Gynecology and obstetrics in Atlanta, GA: What’s the difference?

Gynecology covers the health of women’s reproductive organs such as the breasts, uterus, vagina, and other areas. Most women make an appointment with a gynecologist for one regular reason, an annual wellness exam. This exam occurs once a year and is a time for your doctor to check your vitals, perform a breast exam, pelvic exam, and, if needed, a Pap Smear. This visit allows them to screen you for early signs of diseases or other issues. Women should also make an appointment with a gynecologist if they experience issues throughout the year. Changes in your period, pain in your pelvic area, or concerns over sexual health should all trigger you to make an appointment.
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As we explore gynecology and obstetrics, we’ll move into obstetrics next. This type of physician specializes in caring for women who are expecting or who have recently had a baby. You will visit your obstetrician throughout pregnancy for your checkups and they will be there to deliver the baby at the end. They will also check on you after you’ve given birth to ensure you are recovering well before releasing you back to a gynecologist. Some doctors combine gynecology and obstetrics in Atlanta into a third specialty. These physicians are called OBGYNs. This type of doctor can care for you both in your general, well woman care, as well as during pregnancy, whereas gynecology and obstetrics physicians do not cross over into the others.

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