As our knowledge of the human body, health and wellness has evolved, the need for specialty care as a complement to primary care has also advanced. One such specialty area is obstetrics and gynecology. An OB/GYN has undergone extensive training on reproductive health.
But what does this mean, exactly? At Associated Physicians, we like to educate patients about all of the concerns that an OB/GYN can help address — which are well beyond pregnancy.
“Of course, patients to come to us when they are pregnant, but there are so many other areas of reproductive health we specialize in. For example, if a patient is experiencing heavy or painful periods, we can educate patients and help them figure out what is causing these problem periods and improve their quality of life,” says Dr. Shefaali Sharma, MD, OB/GYN with Associated Physicians.
OB/GYNs also focus on infertility evaluation and care. This can be a sensitive and difficult time for a patient, and OB/GYNs can counsel patients on pre-pregnancy health, options to improve conception and evaluations for infertility.
“There are certainly times when we exhaust all of our options and evaluations for infertility or endometriosis,” explains Dr. Sharma.“In these circumstances, we are able to [give] referrals to board- certified doctors who specialize in infertility, with a focus on surgical interventions for those with severe endometriosis, for example, or those considering in- vitro fertilization (IVF) services.”
In addition to addressing pregnancy, infertility and painful periods, OB/GYNs can also perform surgeries — and not just cesarean sections! OB/GYNs do surgeries for uterine fibroids, heavy periods, ovarian cysts and even hysterectomies.
OB/GYNs also offer individualized counseling regarding birth control, which can be used to prevent pregnancy, but also to manage heavy periods, cycle- related symptoms and more. They can discuss management options for perimenopause and menopause symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. The list goes on — an OB/GYN can consult with patients on urinary leakage, painful sex, irregular periods and preventative health.
“As an OB/GYN, we are here to care for and educate our patients regarding their reproductive system and [overall] health, and we can do so with counseling, medical treatments and surgical options. We offer a full spectrum of care across [a patient’s] reproductive life cycle – your OB/GYN can do it all!” Dr Sharma notes.
An OB/GYN is lucky enough to specialize in reproductive health and build lifelong relationships with their patients as they see them through some of the most memorable, challenging and life-altering moments of their lives. Associated Physicians’ OB/ GYNs truly embrace and appreciate this privilege.
