Gynaecologists are essential. Just as you need a GP, optometrist, and dentist you can trust, you need a gynaecologist. You certainly need a gynaecologist if you’re pregnant or trying to have a baby, but it doesn’t end there. Annual check-ups, pap smears, and the like are essential to maintaining your health and wellbeing. Whether you need a change from your previous gynaecologist; you’re looking for your first; or you are ready to plan a family, you still need to know what to look for when choosing a gynaecologist. It’s not a decision to take lightly, so here are a few things to consider.
Referrals and Reviews
Many people will discuss gynaecologists with friends and family first. A referral is always a good place to start. With luck, your friend or family member will refer you to a doctor who is close by and will meet your needs. If you can’t get a referral, look for gynaecologists who have a good reputation online. You’re likely to find a lot of doctors with good reviews in your area.
Look for a Gynaecologist Who Puts You at Ease
Meeting a gynaecologist for the first time may induce anxiety for some but remember that this is their job, and they should know how to put you at ease. As you ask questions and get to know them, you’ll figure out whether you’re comfortable or not.
Ask Your Gynaecologist Questions
There’s a lot to learn about a prospective gynaecologist at the first meeting. As you ask questions, listen to their answers, and assess their bedside manner, you’ll get a better feel for how they conduct themselves and whether you want to pursue a doctor-patient relationship with them.
Questions to ask a new gynaecologist:
Which hospital they operate from, how close is it, and is it a private or a public hospital?
- Consider whether you want private or public healthcare.
Do they have any specific areas of expertise? Have they specialised in any particular area in gynaecology?
- Your new gynaecologist must meet your specific health requirements.
How long have they been practising for?
- You may prefer someone younger or someone with more experience if you are nervous.
What are their views on topics such as birth control, pain relief during birth, episiotomy, c-sections, natural birth, and anything else which may relate specifically to you?
- Look for someone who can accommodate your needs. Anyone who doesn’t listen to you or talks over you is not the ideal doctor.
What happens when things don’t go as planned? What happens if test results aren’t ideal, you go into labour early, or have a difficult labour?
- You want to know how they solve problems, how accommodating they are and how much empathy they have.
The right gynaecologist will ask a new patient many questions, and you will be comfortable answering them. They must be interested in your sexual history, potential trauma, gender identity and any underlying conditions you may have. Knowing what to look for in a gynaecologist often comes from knowing what you don’t like, so don’t be afraid to meet with more than one doctor until you know you’ve found the one. If you’re still looking for the perfect gynaecologist, get in touch with Omni Ultrasound and Gynaecological Care. You can rely on us for your ideal gynaecological care all-in-one clinic, with offices in the Sydney CBD, Penrith Clinic, and St Leonards.