Scouting For A Good Gynecologist: Here's What You Need To Know

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I first visited a gynaecologist when I was 19 years old, just after I had joined campus.I believe I had a yeast infection (at least every lady has had a yeast infection once in their life).I literally walked into a hospital and asked to see a doctor and there I was super shy to tell them my reason for seeing them.

I was absolutely afraid of telling my mum, I still don’t know why, because my relationship with her has always been on that emulates an open book. Anyway, here I was trying to explain to the gynaecologist what I was experiencing. In a nutshell, it didn’t go well, the gynaecologist I was referred to was one of those old female gynaecologists who insinuated that I had a yeast infection because I was, ‘opening my legs to boys’, well atleast in her words. Yeast infections are not brought about by sexual intercourse.

You can imagine my frustration and anger then, let’s just say by the time I left her office I had sworn that this would be the last of me seeing a gynaecologist.In the years to follow, my girlfriends mentioned male doctors were better, but ooh well, what does better mean in their case? I always wondered.

Let’s just say the male gynaecologist I saw next felt like me going to a specific chemist and asking for drugs from the pharmacist.He did a pelvic examination after asking me what was wrong and that was it.He didn’t go further to make me comfortable by trying to reassure me that everything was going to be fine and that I had nothing to be worried about.I always wondered what my friends meant by a male gynaecologist being a better option.

Am the kind of patient, who will probably ask 20 questions while researching on google and jotting down the doctor’s words/solutions on my phone’s notepad.Yap and to date, I am never comfortable with a doctor who doesn’t even bother to answer my questions or make me comfortable.Ooh and have I mentioned that there after I have seen many gynaecologists some of whom have even put my life at risk.

I wrote on one of my blog posts’ ‘How I lost my 3 gifts’ how a certain gynaecologist during one of my D&C after I miscarried didn’t remove all the products of conception. If you are keen on the details of this experience, please check it out.Over the years that I spent visiting gynaecologist offices I have learnt a few things I would love to share about scouting for a good gynaecologist.

Here goes my 2 cents on what you need to know if you are scouting for the RIGHT gynaecologist obstetrician.

Let’s start by defining who a gynaecologist is: A GYNAECOLOGIST is a doctor who specializes in the female reproductive system, which includes the cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, vagina and vulva.

A GYNAECOLOGIST OBSTETRICIAN is a doctor who does what a gynaecologist does including taking care of your reproductive health during pre-conception, pregnancy, childbirth, and immediately after delivery.

How to Access a Gynaecologist:

1. Referrals

This is the most common way.Your mum, sister, grandma, friend, workmate or work colleague could recommend one for you based on their previous experience.This might sometimes come in handy or not as you might not get your expectations met as people’s preferences vary.

2. Medical Insurance If you just got a new insurer you might end up choosing one that’s already covered under your medical insurance to just save on cost and time.You may not want to over think who is the right fit for you.

3. Hospital Visits If you were like me and are visiting a Gynaecologist for the first time, it's important to note that a walk-in to the hospital might not necessarily mean you being called in by a gynaecologist who would be the right fit for you.

How to choose a Gynaecologist who Is the Right fit for you

1. Research About Their Experience

Who have they treated?

How long have they practiced for?

The above questions are very important, you want to get a gynaecologist who is experienced and is not handling you as their first client ever!You don’t want a doctor who will experiment on you and not treat you. This is very important! Remember this is your reproductive health. Take it seriously.

2. Pay Them A Visit and Find Out Whether You Are Comfortable with their Services

Wondering if a specific gynaecologist is the right fit for you?Visit them and ask questions, especially if they were referred to you. Ask them all the questions you would want answered.A good gynaecologist will listen to you and make you feel at ease always.

3. Medical Insurance In the event you have a new medical insurer, you may be tempted to explore/go for gynaecologists covered under that specific insurer, probably you have no other alternative this is ok. Remember this isn’t the right measuring stick for that gynaecologists covered under your insurer would be the best fit for you unless you consult further. Experience is. Therefore, see if your insurer can reimburse you and opt to go see one you can trust in the event you don’t prefer doctors insured under that insurer OR you have another gynaecologist that you are already seeing and you prefer.

4. Hospitals Most not all good Gynaecologist are affiliated with hospitals you can trust.Therefore, make it a point to keep consulting and doing your due diligence(research on hospitals) on some of the gynaecologists they have sitting in.

5. Good Bedside Manners News about gynaecologists who disrespect you during a pelvic exam is always out there. A good gynaecologist will always make you feel comfortable and at ease.If you are not comfortable, they would allow you to be accompanied by someone you trust during your pelvic examination.Therefore, have your ears on the ground.If you experience one, tell a friend to tell a friend (so that your sisters can avoid them) and run for the hills. Atleast, now you know.

6. They are accessible. In the event you are unwell, a good gynaecologist will most of the time be easily reachable on phone or via his/her secretary to assist you where need be.In the event of emergency cases they will always stop what they are doing and rush to help you at the hospital. When they are not available, they will always refer you to another good doctor.

7.They listen and answer.

When you have questions a good gynaecologist will not brush you off.

They will always listen to you and answer you. You will always be at ease with them. You will not leave their office feeling frustrated, anxious or depressed.

I hope this was helpful, remember to always listen to your sixth sense ladies, your gut is the one thing God gave you that’s always right! Well, I believe.

Listen to it always, especially where it relates to your reproductive health. Sometimes your gut will say NO to a certain doctor, then adhere to it.

If you have any questions regarding what to look out for when choosing a good gynaecologist Obstetrician feel free to leave them in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by.

Xoxo,

Tabby