Obstetrics and Gynecology

• Obstetrics and gynecology are distinct yet interconnected medical specialties
• Obstetrics focuses on pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period
• Gynecology deals with the health of the female reproductive system

Obstetrics

• Encompasses care during pre-conception, pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (postpartum period)
• Aims to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the fetus/newborn

Prenatal Care

• Regular check-ups monitor the mother's health and fetal development
• Screening tests identify potential risks of complications
• Education on nutrition, exercise, and preparing for childbirth

Management of Labor and Delivery

• Monitoring the progress of labor
• Pain management techniques, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological options
• Interventions may be necessary, such as assisted vaginal delivery or cesarean section

Postpartum Care

• Monitoring the mother's physical and emotional recovery
• Breastfeeding support and education
• Family planning counseling

Common Obstetric Complications

• Ectopic pregnancy
• Miscarriage (spontaneous abortion): Loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks gestation
• Preterm labor: Labor that begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy
• Preeclampsia: Pregnancy-specific hypertension with proteinuria or end-organ dysfunction
• Gestational diabetes: Diabetes that develops during pregnancy
• Placental abruption: Premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall
• Placenta previa: Placenta covers the cervix
• Postpartum hemorrhage: Excessive bleeding after childbirth

Gynecology

• Focuses on the female reproductive system, including the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and vagina
• Addresses a wide range of conditions affecting women's reproductive health

Well-Woman Exams

• Regular check-ups for preventive care and screening
• Pelvic exams assess the health of the reproductive organs
• Pap smears screen for cervical cancer
• Breast exams for breast cancer screening

Menstrual Disorders

• Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation
• Dysmenorrhea: Painful menstruation
• Abnormal uterine bleeding: Irregular, prolonged, or heavy bleeding

Infections

• Vaginitis: Inflammation or infection of the vagina
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Infections transmitted through sexual contact
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Infection of the female reproductive organs

Benign Gynecologic Conditions

• Uterine fibroids: Noncancerous growths in the uterus
• Ovarian cysts: Fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries
• Endometriosis: Uterine tissue grows outside the uterus
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Hormonal disorder causing irregular periods, cysts on the ovaries, and other symptoms

Gynecologic Cancers

• Cervical cancer: Cancer of the cervix, often caused by HPV
• Ovarian cancer: Cancer of the ovaries
• Uterine cancer: Cancer of the uterus
• Vaginal cancer: Cancer of the vagina
• Vulvar cancer: Cancer of the vulva

Fertility and Reproductive Endocrinology

• Infertility: Inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse
• Evaluation of infertility: Identifying the causes of infertility in both partners
• Assisted reproductive technologies (ART): Fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF)
• Menopause: The end of menstruation, typically occurring in the late 40s or early 50s
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Treatment to manage menopausal symptoms

Surgical Procedures in Gynecology

• Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus
• Oophorectomy: Surgical removal of the ovaries
• Salpingectomy: Surgical removal of the fallopian tubes
• Laparoscopy: Minimally invasive surgery using a camera and small incisions
• Dilation and curettage (D&C): Procedure to remove tissue from the uterus

Overlap between Obstetrics and Gynecology

• Some conditions can affect both pregnancy and gynecologic health
• Examples include:
  • Recurrent pregnancy loss: May be related to underlying gynecologic conditions
  • Ectopic pregnancy: Requires gynecologic expertise for diagnosis and management
  • Postpartum complications: Can have long-term implications for gynecologic health

Training and Specialization

• Obstetricians and gynecologists (ob-gyns) complete residency training in both specialties
• Some ob-gyns choose to subspecialize in areas such as:
  • Maternal-fetal medicine: High-risk pregnancies
  • Reproductive endocrinology and infertility: Fertility issues
  • Gynecologic oncology: Gynecologic cancers
  • Urogynecology: Pelvic floor disorders

Importance of Women's Health

• Focuses on the unique health needs of women throughout their lives
• Addresses not only reproductive health but also overall well-being
• Advocates for women's access to quality health care