What is a Gynecologists and Obstetricians (OBGYN)?

About Gynecologists and Obstetricians (OBGYN)

Gynecologists and Obstetricians (OBGYNs) specialize in the health of the female reproductive and sexual systems (uterus, vagina, ovaries, and breasts) and related disorders and how they affect the overall health of women. Patients are referred to OBGYNs by family doctors or general practitioners for health concerns such as abnormal Pap results or irregularities detected in a pelvic exam for example.

Symptoms and conditions commonly treated by a gynecologist include menstrual disorders, pregnancy, cancer and pre-cancerous diseases of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina, endometriosis, urinary dysfunction/urinary tract infections, fibroids, ovarian cysts, Amenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea, Infertility, Menorrhagia and infections of the vagina, cervix, and uterus.

Examinations and treatment handled by an OBGYN include pap smear tests, breast exams, sex education and counselling, and contraceptive prescription. Procedures performed by Gynecologists can include hysterectomy, cesarean section, and removal of pre-cancerous cells from the cervix.

Gynecologists and Obstetricians work alongside a number of other medical specialists in providing combined and holistic treatment including consulting with Family Doctors / General Practitioners, Midwives, Reproductive Endocrinologists, Oncologists, Pathologists, and Geneticists.

Useful Resources

Canada

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada

British Columbia

Alberta

Saskatchewan

Manitoba

Ontario

Quebec

Newfoundland and Labrador

New Brunswick