Some people might assume that going to an obstetrician is only necessary once a woman becomes pregnant. However, this isn’t always true. A woman can choose to visit an obstetrician even if she hasn’t been pregnant before, or perhaps not for another ten years or more. The truth is, choosing to go to an obstetrician and knowing when it’s necessary can help ensure a woman gets the best possible care in her everyday life and during pregnancy. According to Dr. Frederic A Melius, the problem is that many people do not know when it is time to see an obstetrician. We have put together some situations when you should consider seeing an obstetrician for these reasons.
- You are Pregnant
If you are pregnant, an obstetrician should be at the top of your list. Pregnancy means a woman goes through physiologic changes that can have significant effects on her reproductive system and general health. For this reason, she must receive proper prenatal care, or any underlying conditions could go unnoticed until it becomes serious.
- You are Preparing for Pregnancy
If you and your partner are trying to conceive, both of you must see an obstetrician before becoming pregnant. The obstetrician will determine if there is a problem in one or both partners that might require intervention. Getting this kind of information early on could prevent much bigger problems down the road.
- You are Experiencing Other Symptoms Which You Think Are Related to Your Periods
Some symptoms that could lead you to see an obstetrician include changes in the skin, hair growth on the face or chest, weight gain, and difficulty losing weight. Sometimes these symptoms can be caused by hormone imbalances that an Ob/GYN must check.
- You are Experiencing Vaginal Bleeding
It should be obvious that vaginal bleeding at any time is a sign that you need to see an ob/GYN as soon as possible. However, it’s important to distinguish between spotting and regular periods and consider how long the bleeding has been happening and if other symptoms such as pain or fever are present. If you have any doubts, it’s advisable to see your doctor immediately.
- You Have Been Diagnosed with an Unexplained Infertility
Having unexplained infertility can be very stressful; however, seeing an obstetrician could help explain the problem and provide solutions. A fertility specialist can conduct tests to determine what might be causing infertility and give you options for treatments that may help.
- Unknown Causes of Irregular Periods
While many irregular periods can be treated with medications, there are some cases where they could indicate a severe underlying problem – such as ovarian cancer. If your doctor cannot determine what is causing the irregularities, seeing an obstetrician specializing in women’s reproductive health for a second opinion could be necessary.
In summary, many situations could indicate the need to see an obstetrician. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult your doctor. However, seeing an obstetrician is extremely important if there is a history of severe disease in your family, experiencing symptoms that can lead to more complications, or if you think your fertility could be an issue.