|  | Family Health | Womens Health

Health Questions for an OB-GYN

An OB-GYN is a physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecologic care, two fields of medicine related to pregnancy and reproductive health. Most women commence annual visits to an OB-GYN by 18, and according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, OB-GYNs are the primary form of medical contact for American women. Whether already a mother, planning pregnancy or seeking routine reproductive care, there are a number of important health questions to ask of an OB-GYN.

  1. Insurance

    • Different OB-GYNs, depending on their institutional affiliations and areas of sub-expertise, take different forms of health insurance, or none at all. Because care during pregnancy and for the range of reproductive health issues that emerge over the course of a woman's life are costly, it is important to ensure that your provider accepts your coverage plan.

    Family planning

    • Numerous family planning options are available to women, and with the exception of condoms and other over-the-counter methods, nearly all require a gynecologic exam and medical prescription. Depending on their attitudes and professional experience, different OB-GYNs will advocate different birth control methods. One important question to ask an OB-GYN is what type of family planning method he would most recommend given your own body type, lifestyle and medical history.

      Of a more controversial nature, is the question of whether your OB-GYN offers abortion services. While the termination of pregnancy is a course of last resort, it is an option sought by thousands of American women each year. Research from the Alan Guttmacher Institute from 2001 found that only 13 percent of U.S. counties had an abortion provider.

    Delivery Methods

    • If you are pregnant, how you choose to deliver your baby is an important decision and several options exist, including Cesarean section, hospital delivery, water delivery and home birth. While your options may be limited by the type of health insurance you carry, it is important to ask your Ob-GYN what type of birthing practices she specializes in and recommends for the health of your body and baby. It is equally important to ask your OB-GYN about her time availability as the birth date approaches, to make sure that she will be on call for the delivery.

    Sexuality

    • Sexuality and sexual health change over the course of a woman's lifespan depending on age, reproductive history, relationship status and hormones. An OB-GYN plays an important medical and educational role in helping women maintain their sexual health in terms of managing pleasure, pain and sexual diseases. Communicating with your OB-GYN about sexual issues or abnormalities is key to maintaining optimal reproductive health, and in the event of sexual problems, you should ask about recommended treatment options.

Womens Health - Related Articles