An obstetrician is a physician who specializes in pregnancy, childbirth, postnatal care of mother and baby, and the female reproductive system. Obstetrics is another word for prenatal care. They are trained to deliver babies, treat gynecological problems like infertility or irregular menstrual cycles, perform cervical exams, and prevent sexually transmitted diseases. There are many reasons that a person may choose an obstetrician. In this article, we look at the different conditions a doctor practicing obstetrics in McAllen, TX can help you manage. Read on to learn more.
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is a medical condition that affects two-thirds of the American population at some point in their lives. It happens when you have trouble controlling your bladder or bowels, and it can be caused by several reasons, from pregnancy to obesity. In this case, an obstetrician can help people manage their incontinence by performing pelvic floor muscle training or Kegel exercises. If bladder control is severely affected, obstetricians may recommend surgery.
Fertility Problems
An obstetrician can help people who have trouble conceiving a child get pregnant. They diagnose the underlying cause of infertility and prescribe treatment for it. For instance, a woman with PCOS may be given medication for hormone regulation. A man may be given medicine or surgery to treat his low sperm count or structural abnormalities.
Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain affects one out of five women and can be caused by several factors. It may be due to endometriosis, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), uterine fibroids, or ovary disorders like polycystic ovaries. If left untreated, pelvic pain can lead to fertility problems in the future. An obstetrician will run tests to determine the exact cause of the pain and prescribe the best course of treatment for it.
Ectopic Pregnancy
This is a life-threatening condition when a fertilized egg is implanted outside the uterus. It can affect any part of the body with a rich blood supply, such as the ovary, fallopian tubes, or bowel. It requires immediate surgery to remove the fetus and stop internal bleeding. If you have an ectopic pregnancy, an obstetrician can diagnose the problem and treat it.
Pregnancy Loss
Obstetricians have years of experience treating pregnant women, so they can provide support to those who have suffered a miscarriage or pregnancy loss. In most cases, miscarriages are caused due to chromosomal defects or an infection in the uterus. If your pregnancy loss is due to some other reason, obstetricians may be able to help you get pregnant again.
Fetal Distress
Fetal distress happens when the fetus cannot grow and develop normally without enough oxygen. It may be caused by umbilical cord compression, placental abruption, umbilical cord prolapse, or birth too soon. A doctor will monitor the baby using ultrasound machines that measure its heart rate continuously during labor. If fetal distress is detected, the obstetrician will stop it before it becomes critical.
In summary, an obstetrician is a doctor who specializes in pregnancy, childbirth, and maternal and infant care. They can provide you with treatment to manage several conditions that affect the female reproductive system and make it difficult for you to conceive a child. Some common conditions treated by obstetricians include fetal distress, pregnancy loss, ectopic pregnancy, and fertility problems. They can also help address pregnancy loss and urinary incontinence.