A woman’s healthcare needs will change significantly over the course of her lifetime. From the uncertain years of puberty and adolescence to the joys of motherhood and through to the onset of menopause, your obstetrician and gynecologist is ready to be your healthcare partner and champion. And did you know that the services provided by your OB-GYN can extend beyond your reproductive health? Your trusted women’s health provider is also an excellent resource for your primary health and wellness needs, as well as your mental health.
“As an OB-GYN, I’m passionate about women’s health, and it’s a privilege to guide my patients through some of the best moments of their life and also through the more difficult times that everyone experiences,” says Megan Battin, DO. “Our role is not only to prevent, identify and treat medical concerns that affect female reproductive health, but also to ensure that women have a safe and reliable resource for all of their healthcare needs.”
Understanding the role of your OB-GYN
A physician practicing obstetrics and gynecology, often known as an OB-GYN, has years of specialized training in women’s health. The scope of the care they provide includes the medical management of pregnancy and postpartum care, as well as the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders that can affect a woman’s reproductive system. While some doctors provide only obstetrical or gynecological care, Dr. Battin says most physicians provide the full spectrum of obstetrical and gynecological services.
Obstetrical care
An OB-GYN is an integral part of any woman’s reproductive journey from the time they are trying to conceive, throughout pregnancy and after their baby is born. Dr. Battin explains that obstetrical care is comprised of three parts: antepartum care, or the time before a woman becomes pregnant; intrapartum care, which is the time of pregnancy and delivery; and postpartum care, which occurs after a woman gives birth.
Many women see their obstetrician for preconception counseling or if they have been trying to get pregnant for several menstrual cycles without success. Once pregnant, women typically see their obstetrician every four weeks until they are 28 weeks pregnant, every two weeks until 36 weeks of gestation and then once a week until their baby is born. Dr. Battin explains that how often you see your OB-GYN can vary depending on how your pregnancy is progressing. If a pregnancy is considered high risk, an OB-GYN will most likely provide care in collaboration with a maternal fetal medicine specialist.
Gynecological care
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends that young women begin seeing an OB-GYN every year between the ages of 13 and 15 or when they become sexually active, whichever comes first. Annual exams for teenagers and women in their early 20s are designed to establish care and trust between a young woman and her provider.
“It’s perfectly understandable for someone to be anxious about having a pelvic exam the first time we meet,” says Dr. Battin. “I generally have these women hop down from the exam table, sit in a regular chair and we postpone their exam until they decide they are ready.”
Women older than 21 should plan to visit their OB-GYN each year for a well-woman exam. Annual visits will generally include a pelvic exam, testing for sexually transmitted infections if needed and a discussion about vaccinations. Pap smears are done every three to five years, depending on the type of test you most recently had and your test results. One thing Dr. Battin stresses is that a pelvic exam should never hurt.
“I always tell my patients that if a pelvic exam hurts, they need to let me know right away so I can stop the exam and we can reevaluate,” she says. “What is right for a patient and their body is what is right for me as their physician.”
Some women might need to see their OB-GYN more often depending on their age or if they have a medical condition that requires more frequent monitoring, such as endometriosis or abnormal uterine bleeding. Dr. Battin says you can also see your OB-GYN for your primary healthcare needs, such as mammograms, diabetes monitoring, routine blood work or orders for colonoscopies.
Women and mental health
In addition to managing their patient’s overall physical health and wellness, an OB-GYN is also an excellent resource for women struggling with anxiety, depression or PTSD. Dr. Battin explains that women with mental health concerns can access the resources they need with the help of their obstetrician and gynecologist. That includes everything from therapists and counselors to medication and the services of a social worker.
“We have access to many resources for our patients and collaboration starts from the moment they bring a concern to my attention,” says Dr. Battin. “At every stage of life, we aim to help women address their health, wellness and mental health needs. Our goal is to educate our patients about their bodies and then respect their wishes regarding care.”
Ready to take the next step in your wellness journey?
Your OB/GYN is more than a once-a-year appointment, they’re your lifelong health partner. In this episode of The Wellness Conversation, OhioHealth experts share how to find a provider who truly listens, advocates for you, and shows up with empathy and expertise. Listen to “You deserve an OB/GYN who listens” and discover what every woman should know to find the right fit.
