You need a primary care physician and a gynecologist, because while each can address a broad range of issues, each has specialized experience to make sure you get the right care when you need it.

Published: September 25, 2023 | Updated: November 4, 2024

You need a primary care physician and a gynecologist, because while each can address a broad range of issues, each has specialized experience to make sure you get the right care when you need it.

Both can perform basic health assessments, write prescriptions, and provide flu shots or other immunizations.

Most insurance plans cover an annual visit with each.

What is the difference between a primary care provider and an OB/GYN?

An OB/GYN is focused on health issues related to women’s health. This includes reproductive and sexual health, breast health, pregnancy, menopause and issues that arise, such as heavy periods, sores, rashes or itchiness in genital areas, and urinary tract infections.

A primary care provider does not ignore women’s health issues, but is focused on the whole person. They are trained to treat a wide range of conditions, including heart disease, diabetes or depression.

“OB/GYNs and primary care physicians are specially trained in their fields, and their expertise is different. That’s why seeing both an OB/GYN and a primary care provider is the best way for a woman to be healthy and stay healthy,” said Christina Breit, MD with Norton Community Medical Associates primary care offices.

READ MORE: What’s the right age to start getting Pap smear tests?

OB/GYNs are trained in two specialties, obstetrics and gynecology. Obstetrics covers all aspects of pregnancy care. Gynecology involves all other women’s health issues. An OB/GYN is primary care physician, but the focus is on women’s health.

Pediatric gynecologists typically see patients up to when they turn 21.

What is the difference between an annual checkup versus a women’s well exam?

By making an annual wellness visit to an OB/GYN, a woman can receive a pelvic exam, and a Pap smear, and can take care of other women’s health-related issues. An OB/GYN also is trained in issues such as infertility, menopause, high-risk pregnancies and cancers of the reproductive system.

A primary care provider includes doctors in family medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Their focus is overall health. Primary care providers can perform screenings and care for chronic conditions and other health issues.

An annual check up, or physical, is recommended for women and men so a primary care provider can review their medical history, look for potential health risks, update vaccinations, and discuss mental health and other issues. A primary care provider can also make referrals to specialists such as cardiologists, oncologists, endocrinologists and more.

A board-certified primary care physician has received obstetrics and gynecology training, though not as much as an OB/GYN, and they are more concerned with overall health. Still, many primary care physicians do pelvic exams, screenings for sexually transmitted infections, Pap smears and breast exams as part of an annual well-woman exams.

“If you’re healthy and have no specific gynecological issues, then you can go to your primary care provider for your annual well-woman exam, but it’s a good see an OB/GYN and establish a rapport with a woman’s health specialist for times when issues arise,” Dr. Breit said.

What do obstetricians do?

If you are planning to become pregnant, or are pregnant, you should see an OB/GYN.

Obstetricians provide care before you conceive, while you’re pregnant and through delivery. Aside from providing prenatal care for you and your baby, an obstetrician can diagnose and treat complications that may come up.

Obstetricians are caring for you and your unborn baby. When you’re pregnant, conditions such as high blood pressure or preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and morning sickness can be addressed by an obstetrician.

Obstetricians also perform surgical procedures such as episiotomies, cesarean delivery if a vaginal delivery isn’t safe, and cervical cerclage.

If necessary, your obstetrician may work with a maternal-fetal medicine specialist to help you through a complex pregnancy. Maternal-fetal medicine is a specialty that takes care of you and your unborn baby. Your Norton Women’s Care OB/GYN connects you to a comprehensive range of women’s specialists, including the team at the Norton Heart & Vascular Institute Women’s Heart Program.