Why is it that a regular physician, everyday doctor, can perform annual exams on women? What makes a ob/gyn different, and why would you choose to see one instead? Thanks!
2007-11-02 15:34:32 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Women's Health
Your "Regular Doctor" is a General Practitioner.
An OB/GYN is a specialist.
All though your normal doctor is most likely very highly educated, the specialist treats and performs very specific functions of the practice.
This is common with most everything in medical practices...
If you have Ear issues that need special attention you see an ENT specialist (Ear Nose and Throat)... and so on.
2007-11-02 15:39:45 · answer #1 · answered by Mattimus Rex 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Performing annual exams is basic for any regular physician even if it concerns OB/GYN. The only difference is the specialists perform the actual procedures concerning birthing and c-sections. Recommendations and referrals are given to them and they take it from there. But they usually extend the examination process to confirm any diagnosis.
If you're not satisfied or feel uncomfortable, requests for an OB/GYN doctor stat........
2007-11-02 22:52:29 · answer #2 · answered by hungrykong 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are doctors that "specialize" in different things, OB/GYN's for example specialize in that particular field of medicine.
The "regular" doctor you speak of is either an internist or a general practitioner and covers the entire body in a general sort of way. They usually refer you to a specialist when there is a problem that warrants it.
All of them are doctors, one just is an expert in a particular field, the other takes on the whole enchilada. It is best, in my opinion, to go to a specialist when you know you have a specific issue they practice in; female OB/GYN for any female issues. I don't feel comfortable with a male OB/GYN because they don't have the same plumbing and can't understand like another woman could.
2007-11-02 22:43:16 · answer #3 · answered by MadforMAC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My regular doctor always offers me a pap smear. Sometimes I will just let him do it . It saves me an extra trip to the doctor and extra co-payment. They are still doctors, I guess it is okay.
2007-11-02 22:38:43 · answer #4 · answered by whatever 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋