Most people don’t know the difference between an obstetrician and a gynecologist. In women’s health, there two common words and what each does is totally different. Most people have difficulty diferentiating.
The Kenya Obstetrical and Gynecological Society(KOGS)states that an obstetrician is a medical doctor who specializes in pregnancy, childbirth, and the overall reproductive health of women.
A gynecologist on the other hand is a medical professional who specializes in women’s reproductive health
When it comes to women’s health, these two words – obstetrician and gynecologists are usually common but so many people don’t completely understand what they do.
These two medical professions are closely related but there are important distinctions between their roles.
Gynecologists provide comprehensive care and treatment for various conditions affecting the female reproductive system.
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Gynecologists conduct routine check-ups and examinations to assess a woman’s overall reproductive health which includes breast examinations, pelvic examinations, Pap smears, and screenings for sexually transmitted infection(STI’s)
They also diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions and diseases related to the female reproductive system.
This includes menstrual disorders, pelvic pain, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and urinary tract infections (UTIs), among others.
Offering family planning services, providing information and counselling on contraception methods, birth control options, and fertility awareness is also part of what they do.
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Gynecologists also help individuals and couples make informed decisions regarding pregnancy prevention or planning for pregnancy..
On the other hand, an obstetrician’s role is to provide comprehensive care and support to pregnant women throughout their pregnancy journey.
Obstetricians conduct regular check-ups and examinations to monitor the health and progress of the pregnant woman and her developing fetus.
Examples being assessing vital signs, conducting ultrasounds, measuring the growth of the fetus, and ordering necessary tests or screenings.
Obstetricians are trained to identify and manage high-risk pregnancies, such as those involving pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets), or maternal age-related risks.
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They closely monitor these pregnancies and provide appropriate interventions or referrals to specialists as needed.
Aditionally, it is their responsibility to oversee labor and delivery. They monitor the progress of labor, provide pain relief options (such as epidurals), and make decisions regarding the need for interventions like inductions or cesarean sections when necessary.
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