The obstetrician gynecologist (OB-GYN) goes through four years of specialized residency training in areas dealing with preconceptional health, pregnancy, labor and childbirth and postpartum care, genetics, genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis.

Training in gynecology also covers women’s general health, including care of reproductive organs, breasts and sexual function. Screening for cancer at multiple sites is performed or initiated by the OB/GYN specialists. Gynecology also includes management of hormonal disorders, treatment of infections and training in surgery to correct or treat pelvic organ and urinary tract problems.

During four years of training, OB-GYN physicians learn about aspects of preventive health care, including exams and routine tests that look for problems before you are sick, immunizations, overall health and provision of care for a range of medical problems, not just those of the reproductive system.

Board-certified OB-GYN’s may further specialize in the area of:

• Maternal-fetal medicine (care of high-risk pregnancy)
• Reproductive endocrinology and infertility (care of women who have hormonal or infertility problems, and
• Female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery ( urogynecology , care of urinary tract dysfunction and disorders stemming from loss of support of pelvic structures).