Things That You May Not Know Your OB/GYN Can Do For You
OB/GYN is an abbreviation for a doctor that is an obstetrician and a gynecologist. That means that they deliver babies and specialize in women's reproduction and genital tracts. An OB/GYN, like those at Ogeechee OB-GYN, is able to check, test, and detect problems with female reproductive organs and genitals. Most women don't enjoy going to this doctor due to the personal nature of the visit, but seeing the OB/GYN is vital in order to ensure that the woman is healthy.
It's recommended that women visit a gynecologist for the first time during the early teenage years. They should get their first internal exam around age 21 or after becoming sexually active. Women should then visit their OB/GYN annually in order to detect any problems in the early stages.
Your OB/GYN can also do more for you than inspect your personal parts. Here are some additional things you may not have thought about talking to your OB/GYN about.
They can help you manage your weight.
Take advantage of your annual visits. Many women see their gynecologist regularly but may not see any other type of doctor unless they are sick. Since you visit your OB/GYN regularly, they have a regular record of your weight. If you have concerns or want to discuss this, bring it up during your annual exam. Your doctor will be able to help you come up with a plan in order to manage your weight.
They can help you with depression.
Although your OB/GYN isn't a therapist, they have seen parts of you most other people haven't seen. You may feel very comfortable confiding things in this doctor that you wouldn't normally talk to others about. If you think you are suffering from depression or anxiety, it is worth it to bring it up in conversation with your OB/GYN. They can't help you with therapy but they can prescribe you an antidepressant.
They can detect and remove suspicious moles.
If your OB/GYN notices a suspicious mole that might be cancerous or precancerous, they are able to remove it and send it away to be tested. They do not replace a dermatologist, but if they notice an area of concern, you can skip the middle man at the moment and get the mole removed. If you have concerns with a mole, bring it up to them. They can remove it and then refer you to a dermatologist to get a full screening.
They can check for thyroid problems.
More women end up with thyroid problems than men, so talking to your OB/GYN about any thyroid concerns is a great starting point. They can test for any thyroid issues and come up with a treatment plan.
Visiting the OB/GYN is not anyone's idea of a fun time, but it is important for a woman to do so annually. Take advantage of your yearly visits, and bring up any other health concerns with your doctor. If they can't help you themselves, they will be able to refer you to a trustworthy colleague that can.
