A gynecologist or OB/GYN is a specialty doctor that treats patients with vaginas and uteruses. They are commonly associated with babies and prenatal care, but OB/GYNs do a lot more, including helping you prevent cancer. If you would like to know more, check out these reasons you may need an OB/GYN. 

For Family Planning

OB/GYNs are great for family planning. They can prescribe birth control pills for patients who don't want kids right now. Depending on their training and education, they may also be able to help with tubal ligation and similar procedures.

If you do want kids, they can help ensure you are healthy, and they can help treat issues that may prevent pregnancy. Some may be trained in performing fertility treatment like IVF.

For Prenatal Care

If you do get pregnant, your OB/GYN will help with prenatal care. This type of care is incredibly important for monitoring the health of your unborn baby. Your doctor will likely instruct you on foods to eat and vitamins to take to ensure your body has what it needs to support the baby.

Your OB/GYN can also help deliver your baby. You may continue to see them after the baby has been delivered to ensure you are healing correctly. Depending on their training, some OB/GYNs may also be able to perform cesarean sections.

For Women's Health Screenings

One of the best reasons to visit the OB/GYN is for health screenings. Your doctor will regularly perform a pap smear to check for any signs of cervical cancer or HPV. If you have any complaints or concerns, your doctor may also use ultrasounds to look for any potential problems.

Breast exams are also common when you visit the OB/GYN. Along with your regular pap smear, your doctor may perform manual breast examinations to look for any lumps or other signs of breast cancer. Older women may also need to have mammograms to look at the inside breast tissue.

For STDs

STDs are incredibly common. Luckily, most are treatable with a visit to your OB/GYN. An examination for STDs may start with a visual inspection to look for any discoloration or discharge. If an STD is suspected, or you simply want to get tested, your OB/GYN can test for herpes, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis, trichomoniasis, and HIV.

Some other common symptoms of an STD include pain while urinating, fever, lower abdominal pain, genital itching, and pain during sex.

Gynecologists are incredibly important for vaginal health and keeping unborn babies healthy. If you have any concerns about your vaginal health, or if you want to think about family planning, it may be time to find an ob doctor. For more information, contact a doctor in your area today.