Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN)

Obstetrics and Gynecology is a specialization in the medical and surgical problems associated with the female reproductive system. OB/GYN is a commonly used abbreviation for Obstetrics and Gynecology. OB is short for obstetrics or for an obstetrician, a physician who delivers babies. GYN is short for gynecology or for a gynecologist, a physician who specializes in treating diseases of the female reproductive organs. The word "gynecology" comes from the Greek gyno, gynaikos, meaning woman, and logia meaning study, so gynecology literally is literally translated as the study of women.

Surgeons who specialize in obstetrics and gynecology receive at least four years of specialty training including the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and diseases specific to this area of practice.

Typically, the education and training for both fields of obstetrics and gynecology occurs concurrently. Thus, an obstetrician/gynecologist is a physician specialist who provides medical and surgical care to women and has particular expertise in pregnancy, childbirth, and disorders of the reproductive system. This includes preventative care, prenatal care, detection of sexually transmitted diseases, Pap test screening, and family planning.