Gynecology vs Obstetrics. What is the difference?

Gynecology and Obstetrics both are considered to be the same thing by majority of the people. This is mainly because people are unaware of how big of a difference there is between the two.

No doubt that both the fields are related to each other as they are both concerned with the female reproductive system but there still is a very huge difference between both the professions. 

We will be discussing both the fields in detail and familiarize you with the difference between the two so that the misconception of considering them the same is no more.

Initial Steps 

To be a specialized doctor you need to have a minimum 4-year training after having a medical degree. You can either be an obstetrician or a gynecologist or even specialize in both at the same time.

As both the professions are closely related it is usually observed that a doctor is specialized in both majors so that he can provide care in both areas without any difficulty. 

Gynecology 

Gynecology is a medical field that deals with all the concerns and changes a woman faces. Gynecology is directly linked to the reproductive system of a female that starts with puberty and goes a long way, even after menopause. 

The main reasons why a woman visits a gynecologist is to get their pelvic examination or annual pep tests done. Other reasons include vaginal infections, pain in the lower abdomen, uterus, or breasts.

A gynecologist is specialized to treat diseases that occur in the female reproductive tract. The intensity of the disease varies, from common bacterial and yeast infections, irregular menstrual cycle, and PCOS to life-threatening conditions such as cancer of the ovaries, uterus, and vagina.

Issues such as painful intercourse, contraception, infertility, and post-menopausal conditions also come under the roof of gynecological concerns.

Some major surgical procedures are related to gynecology that require surgical instruments and tools. These include;

• Tubal ligation: Permanent birth control procedure.
• Hysterectomy: Involves the removal of the uterus, mostly due to a disease.
• Oophorectomy: Removal of the ovaries.
• Cone biopsy: Involves the removal of abnormal cell growth observed during a pep test.

Obstetrics 

Obstetrics is a branch of medical science that is only concerned with the welfare of a woman during pregnancy and her fetus. Obstetricians is a doctor who is trained to deal with all the problems that may arise during pregnancy and ensuring safety for both the mother and her child throughout the different phases of pregnancy.

The average time frame of a normal pregnancy is 40 weeks or 9 months. During this period lots of unexpected complications could arise that are handled by obstetricians. There are issues such as ectopic pregnancy or eclampsia that if not treated at the right time can cause serious problems.

An obstetrician also takes care of the delivery procedure and takes the decision on whether to perform a normal delivery or a cesarean.   

We are aware of all the complicated procedures that take place therefore, Peak Surgicals makes sure to provide you with all the medical supplies there are to offer.