As specialist gynaecologists and obstetricians, we are passionate about caring for women during and after pregnancy and providing world-class reproductive health care to women of all ages.
Both gynaecologists and fertility specialists are involved in women’s and reproductive health, but there are some key differences in their specialities and responsibilities. If you have been searching for a “gynaecologist near me,” keep reading to learn about who you should visit and when.
What Is A Gynaecologist?
A gynaecologist, often referred to as an OB/GYN or Obstetrician/Gynaecologist, works to care for women’s reproductive health and support them during their pregnancy and post-partum journeys.
Some gynaecologists are also fertility specialists, but this is not always the case. Women should see a gynaecologist annually, regardless of whether or not they are trying to conceive.
In addition to annual visits for general reproductive health, gynaecologists also provide critical support in managing menstrual disorders, pelvic pain, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
They serve as primary care providers in the realm of sexual and reproductive health, including preventative care measures like pap smears and HPV vaccinations.
What Is A Fertility Specialist?
A fertility specialist specialises in reproductive medicine and has a qualification to treat infertility. Fertility specialists work in a more targeted way, investigating and treating the causes of infertility and helping people who are actively trying to conceive. If a couple has been trying to conceive for six months to a year without success or a woman has had multiple miscarriages, they would want to see a fertility specialist.
Fertility specialists are involved in assisting with assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) and egg freezing for fertility preservation. They often coordinate with other healthcare professionals to provide care that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of infertility.
What Does A Gynaecologist Do?
An obstetrician and/or gynaecologist’s duties can include:
- Screening women for health issues, such as cancers of the breasts and reproductive organs
- Treating various hormonal imbalances
- Caring for women throughout pregnancy and their post-partum period
- Helping women understand reproductive health and their bodies
- Prescribing and overseeing birth control and other medications
Gynaecologists also play a pivotal role in addressing issues like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), dysmenorrhea and endometriosis, and they often collaborate with other specialists, such as endocrinologists, to tailor treatment plans for individual needs.
Menopause is another area of these professionals’ expertise. As women approach menopause, their reproductive hormone levels naturally decline, leading to the end of the menstrual cycle. This transition, known as perimenopause, typically begins in a woman’s 40s but can start earlier and last for several years. A gynaecologist plays a critical role in guiding women through menopause, addressing common symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes and vaginal dryness.
Beyond managing symptoms, a gynaecologist monitors and manages health risks associated with decreased estrogen levels, like osteoporosis and heart disease.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one treatment option that gynaecologists may offer to help alleviate menopausal symptoms and mitigate health risks, provided the patient is a suitable candidate.
Moreover, during this stage of life, gynaecologists emphasise the value of periodic health screenings, including mammograms, bone density tests and screenings for cervical cancer. Routine appointments facilitate the early identification and management of potential health issues that may emerge during the postmenopausal period.
What Does A Fertility Specialist Do?
A fertility specialist’s duties can include:
- Identifying and diagnosing the causes of infertility in a couple and helping them understand what that means for them
- Perform tests and exams to diagnose infertility problems
- Administering and prescribing medications to treat infertility
- Performing fertility procedures such as in vitro fertilisation
Moreover, they provide invaluable guidance on lifestyle modifications that could improve fertility chances and offer psychological counselling to support couples during what can often be an emotionally taxing process.
At the practice of Dr Augustine and Dr Parikh, you will find friendly, caring gynaecologists and obstetricians in Durban. With years of training and experience, they can care for you at any age, from your first visit to the gynaecologist, during and after pregnancy and throughout menopause. Your search for a “gynaecologist or fertility specialist near me” ends here. Contact us today to book your appointment.