth or pregnancy. A gynecologist treats any patient with female reproductive organs while an obstetrician specializes in childbirth and pregnancies.  

When should a patient decide to see a gynecologist? 

Conditions you may want to see your gynecologist for include: 

  • family planning, including contraception, sterilization, and pregnancy termination
  • problems with tissues that support the pelvic organs, including ligaments and muscles
  • STIs
  • polycystic ovary syndrome
  • urinary and fecal incontinence
  • benign conditions of the reproductive tract, for example, ovarian cysts, fibroids, breast disorders, vulvar and vaginal ulcers, and other non-cancerous changes
  • premalignant conditions, such as endometrial hyperplasia, and cervical dysplasia
  • cancers of the reproductive tract and the breasts, and pregnancy-related tumors
  • congenital abnormalities of the female reproductive tract
  • emergency care relating to gynecology
  • endometriosis, a chronic condition that affects the reproductive system
  • pelvic inflammatory diseases, including abscesses
  • sexuality, including health issues relating to same-sex and bisexual relationships
  • sexual dysfunction

Gynecologists in the United States are often used by patients as their primary healthcare provider as well. They may help patients treat conditions such as headaches, back pain, mood changes, and acne. 

Other services that may be offered by your gynecologist:

  • psychiatric conditions including depression or anxiety 
  • cardiovascular disease
  • diabetes
  • thyroid disorders and other hormonal issues
  • domestic violence and sexual assault
  • osteoporosis 
  • Asthma

When to see an OB-GYN: 

An OB-GYN specializes in both obstetrics and gynecology. You may see an OB-GYN for any general concerns, as well as when you become pregnant. At the start of prenatal care, you will want to begin to meet with your obstetrician. Obstetricians are surgeons that give care for pregnant women during the pregnancy, birth, and postnatal care. Some obstetricians choose to focus on maternal-fetal medicine. Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists put their main focus on pregnant women who have chronic health problems or abnormal conditions that can happen during a pregnancy. All in all, MFM obstetricians  are considered to be experts in high-risk pregnancies.

OB-GYN in Queens

Women for Women OB/GYN LLC are a team of female Board-Certified/Board-Eligible OB-GYN physicians all working together successfully to offer their patients the most caring expertise. During all stages of life, Women for Women will provide the most all-inclusive obstetrical and gynecological care ranging from yearly check-ups to emergency services. The physicians are experts in obstetrics, gynecological care, laparoscopy and hysteroscopy. Women for Women’s specialists provide various services which include bone densitometry, gynecological sonography, 4-D obstetrical ultrasound, minimally invasive surgery, cosmetic treatments, and personalized wellness consultations. Patients will be able to use their gynecological provider as their primary healthcare physician. Obstetrics patients will be working with various physicians who work together as a team.

The office of Women for Women is located on Hollow Ln in Lake Success. 

If you would like to make an appointment, contact the OB-GYN in Queens at Women For Women.