Gynecologist vs. Obstetrician: Which Specialist Do You Need?
When it comes to women’s health, two key specialists are often mentioned: gynecologists and obstetricians. While both are dedicated to female reproductive health, they focus on different stages and aspects of a woman’s life. Understanding the difference can help you choose the right doctor based on your needs — whether it’s menstrual problems, fertility issues, or pregnancy care.
At Hera Clinic, Punawale, Dr. Sairandhri Kate-Shinde (MBBS, DNB, OBGY, FMAS) offers complete care in both gynecology and obstetrics. Let’s dive into the roles and when to consult each specialist.
What is a Gynecologist?
A gynecologist specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the female reproductive system, including:
- Uterus
- Ovaries
- Fallopian tubes
- Cervix
- Vagina
Common Reasons to Visit a Gynecologist:
- Irregular or painful periods
- Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
- Contraceptive counseling and IUD insertion
- Treatment for vaginal infections and UTIs
- Pap smears and cervical cancer screening
- HPV vaccination
- PCOS management
- Menopause symptom relief
- Pelvic pain, fibroids, or ovarian cysts
What is an Obstetrician?
An obstetrician specializes in pregnancy care, childbirth, and postnatal care. They manage everything from routine prenatal check-ups to high-risk deliveries.
Key Responsibilities of an Obstetrician:
- Prenatal care and monitoring fetal development
- Ultrasound scans and genetic screening
- Labor and delivery management (normal and cesarean)
- Managing pregnancy complications (e.g., gestational diabetes, preeclampsia)
- Postpartum care — physical recovery, breastfeeding support, emotional health
- Miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy management
Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Gynecologist | Obstetrician |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | General reproductive health | Pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum |
| Scope of Practice | Menstrual disorders, infections, contraception, menopause, PCOS | Prenatal care, delivery, C-sections, postpartum support |
| Patient Group | All women from adolescence to menopause | Primarily pregnant women and new mothers |
| Procedures | Pap smears, STI screening, laparoscopy, cyst removal | Ultrasounds, labor induction, delivery management, cesarean |
OB-GYN: Best of Both Worlds
A doctor trained in both fields is called an OB-GYN (Obstetrician-Gynecologist). They provide complete reproductive care — from adolescence and family planning to pregnancy management and menopause care. At Hera Clinic, Dr. Kate-Shinde is an experienced OB-GYN offering personalized, compassionate care at every stage.
When to Visit a Gynecologist
- Menstrual irregularities or painful periods
- Vaginal discharge or infections
- Unusual pelvic pain
- Difficulty conceiving
- Birth control advice
- Menopause or hormonal imbalance concerns
- Routine check-ups and cancer screenings
When to Visit an Obstetrician
- Planning to get pregnant or need preconception counseling
- Already pregnant and need prenatal check-ups
- Expert delivery care (normal or cesarean)
- Facing pregnancy complications
- Post-delivery support and recovery
Why Choosing the Right Specialist Matters
Choosing the right doctor ensures accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and holistic support. Whether you need gynecological care or pregnancy management, having access to a skilled OB-GYN offers continuity and confidence in your healthcare journey.
At Hera Clinic, we provide:
- Advanced diagnostics and hormonal testing
- Pregnancy scans and fetal monitoring
- Fertility planning and PCOS management
- Preventive screenings and menopause care
🏥 Visit Hera Clinic – Best OB-GYN in Punawale, Pune
Dr. Sairandhri Kate-Shinde (MBBS, DNB, OBGY, FMAS)
Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist & Infertility
Specialist
📍 Shop No. 8, Ground Floor, Infinity Cube, D-Wing 44/1/2,
Malwadi, Punawale – 411033
🌐
www.heraclinics.in
📧 shailysmily@gmail.com