Obstetrics and Gynecology (Ob/Gyn)

• Obstetrics and Gynecology (Ob/Gyn) is the medical specialty encompassing two distinct, yet related disciplines focused on women's health
• Obstetrics deals with the care of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period
• Gynecology involves the care of the female reproductive system and associated disorders

Obstetrics

• Prenatal care is crucial for monitoring the health of both the mother and the fetus
• Prenatal care includes regular check-ups, screening tests, and counseling on nutrition and lifestyle
• Gestational age is calculated from the first day of the woman's last menstrual period (LMP)
• Common pregnancy-related conditions include gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and ectopic pregnancy
• Gestational diabetes is diabetes that develops during pregnancy
• Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine
• Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tube

Labor and Delivery

• Labor is the process of childbirth and is divided into three stages
• The first stage involves cervical dilation
• The second stage involves pushing and delivery of the baby
• The third stage involves delivery of the placenta
• Monitoring fetal heart rate during labor is essential to assess fetal well-being
• Interventions during labor may include pain management (e.g., epidural anesthesia), augmentation of labor with oxytocin, or operative delivery (e.g., cesarean section)
• Cesarean section is a surgical procedure to deliver a baby through incisions in the abdomen and uterus
• Indications for cesarean section include fetal distress, breech presentation, and placenta previa
• Postpartum care involves monitoring the mother's recovery after childbirth, including assessment of bleeding, pain, and breastfeeding support

Gynecology

• Gynecological care includes routine pelvic exams, Pap smears, and screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Pap smears are used to screen for cervical cancer
• Common gynecological conditions include uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus
• Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus
• PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can cause irregular periods, ovarian cysts, and infertility
• Management of gynecological conditions may include medical therapy, hormonal therapy, or surgery (e.g., hysterectomy)
• Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus
• Family planning and contraception are important aspects of gynecological care
• Various contraceptive methods are available, including oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and barrier methods

Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility

• Reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) is a subspecialty of Ob/Gyn that focuses on hormonal and reproductive disorders
• Evaluation of infertility involves assessing both male and female factors
• Common causes of infertility include ovulatory disorders, tubal blockage, and male factor infertility
• Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) include in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI)
• IVF involves fertilizing eggs with sperm in a laboratory and then transferring the resulting embryos into the uterus
• IUI involves placing sperm directly into the uterus to increase the chances of fertilization

Gynecologic Oncology

• Gynecologic oncology is a subspecialty of Ob/Gyn that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the female reproductive system
• Common gynecologic cancers include cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer
• Screening tests, such as Pap smears and HPV testing, are used to detect cervical cancer early
• Treatment for gynecologic cancers may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy

Urogynecology

• Urogynecology is a subspecialty of Ob/Gyn that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor disorders
• Pelvic floor disorders include urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and fecal incontinence
• Treatment options for pelvic floor disorders include pelvic floor exercises, pessaries, and surgery
• Pessaries are devices inserted into the vagina to support the pelvic organs

Menopause

• Menopause is the cessation of menstruation, typically occurring around age 50
• Symptoms of menopause can include hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness
• Hormone therapy may be used to manage menopausal symptoms, but it is associated with risks and benefits that should be discussed with a healthcare provider
• Other treatments for menopausal symptoms include lifestyle modifications and non-hormonal medications

Relevant Anatomy

• Uterus: A hollow, muscular organ where a fetus develops during pregnancy.
• Ovaries: Female reproductive organs that produce eggs and hormones.
• Fallopian tubes: Tubes that transport eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.
• Cervix: The lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
• Vagina: A muscular canal that connects the uterus to the outside of the body.
• Vulva: The external female genitalia, including the labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening.
• Pelvic Floor: The muscles and tissues that support the pelvic organs, including the uterus, bladder, and rectum.