OB vs. GYN. What’s the difference? Katy doctor answers

While obstetrics and gynecology are two different kinds of medical specialty, they are often lumped together because of they both deal with the female body. Physicians are often trained in both obstetrics and gynecology, and they offer both services to their patients in an OB/GYN practice. This is helpful for many women who begin to see their physician long before they’re ready to become pregnant. While both obstetrics and gynecology are often medically necessary for many women, there are some important differences. Here, Dr. Taryll Jenkins and his team of physicians at Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine explain the difference.

By definition, an obstetrician is a physician who specializes in caring for pregnant women. A gynecologist is a physician who cares for a woman’s reproductive system. Therefore, gynecology tends to be an overarching term that includes care for any condition or disease that affects a woman’s reproductive system, while obstetrics is limited to the time that a woman is pregnant.

A gynecologist performs a variety of procedures, including annual pelvic exams and pap smears, treatment for uterine or vaginal infections, hysterectomy, colposcopy, laparoscopy, and tubal ligation. Obstetricians perform regular checkups during pregnancy. During the first several months, patients will visit the obstetrician every four weeks. The checkups will become more frequent as the pregnancy progresses. Obstetricians may also perform ultrasounds and will deliver the baby either vaginally or via cesarean. While an obstetrician does not treat diseases or reproductive health problems, they do manage complications that occur during pregnancy and childbirth, such as ectopic pregnancies, pre-eclampsia, early labor, or any other conditions that could put the baby or mother in danger.

Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine is pleased to offer the Katy area patients the best gynecology and obstetric care. Since the team of doctors at Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine are trained and experienced in both specialties, patients can turn to them for all of their female care needs – from annual pap smears and treatment for yeast infections to pregnancy care. For more information about the services that he provides, call Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine today.

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Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine
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We offer general care, gynecology, and obstetrics services that span all stages of a woman's life. Dr. Taryll L. Jenkins, MD, received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and his Doctorate of Medicine from Meharry Medical College School of Medicine, TN. He completed his residency training at the University of Texas and Hermann Hospital, TX and is Board-certified from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, with years of research experience.

Having graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Chemistry in 2011, Dr. Stephanie Roy received her Doctor of Medicine Degree in 2015 from the University of Texas Medical Branch. Today, she is a leading Board-certified physician who works hard to provide you and your family with high-quality services. In addition to spending time at the practice, Dr. Roy possesses extensive volunteer experience in the community. She was also a tutor at the Medical Careers Diversity Program in 2012 and, since then, has spent her free time volunteering for the St. Vincent’s Clinic.

Yara Ramirez, MD, earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University and her doctorate in medicine from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, where she also completed her residency. She won the Resident Teaching Award from UTMB’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for two consecutive years.
Dr. Ramirez has researched extensively on many obstetrics-related topics. She has been a Junior Fellow Representative for the UTMB Residency Program and a Medical Student Education Committee Member at the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has volunteered for various local and foreign community programs. Her fluency in Spanish and French is an asset to her organization.

Dr. Matthew Mason, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist. With a Bachelor of Science in Biology from both the University of Texas at San Antonio and Austin (where he also earned a secondary degree in Business Foundations), he earned his MD from the Ross University School of Medicine. Dr. Mason completed his residency at the Sisters of Charity Hospital in Buffalo, NY, at the Jacobs School of Medicine. Known for his expertise in high-risk obstetrics and advanced surgical procedures, he is a published author and a Junior Fellow of The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Nadia Alexander is a Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center. With seven years of experience in women’s health and a focus on obstetrics and ambulatory gynecology (vaginitis, UTI, and vaginal bleeding), she provides quality, compassionate care to patients in various stages of reproductive life. She is fluent in English and Spanish and is the lead contact for our Telehealth service.

Kaila White, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, is a board-certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner with a background in nursing. She earned her Master’s and Doctorate of Nursing from the University of South Alabama and began her career in 2017 as an oncology nurse in Tampa, FL. Her extensive experience spans medical-surgical, oncology, hospice, geriatrics, labor and delivery, and high-acuity travel nursing. Kaila has also served as an adjunct clinical nursing professor at the University of Houston. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care and empowering women through education and advocacy.