A gynecologist is a surgeon and usually a Medical Doctor (M.D.) who specializes in diseases of the female genital tract and women's health. This means diseases of the uterus (womb), fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix (opening of the womb), vagina, and vulva (external genital organs). A gynecologist also specializes in menstrual problems, contraception, sexuality, menopause, and infertility. Many gynecologists also provide prenatal care. Some gynecologists may perform primary care services depending on their experience and training.

In these days of managed care and HMOs many primary care providers (doctors or nurse practitioners in Internal Medicine, General Medicine, or Family Practice) are doing some basic gynecology and refer only to a gynecologist when they feel the condition is more appropriate for the specialist to handle.

Most women should go to a provider for routine annual pelvic exams. A gynecologist is probably more appropriate if there is a history of women's problems in the patient or her family, or if there is a condition which is not improving despite the primary care provider's best efforts. Another indication that a gynecologist may be preferred is if a woman always has a difficult or painful exam due to her size (large or small). A gynecologist may have better equipment available to assure her comfort.

What should I look for in a gynecologist?
A gynecologist should be a person in whom you have confidence and with whom you feel comfortable. This provider should be appropriately accessible during emergencies and be willing and eager to answer your questions. Even if your gynecologist is very busy you should feel that he or she has the ability to slow down and answer your questions.

What questions should I ask my gynecologist?

Are you Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology?
This assures that the provider is current in his or her knowledge base and has successfully completed their Continuing Medical Education every year to maintain their level of knowledge.

What is your procedure for lab follow up?
If you have any tests done you want to be certain that your provider sees the results, and acts on any abnormal tests. Errors and oversights can occur in large and small offices. If you know the office procedures then it is less likely that yours will be the abnormal result that is missed.

What do I do if I have a gynecologic emergency on the weekend or after office hours?
The answer to this question could save you many hours spent in the Emergency Room. It will also let you know how many other physicians may end up caring for you in an emergency. For example is the call group a few doctors or several whom you have never heard of. This may be an important question if you have an ongoing gynecologic problem.

Do you have any comments on my current medications/treatment plan for my gynecologic problem?
Often if the patient expresses no concern then changes will not be made. This question begins a dialogue about treatment options which may otherwise have never been discussed with a new provider.

If I were your sister/mother/daughter, what would you recommend?
This question may help to bring out the provider's bias or candid feelings when discussing the options for any medical treatment. If you really want a clear answer to help you decide, this approach may help.

The most important quality in a gynecologist depends on what is most important to you. Reputation or parking? Flexible hours or accepting your insurance? Acceptable hospital affiliations or only office based? Good physician-patient relationships are based on mutual respect and trust, and sometimes these relationships take years to develop. Establish a priority list of what you prefer in a practitioner, and use that list to help narrow your search. Your provider should be there to help you towards your goal of health and happiness.


Adapted from an article in Family Digest magazine. Copyright 1999. All Rights Reserved. Subscribe to Family Digest magazine today!