Obstetrics deals with women’s care during the different progressive stages of pregnancy or gestation from conception to delivery, where as gynaecology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of issues affecting the female reproductive system. This includes the diagnosis, treatment, and management of obstetric complications and comes with a surgical component. Obstetrics deals with all aspects of pregnancy, from prenatal care to postnatal care. An obstetrician delivers babies, whereas a gynaecologist does not. An obstetrician can also provide therapies to help you get pregnant, such as fertility treatments.
A gynaecologist specializes in caring for the reproductive health of a woman from the time she gets her first period all the way through post-menopause. Any conditions that affect the reproductive system, such as those with the cervix, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, or vagina, are diagnosed and treated by a gynecologist. Gynecologists also perform recommended screenings such as breast exams, pap smears, and pelvic exams.
The conditions indicating that you might need to see an obstetrician or gynaecologist are: