Open Accessibility Menu
Hide

Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN)

An OB/GYN is a physician who specializes in the female reproductive system. Obstetrics refers to pregnancy related care and gynecology focuses on conditions affecting the female reproductive system and female wellness care.

Gynecology provides well-woman care, from a woman’s first period, through pregnancy planning and menopause. We offer a wide range of preventive care services, including pap smears, STD testing, pelvic exams, ultrasounds, and blood work. Community Memorial recommends that women see their doctor at least once a year. Some use these physicians as their primary care doctor. Common non-pregnancy reasons to see an OB/GYN may include:

  • First period
  • Becoming sexually active
  • Perimenopause and menopause
  • Birth control counseling
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
  • Abnormal, painful, heavy, or absent periods
  • Fertility concerns
  • Cancers of the female reproductive system
  • Endometriosis (overgrowth of uterine tissue)
  • Infertility, including ovarian insufficiency and structural uterine abnormalities
  • Osteoporosis (bone loss common in postmenopausal women)
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Pelvic organ prolapse (when the muscles and tissues supporting the pelvic organs become weak or loose)
  • Premenstrual syndrome
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Uterine fibroids (noncancerous growths in the uterus)
  • Vaginal infections


Obstetrics focuses on pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Your OB/GYN cares for you at every stage of your pregnancy:

  • Preconception involves counseling women who are planning on getting pregnant to identify potential health risks and optimize the chances of a safe pregnancy. If a woman is having difficulty getting pregnant, the OB/GYN may recommend that she and her partner consult a fertility specialist.
  • Prenatal care is the monitoring of a woman’s pregnancy through regular medical visits, starting with week 4 of the pregnancy and continuing through birth.
  • OB/GYNs are trained to deliver babies both vaginally and, if necessary, by C-section.
  • Postpartum care begins immediately after birth for both the mother and baby. The OB/GYN examines mother and baby and refers the newborn to a pediatrician if further evaluation or care is needed. The new mom continues with regular checkups for six weeks or more to make sure she is healing well.