Is OB-GYN the Same as Gynecologist?

OB-GYN stands for obstetrician-gynecologist and refers to a medical doctor who specializes in the medical professions of obstetrics and gynecology. Obstetrics involves the medical care of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, while gynecology involves the medical care of illnesses and conditions affecting the female reproductive system.

With that in mind, OB-GYN’s specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, management, and prevention of illnesses and conditions affecting the female reproductive system, while also having expertise in pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care.

One way of describing the difference between these two medical professions is that all OB-GYNs are gynecologists, but not all gynecologists are OB-GYNs. To that extent, the main difference between and an OB-GYN and a gynecologist has to do with the scope of services each medical doctor can provide.

As such, while an OB-GYN has expertise in the medical care of female reproductive health issues and pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, a gynecologist lacks the latter but is fully trained to provide medical care for health issues of the female reproductive system.

To illustrate this difference, here are some of the conditions that a gynecologist can diagnose and treat in comparison with an OB-GYN:


• Gynecologist
• Abnormal or irregular menstruation
• Cancers of the reproductive system, such as cervical cancer or ovarian cancer
• Endometriosis
• Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic organs prolapse
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Polyps in the cervix or vagina
• Sexual health conditions, such as those that involve experiencing pain during sex or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Uterine fibroids
•  Vaginal infections

OB-GYN

Before listing the conditions that an OB-GYN can diagnose and treat, it is important to note that, as gynecologists, OB-GYNs can provide all of the services that a gynecologist can provide. Additionally, OB-GYNs are also qualified to diagnose and treat the following conditions:

• Ectopic pregnancies, where the fetus grows outside the uterus
• Issues with the placenta
• Preeclampsia, which occurs when an expecting mother experiences hypertension during pregnancy
• Pregnancies that require delivery via Cesarean section (C-section)
• Signs of fetal distress

Yes. In general, all OB-GYNs, as well as gynecologists for that matter, are trained to provide various surgical procedures. However, OB-GYNs are trained to provide a broader range of surgeries than gynecologists. For example, while both OB-GYNs and gynecologists can perform hysterectomies and tubal ligations, only OB-GYNs can safely perform C-section surgeries.

At The OB-GYN & Incontinence Center, we proudly provide a variety of minimally invasive surgeries so you can minimize recovery time and risk of infection.

If you are looking for an OB-GYN in Arcadia who accepts your insurance, you do not need to look far, as we accept most major insurance plans right here at The OB-GYN & Incontinence Center! If you have further questions about our insurance policies, be sure to get in touch with us. For an appointment or more information about our services at The OB-GYN & Incontinence Center, please feel free to give us a call or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you. We serve patients from Arcadia CA, Glendale CA, Monrovia CA, Pasadena CA, Los Angeles CA, Burbank CA and surrounding areas.