Do you know the difference between a gynecologist and an obstetrician? This doubt is quite common among patients who seek these professionals for an appointment. But, in general, Gynecology and Obstetrics are specialties that go hand in hand, since the two act in the treatment and prevention of diseases that affect women and in the promotion of women’s health.
To help us clarify these particularities, Care for Life interviewed Dr. Alexandre Brandão, who is a gynecologist and obstetrician. Follow:
Gynecologist and obstetrician: what’s the difference?
doctor Alexandre clarifies that every gynecologist is an obstetrician, just as every obstetrician is a gynecologist – he himself is an example of this definition. This is because the medical residency program ends up encompassing both specialties in the same scope. That is, at the end of the residency, the doctor is able to act as a gynecologist and, at the same time, an obstetrician.
It is worth mentioning that a doctor can choose to act more like a gynecologist or an obstetrician – even specializing in a specific area within Gynecology or Obstetrics. This happens because, although the same professional can exercise both specialties, there is a difference between each of them in the care, prevention and treatment of women’s health. Check it out:
Gynecology: what is it?
“Gynecology is the specialty that takes care of the health of the female reproductive system (ovaries, uterus, vagina, vulva) and breasts”, explained the doctor. As Gynecology means “the science of women”, the gynecologist helps in the treatment and prevention of various diseases and clinical conditions related to these organs. Among the most common are: endometriosismenopause, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, cysts, STDs, infertility, menstrual cramps and urinary incontinence.
In addition, it is the gynecologist who usually monitors the girl who is entering puberty and the adolescent, being able to clarify doubts about menstrual cyclesexuality and the changes that happen to the body at this stage of life.
Obstetrics: what is the function of this specialty?
The obstetrician is the doctor who takes care of the planning of the patient’s pregnancy, gestation, delivery and postpartum period. It is this specialty that accompanies the entire pre-creaml of the woman, which involves carrying out laboratory and imaging tests to monitor the health of the mother and fetus until delivery – which is also done by this professional.
Postpartum is another important phase that must be accompanied by an obstetrician to ensure that the woman’s health is up to date, ready to take care of her newborn child. The specialist will indicate routine exams and help with family planning, recommending the use of contraceptive methods until the patient decides to have another baby (or not).
Source: cuidadospelavida.com.br
