5 Questions to Ask an OBGYN

An OB-GYN doctor is an obstetrician-gynecologist, which means they specialize in the medical disciplines of obstetrics and gynecology. The medical profession of obstetrics focuses on matters pertaining to pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, while gynecology is concerned with the health and wellness of the female reproductive system. As such, obstetrics and gynecology have related focuses that often converge but are not exactly the same.

With that in mind, an OB-GYN is a doctor who possesses training and expertise in both disciplines, providing medical care to individuals who are pregnant or have recently given birth, while also helping individuals who are not pregnant deal with the health of their reproductive system, which involves the uterus, vagina, cervix, and other organs in the pelvic region.

To do so, OB-GYN doctors provide such things as pelvic exams, pap smears, cancer screenings, and other types of testing and treatment for illnesses affecting the female reproductive system. They also monitor an expecting mother’s pregnancy, administer childbirth and delivery care, and provide postpartum services after the mother has given birth.

At The OB-GYN & Incontinence Center, our OB-GYNs proudly provide a broad range of obstetric and gynecological services! Some of those services include the following:

• Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT)
• Birth control, intrauterine device (IUD), and other contraceptive services
• Bladder prolapse repair
• Breast, cervical, and uterine cancer care and treatment
• Breast exams
• FlexSure body contouring
• Labiaplasty
• Minimally invasive gynecology services, such as a vaginal hysterectomy or minimally invasive pelvic surgery
• Monalisa Touch
• Pap smears
• Pelvic exams
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) treatment and care
• Rectal prolapse repair
• STD treatment
• Treatment for irregular or abnormal menstrual cycles
• Treatment for pelvic and vaginal infections
• Urinary incontinence treatment
• Urinary tract infection (UTI) treatment
• Urogynecology services
• Vaginal laxity and prolapse repair
• And more!

It is normal to feel apprehensive and nervous about your first OB-GYN appointment. At The OB-GYN & Incontinence Center, we want you to know that our priority is ensuring you feel safe and comfortable. To that end, we will let you know our plans for each appointment before proceeding and make sure you are okay with those plans.

With that in mind, your first OB-GYN appointment will include a general physical, as your OB-GYN will evaluate your blood pressure, height, weight, and vital signs to get a picture of your overall health and well-being.

If you are under 21, are not experiencing irregular or abnormal menstrual cycles, and are not sexually active, you do not need to worry about any pelvic exams or Pap Smears. For those over 21, pelvic exams and Pap smears are recommended annually.

In addition to routine tests and evaluations, your doctor will also give you medical advice and guidance on maintaining your reproductive and sexual health. If you haven’t received your human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, they will also recommend that you do so and can provide that to you if you wish.

It is always beneficial for any woman or person with female reproductive health issues to have an OB-GYN they trust who they can see when they have such concerns. With that in mind, you should make an appointment with an OB-GYN in the following situations:

• Are considering pregnancy and having a child
• Dealing with sexual health or contraceptive concerns
• Experiencing urinary or fecal incontinence
• Have been diagnosed or are dealing with symptoms of a reproductive health condition
• Painful menstrual cycles
• Unable to wear a tampon

Ideally, you should see an OB-GYN at least once every year for an annual checkup and whenever you are dealing with issues pertaining to the female reproductive system. However, if you are otherwise young and healthy with no such concerns, you will likely be fine to see an OB-GYN every couple of years for a checkup or until you experience any significant problems. For more information about OB-GYN services, please feel welcome to call us 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.