An obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) is a doctor specializing in the reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth of individuals assigned female at birth. Obstetricians focus on care during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, while gynecologists manage conditions affecting the female reproductive system, like menstrual disorders or infections. Most OB-GYNs are trained in both fields, which allows them to handle a wide range of health needs. Gynecologists who are not also obstetricians do not deliver babies, while OB-GYNs typically provide this service. 

OB-GYNs can specialize in various areas, depending on their training and focus: 

• General OB-GYNs: Provide comprehensive reproductive health care, including routine exams, contraception, and pregnancy care. 

• Perinatologists (Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists): Focus on high-risk pregnancies, including complications like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia. 

• Reproductive Endocrinologists: Help with fertility issues and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). 

• Gynecologic Oncologists: Specialize in diagnosing and treating cancers of the female reproductive system. 

• Urogynecologists: Treat pelvic floor disorders, including incontinence and uterine prolapse.  

The frequency of visits depends on your health and circumstances: 

• Individuals who are not pregnant: Should visit an OB-GYN once a year for preventive care, including pelvic exams and screenings. 

• Pregnant individuals: Typically have monthly visits during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy, biweekly visits from weeks 28 to 36, and weekly visits from week 36 until delivery. 

Your doctor might recommend more frequent visits if you have a high-risk condition. 

People assigned female at birth should schedule their first visit to an OB-GYN between the ages of 13 and 15. This initial visit is often a conversation about health, development, and any questions or concerns. Pap smear screenings for cervical cancer generally begin at age 21, although earlier screenings may be recommended based on individual health needs, such as having a family history of cervical cancer. 

Yes, OB-GYNs are trained surgeons capable of performing a wide range of procedures. Common surgeries include cesarean sections (C-sections), hysterectomies, laparoscopic surgeries for conditions like endometriosis, and removal of ovarian cysts. They also perform minimally invasive procedures like dilation and curettage (D&C) or tubal ligation for sterilization. Some OB-GYNs focus heavily on surgical care, depending on their specialization or patient needs. 

There are various reasons why you may want to see a specialist, such as: 

• Your primary care provider recommends it. 

• Your condition requires expert knowledge and specialized care. 

• Your symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment. 

• You need specialized testing or procedures. 

• You want a second opinion.  

It’s important to see a provider with expertise in your specific condition. Each provider profile in MediFind’s doctor database includes information on which conditions they treat, years of experience, research contributions, languages spoken, insurance plans accepted, and more.  

You can find an OBGYN in any of the 10 largest U.S. cities by clicking below:

OBGYN near New York, NY
OBGYN near Los Angeles, CA
OBGYN near Chicago, IL
OBGYN near Houston, TX
OBGYN near Phoenix, AZ
OBGYN near Philadelphia, PA
OBGYN near Atlanta, GA
OBGYN near Boston, MA
OBGYN near Dallas, TX
OBGYN near San Jose, CA

MediFind’s rankings are based on a variety of data sources, such as the number of articles a doctor has published in medical journals, participation in clinical trials and industry conferences, as well as the number of patients that provider sees for a given condition. Note that MediFind’s provider database is not based on user reviews, and providers do not pay to be included in the database. 

Most profiles in MediFind’s doctor database include a list of insurance plans accepted by that provider. However, it’s a good idea to contact the provider’s office to make sure they still accept your insurance, then doublecheck by contacting your insurance plan to confirm they’re in network. 

MediFind offers direct scheduling for certain providers using the “Request Appointment” button on that provider’s profile. If the schedule option is not available for a provider, tap the red “Show Phone Number” button on their profile to get their contact information. If you prefer to find providers who offer online scheduling, select “Schedules online” under the “Availability” category of the filter feature on the left side of the OBGYN search results page. 

Second opinions are an opportunity to confirm a diagnosis and its root cause, learn about alternative treatment options, or simply gain peace of mind. Many people, especially those with serious diagnoses, get second opinions so they can understand all their options and make informed decisions, so don’t hesitate to get one if you have any doubts or need more information or clarification regarding your care. Note that some insurance plans require second opinions, while others don’t cover second opinions, so be sure to confirm with your insurance provider first.   

Prepare for your appointment by gathering the following items: 

• Copies of medical records (dating back at least one year) 

• Your medical history, including illnesses, medical conditions, surgeries, and other doctors you see 

• Family history of disease 

• List of current prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies or supplements including names and doses 

• Allergies to medications, food, latex, insects, etc.  

• List of questions and concerns 

• Your insurance card 

You might also contact the provider’s office to see if they offer transportation or childcare services or if you’re allowed to bring a loved one for support or to take notes during your visit. 

Here are some sample questions: 

• Can you explain in simple terms what this condition is and how it’s treated? 

• What symptoms or side effects should I watch for? 

• What tests will be involved, and when can I expect results? 

• Are there other specialists I need to see? 

• What’s the best way to reach you if I have follow-up questions? 

MediFind’s Clinical Trials tool asks you a series of questions to help you narrow down your search by health condition, age, gender, location, how far you’re willing to travel, and more. Each question you answer filters down the number of trials until you find the ones that are most relevant to you. 

MediFind’s Latest Advances tool features summaries of recent articles published in medical journals. We use cutting-edge technology to scour medical publication databases for the latest research advancements on any given condition, then we simplify this information in a way that’s useful and easy to understand. 

Look for the filter feature on the left side of the OBGYN search results page. Select “Female” or “Male” under the “Gender” category to search for female or male providers exclusively. If the “Any” option is selected, it will pull results for both male and female providers. 

Bowel Incontinence
Cervical Dysplasia
Chlamydia
Ectopic Pregnancy
Endometriosis
Human Papillomavirus Infection
Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Infertility
Ovarian Cysts
Uterine Fibroids
Preeclampsia
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Uterine Fibroids

Look for the filter feature on the left-side of the OBGYN search results page. Select “Offers telehealth visits” under the Availability category to search for providers who offer virtual appointments (video calls). 

Reviewed on: 11/07/24  

By: MediFind Medical Staff 

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