Obstetrician-gynecologists are medical professionals that specialize in female reproductive health. The providers can specialize in obstetrics or gynecology or practice both. Obstetrics focuses on pregnant women, including prenatal and postnatal care and childbirth. Gynecology focuses on the female reproductive system. Your South Charleston board certified OB-GYN can prevent, diagnose and treat various female reproductive health issues. The specialist can also educate women on matters concerning the female reproductive system. Your OB-GYN can assist in vaginal delivery and Cesarean section during childbirth. Obstetrician-gynecologists can treat many health conditions, and here are some.
Sexually transmitted infections
Sexually transmitted infections are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. HIV, genital herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, human papillomavirus, and syphilis are common STDs. Your obstetrician-gynecologist can successfully treat these infections when diagnosed early. Treatment mostly involves medications. Untreated STDs can spread to your uterus and fallopian tubes leading to infertility or tubal pregnancy. You can also pass an STD to your unborn child leading to disability or death.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is when the endometrium lining grows outside your uterus. It mostly develops on or around reproductive organs in your pelvis or abdomen, like ovaries and fallopian tubes. In rare cases, it can grow in your bladder, intestines, vagina, or rectum. Endometriosis can lead to heavy bleeding, painful periods, pain during sex, spotting between periods, or infertility. Your gynecologist can treat endometriosis through hormone therapy, medications, or hysterectomy.
Pregnancy complications
Although most pregnancies are uneventful, sometimes complications occur. Your obstetrician recommends regular checkups during your pregnancy to ensure you and your kid are healthy. Common pregnancy complications include bleeding, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, amniotic issues, placental problems, and ectopic pregnancy. Your obstetrician-gynecologist can treat pregnancy complications to protect your health or save your unborn baby’s life.
Menopause
Menopause is a stage where a woman permanently stops having menstrual periods. It is a normal phase, but you can experience unwanted effects due to hormonal changes. Common menopause symptoms include hot flashes, vaginal atrophy, cardiac effects, mood swings, and hair loss. Depending on your symptoms, your OB-GYN can treat menopause through hormone therapy, medications, or estrogen therapy. You can also manage your symptoms through exercise and a healthy diet.
Infertility
Infertility is when you do not conceive for one year or more after regular times of having unprotected sex. It can affect both genders. In women, infertility can result from structural issues of your uterus or cervix, hormonal problems, or medical conditions like fibroids. In some women, the cause of infertility is unknown. Your OB-GYN’s technique to treat your infertility depends on the root cause. Most cases of infertility are treatable.
Postpartum depression
Postpartum depression is a form of depression that affects women after giving birth. Having a baby can be tiring and overwhelming, leading to depression. Postpartum depression mostly affects first-time mothers. You may experience frequent crying, fatigue, sleeplessness, anxiety, guilt, and trouble taking care of your baby. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your obstetrician can recommend medications, psychotherapy, or electroconvulsive therapy.
Obstetrician-gynecologists are medical professionals that specialize in female reproductive health. The specialists diagnose and treat many conditions, including STDs, endometriosis, pregnancy complications, menopause, infertility, and postpartum depression. Schedule an appointment with Patel & Patel, M.D., Inc for reproductive system condition treatment to improve your quality of life.