What’s The Difference Between A Gynaecologist And An Obstetrician?

Women’s health may seem like a confusing minefield if you’ve never seen anyone but a GP for healthcare. There are different types of healthcare workers and professionals, but the main two that we see throughout our adult lives are either obstetricians or gynaecologists.

So, what’s the difference between the two, and how do you know which one you should see and when? This blog post will clarify what being an obstetrician vs a gynaecologist means and provide some answers to frequently asked questions about these two areas of specialisation.

What Is An Obstetrician?

An obstetrician in Durban is a healthcare professional who has completed medical school and specialised further in caring for patients before, during and after pregnancy. This covers the first few months after the child is born – and these periods are referred to as either prepartum or postpartum, i.e. during and after pregnancy.

Obstetricians can monitor patients during healthy pregnancies as well as if a pregnancy has a chance of developing complications – such as when the birth parent is HIV positive, if multiple pregnancies are involved or if any other medical complications are present. If you are pregnant, you will likely be referred to one of your primary gynaecologists, especially if your GP thinks you or your baby might be at risk.

What Is A Gynaecologist?

A gynaecologist, or gynae, is a medical professional who has completed medical school and specialised in the female reproductive system. Gynaes are commonly seen by patients from the onset of their menstrual cycle, where they might address issues or check for pelvic floor disorders, abnormal bleeding, infertility and polycystic ovary syndrome. They can also provide you with care when you fall pregnant, as well as when you enter into menopause.

As the female reproductive system is complex and can involve several distinct stages, patients should go for regular check-ups from menstruation to prevent and detect any issues that may have an impact later in life.

An OB/GYN is a medical professional who specialises in both gynaecology and obstetrics. They may choose one field, or practice both as they wish. Finding an OB/GYN isn’t necessary if you’re a client of professional and experienced doctors who specialise in both obstetrics and gynaecology – like that of Dr Augustine and Dr Parikh.

Understanding When To See An Obstetrician Vs a Gynaecologist 

Recognising the right specialist to approach depending on your health situation is crucial for receiving appropriate care. Here are some real-life scenarios that illustrate when you might need to see a gynaecologist or an obstetrician:

Routine Pap Smear and Cervical Screening:

  • Scenario: Sarah, 28, has never had a Pap smear and has been experiencing irregular menstrual cycles.
  • Specialist: This is a scenario for a gynaecologist who specialises in the female reproductive system and can conduct Pap smears to screen for cervical cancer and address menstrual irregularities.

Prenatal Care During Pregnancy:

  • Scenario: Mbali, who just found out she is pregnant, needs to start her prenatal visits to ensure her pregnancy is healthy.
  • Specialist: Mbali should see an obstetrician, a specialist who focuses on prenatal care and monitors the health of both the mother and the fetus during pregnancy.

Infertility Issues:

  • Scenario: After trying to conceive for over a year, Tom and Jane decide to seek help to understand why they have not been successful.
  • Specialist: Initially, they may start with a gynaecologist to evaluate reproductive health. If specific fertility treatments are needed, they might be referred to a reproductive endocrinologist, a subset of gynaecology.

Preconception Counselling:

  • Scenario: Keisha and her partner want to start a family and are looking for advice on how to prepare for a healthy pregnancy.
  • Specialist: An obstetrician can offer preconception counselling to discuss health conditions, lifestyle changes, and genetic testing that might impact pregnancy and fetal development.

Menopause Management:

  • Scenario: Mira is experiencing severe symptoms related to menopause, like hot flushes and mood swings, that are impacting her daily life.
  • Specialist: A gynaecologist can help manage menopause symptoms through hormone therapy and other treatments designed to alleviate discomfort.

Managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS):

  • Scenario: Ava, 25, has been dealing with irregular periods and has recently started experiencing difficulties with weight management. After some research, she suspects she might have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
  • Specialist: Ava should consult a gynaecologist who can diagnose and manage PCOS. A gynaecologist can offer treatments for PCOS symptoms and lifestyle advice for weight management.

These scenarios underscore the importance of seeking the right specialist’s advice, ensuring you receive the most appropriate and effective care for your health needs.

Contact the offices of Dr Augustine and Dr Parikh to make an appointment for a consultation. Our friendly staff can assist in helping you decide between an obstetrician vs a gynaecologist for your specific needs.

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