Common
abbreviation for
obstetrician/
gynecologist. Oddly, pronounced "OH-BEE-GEE-WHY-INN" as though it were an
acronym. An OB/GYN is an
MD/
physician specializing in
women's
internal health. OB is generally
fertility/
pregnancy-related while GYN is more
generic. Many
doctors, conveniently, are both. He or she may be better able than your regular
doctor to help with
period difficulties, choosing the right
birth control, and so on. Many women feel more comfortable with female OB/GYNs, and in fact,
studies show that women tend to receive better care from
female doctors.
Any
woman over the age of 20 or so should have an OB/GYN, whether or not she is
sexually active but DEFINITELY if she is.