Obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN)
At Allina Health, our obstetrics and gynecology care team is committed to your well-being. From adolescence to menopause, you have an entire team of experts — obstetricians, gynecologists, certified nurse-midwives and women’s health nurse practitioners — all focused on your physical and emotional wellness with compassion and guiding support.
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What it is
Obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) focus on all areas of women's health. Our expert team provides comprehensive health and wellness care supporting you throughout all life stages, including adolescence, family planning, pregnancy, menopause and post-menopause.
Obstetricians specialize in supporting women during prenatal, pregnancy, birth and postpartum depression. Gynecologists are surgeons specializing in female reproductive health from your first period to post-menopause. Certified nurse-midwives work closely with your care team to support you through labor, delivery and after childbirth.
Many of our providers practice both obstetrics and gynecology. If you start seeing us for your ongoing care, we’ll connect you to an integrated team of specialists for your women's health and OB/GYN needs.
We’ll help you plan for pregnancy and make recommendations based on your current lifestyle and medications. During pregnancy, regular visits are scheduled to keep you and your baby healthy.
Obstetrics and gynecology care often focus on:
- annual wellness visits: Pap smears, pelvic exams and breast screenings
- adolescent gynecology (female health development)
- sexual health
- family planning options (birth control)
- pre-conception counseling
- fertility concerns
- pregnancy (prenatal) care and childbirth
- breastfeeding support
- gynecologic surgeries and procedures, including minimally invasive and robotic surgeries
- pelvic support challenges (prolapse)
- period concerns
- perimenopause and menopause issues
- disease prevention (vaccines)
What to expect
Annual OB/GYN visits can improve your health and help prevent diseases. Come prepared with any questions you may have about your body, reproductive health and any other concerns.
Your annual preventative exam may include:
- a discussion about your overall well-being and any concerns you may have
- a physical exam, which may include a breast and pelvic exam
- a Pap smear to assess your cervical health and screen for precancerous or cancerous changes on your cervix
- screening for sexually transmitted infections (STI)
- a mammogram screening to assess breast cancer risk
- checking for breast, uterine, vulvar and colon cancer
- Laboratory evaluation to check you for cholesterol, thyroid, or diabetic issues
- a discussion about getting the HPV vaccine to help prevent HPV and several forms of cancer
- tetanus, flu and shingles vaccines may be offered as well
- a follow-up appointment will be scheduled if you need treatment for new or persistent conditions
Good for treating
Talk with your OB/GYN provider if you experience:
- bladder concerns, such as bladder or urinary tract infections (UTI)
- infertility
- endometriosis
- uterine fibroids
- pelvic floor disorders
- incontinence
- breast feeding concerns
- postpartum and chronic depression
- pelvic pain or genital discomfort
- ovarian cysts
- period or abnormal bleeding concerns
- menopause complications
- osteoporosis
- sexually transmitted infections