Obstetrics and gynaecology

Obstetrics and gynaecology (also spelled as obstetrics and gynecology; abbreviated as Obs and Gynae, O&G, OB-GYN and OB/GYN^[a]) is the medical specialty that encompasses the two subspecialties of obstetrics (covering pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period) and gynaecology (covering the health of the female reproductive system – vagina, uterus, ovaries, and breasts). The specialization is an important part of care for women's health.

For the journal, see Obstetrics & Gynecology (journal).

Postgraduate training programs for both fields are usually combined, preparing the practising obstetrician-gynecologist to be adept both at the care of female reproductive organs' health and at the management of pregnancy, although many doctors go on to develop subspecialty interests in one field or the other.

: an obstetrical subspecialty, sometimes referred to as perinatology, that focuses on the medical and surgical management of high-risk pregnancies and surgery on the fetus with the goal of reducing morbidity and mortality.

Maternal-fetal medicine

: a subspecialty that focuses on the biological causes and interventional treatment of infertility

Reproductive endocrinology and infertility

Gynecological oncology: a gynaecologic subspecialty focusing on the medical and surgical treatment of women with of the reproductive organs

cancers

: a gynaecologic subspecialty focusing on the diagnosis and surgical treatment of women with urinary incontinence and prolapse of the pelvic organs. Sometimes referred to by laypersons as "female urology"

Female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery

Advanced

laparoscopic surgery

: a gynaecologic subspecialty offering training in contraception and pregnancy termination (abortion)

Family planning

Pediatric and adolescent gynaecology

and geriatric gynaecology

Menopausal

Examples of subspecialty training available to physicians in the US are:

Of these, only the first four are truly recognized sub-specialties by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG). The other subspecialties are recognized as informal concentrations of practice. To be recognized as a board-certified subspecialist by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology or the American Osteopathic Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, a practitioner must have completed an ACGME or AOA-accredited residency and obtained a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) which requires an additional standardized examination.^[11]^[12]

Additionally, physicians of other specialties may become trained in Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO), a short certification that equips them to better manage emergent OB/GYN situations.

: If the results of a cervical cancer screening test, such as Pap smear or HPV test, are abnormal this more thorough examination of the cervix and vaginal tissues may be needed.

Colposcopy

(LEEP): a procedure to quickly remove abnormal vaginal tissue within the cervix. A local anesthetic and a solution to enhance the points of removal visually is administered during the process. There is a chance of experiencing watery, pinkish discharge, brownish discharge, and mild cramping.

Loop electrical excision procedure

: a procedure that collects a tissue sample from the endometrium lining of the uterus. The sample is tested and checked under a microscope for abnormals cells or indicators of cancer.

Endometrial biopsy

insertion: an intrauterine device that is T-shaped and is placed in the uterus through the cervix. It is a reversible contraceptive that can be done in a doctor's office.

IUD

: is about a 4 cm implant that goes into the upper forearm. This implant releases birth control hormones into the body and can last up to three years. This type of birth control has a 99% success rate for pregnancy prevention.

Nexplanon

(D&C): an out-patient procedure to open (dilate) the cervix to collect samples of endometrial tissue with a curette. A D&C can also be done to remove a fetus that was not passed naturally after a miscarriage or to induce an abortion.

Dilation and curettage

: a surgery to close the fallopian tubes for the prevention of pregnancy. It is also known as "tying the tubes".

Tubal ligation

: the removal of a cyst that either has a solid appearance, larger than three inches in diameter, has the possibility to become cancerous, or causes a constant pain. Cysts can be removed without removing an ovary. Women who do not take birth control produce small cysts every other month but they can disappear on their own.

Ovarian cystectomy

There are many procedures that can be provided to people by OB/GYNs. Some procedures may include:^[13]

Andrology

Urology

Neonatal infection

Instruments used in obstetrics and gynecology

Llewellyn-Jones D, Abraham S, Oats J (1999). Fundamentals of Obstetrics and Gynecology (7th ed.). Mosby. 978-0-7234-3150-3.