Generally, women only see a gynecologist when they are married or undergoing pregnancy. Even though the obstetrician does not only play a role in handling childbirth, but also also overall health of the female reproductive organs.
Obstetricians are doctors who study the health of the female reproductive system. Doctors who are often also referred to as obstetrics and gynecology specialists or abbreviated as 'obgins' are the ones whose main role is to help examine pregnant women, assist with childbirth, and care after childbirth. Although actually a variety of conditions and diseases that affect the female reproductive system can also be treated by a gynecologist.
Various Duties and Functions of the Obstetrician
SpOG is a title held by obstetricians, which stands for Specialist Obstetrics & Gynecology (Obstetrics and Gynecology). You can check the health of the reproductive system and the womb, both at SpOG and SpOG (K). In Indonesia, the organization consisting of obstetricians is called the Indonesian Obstetrics and Gynecology Association (POGI).
What is the difference between obstetrics (obstetrics) and gynecology (gynecology)? Obstetrics (midwifery) deals with a variety of matters regarding planning for pregnancy, pregnancy and childbirth, including dealing with complications. While gynecology is the treatment of female reproductive organs such as the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and cervix. Obstetricians also treat other disorders such as fertility, breast problems, menopause, repeated miscarriages and the use of contraceptives.
An obstetrician's role is to help patients maintain health and detect disorders around the reproductive organs, perform operations on the pelvic organs, treat diseases of the reproductive organs, from infections to cancer, such as cervical cancer. In general, all over the world, SpOG doctors treat both obstetrics and gynecology. However, there are also doctors who choose to focus on and further explore one field during their practice.
Guide to Choosing a Gynecologist
Discussing and examining the reproductive system can be something that makes some people feel uncomfortable and afraid. This is why even seeing a gynecologist can be a moment that some people feel nervous or embarrassed about. Whereas outside of pregnancy, regular check-ups of the reproductive organs as needed is very important to maintain the health of the reproductive system.
Here are some things that can be a guide for choosing a gynecologist:
- Looking for references
It's natural that you don't want just anyone to touch the most private parts of your body. So find a doctor you can trust by asking your family members, friends, or general practitioner. Some women may feel more comfortable being examined by a female doctor than men. Some patients also can only feel fit with the character of a particular doctor. You can also find doctor's name recommendations from various health groups online.
- Your medical history
If you have a chronic disease such as heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes or other complications that require special treatment, then you should seek a doctor who has experience in treating similar diseases. Because, these conditions put you at high risk during pregnancy and childbirth. This situation also makes you need to consider the choice of hospital if you want to give birth.
- Doctor's decisions
Pay close attention to the doctor's point of view and the types of decisions the doctor makes regarding the things you think are important, such as early initiation of breastfeeding (IMD), episiotomy (a technique in obstetrics to help widen the birth canal), and vaginal delivery. This will give you peace of mind knowing your choices will be supported.
- Choosing a doctor = choosing a hospital
Obstetricians can practice in hospitals, clinics, or in private practice. However, in general, obstetricians practice in certain hospitals. So when you choose an obstetrician, you usually also choose a hospital where you will carry out laboratory tests to major procedures such as childbirth. So make sure the hospital you choose also suits your needs.
You can ask yourself the following questions as you search for doctors and hospitals:
- In which clinics or hospitals does he practice? Is the location easily accessible from your location?
- Is it acceptable where he practices your health insurance?
- Do the practice hours match your working hours?
- If the doctor can't treat you at a certain time, who can replace him? If you're seeing a gynecologist to prepare for labor, it's important to find out if that doctor will also help with the delivery process. If not, make sure you know who the doctor will be with your delivery.
- Check your comfort
Here are some basic questions to ask yourself:
- Do you feel comfortable and easy to ask questions?
- Did the doctor give you the explanation you need?
- Does the obstetrician listen and respect your needs and expectations?
- Can the doctor be easily found according to your needs?
When Self Check to the Gynecologist?
You don't have to wait until you get pregnant to have your reproductive health checked. If needed, experts advise young women aged 13-15 years, or those who are sexually active to check with their obstetrician regularly according to the needs and recommendations of the doctor.
Examination by a gynecologist is generally done once a year. You can use this opportunity to ask about various things that may bother you, such as irregular menstruation, sex problems, and reproductive health, to vaccination services for cervical cancer prevention.
Consult a Gynecologist
Here are some positive sides of using the services of an obstetrician to handle childbirth and reproductive health disorders:
- Has received expertise/specialist education to examine and treat various conditions and diseases related to the female reproductive organs, including complications of pregnancy and childbirth.
- Able to detect and provide more targeted treatment for health problems in the reproductive organs and female fertility.
- Can perform supporting examinations such as ultrasound, which is useful for assessing the condition of the reproductive system, as well as the condition of pregnancy on a regular basis.
- Has undergone surgical training, such as Caesarean section and curettage, if needed at any time.
Some women may want a natural delivery with minimal medical intervention, including treatment from a gynecologist. However, keep in mind that pregnancies that have complications and high-risk deliveries need to be treated by an obstetrician. In a healthy pregnancy, delivery can be assisted by a midwife or obstetrician.
If after consulting with an obstetrician, you find that you don't feel right, don't hesitate to look for another obstetrician who may be more in line with your expectations. In certain cases, you may be advised to consult an obstetrician who has a special subspecialty, such as a fetomaternal or fertility subspecialist. However, you also need to realistically understand the extent of obstetrician services that can be provided, so that you don't keep changing doctors, which will actually make it difficult to monitor your health condition.