How to Choose a Gynecologist

Unfortunately, society has placed a stigma on women's sexuality and health care; so much so, that women sometimes feel nervous and anxious about a visit to the gynecologist. Choosing a gynecologist should not be a burdensome task. It should be a joyful one.

Instructions

Decide if You Need a Gynecologist Who Is Also a Practicing Obstetrician

1. Decide whether or not you still want to bear children, or at least retain that option. When choosing a gynecologist (or any other physician), it is ideal to choose someone with whom you can establish and maintain a long-term relationship. If you want to have children, you might prefer to choose a gynecologist who is also an obstetrician, because an obstetrician can oversee your health care during your pregnancy. He can also deliver your baby.

2. Adjust your focus from choosing a gynecologist to choosing an obstetrician-gynecologist (ob-gyn), if you have deemed that necessary. Not all gynecologists are also practicing obstetricians. It is important for you to narrow your search to the appropriate group of health care professionals.

3. Decide whether or not you prefer to see a physician who practices within a group. Some women prefer this, particularly when seeing an ob-gyn. One reason is in case a woman's personal ob-gyn is on vacation when her labor starts. In that case, a woman seeing an ob-gyn within a group would have access to several other doctors on call. Other women prefer to focus on their health care during the pregnancy, in which case they do not mind seeing an ob-gyn in private practice.

Decide if You Prefer a Male or Female Gynecologist

1. Ask yourself whether you feel more comfortable being examined by a woman versus a man. You should also make sure you would feel at ease discussing the health-related questions and concerns unique to you as a woman.

2. Consider any past sexual abuse or trauma. Some women who were sexually abused or assaulted by a male may prefer a female gynecologist. Also, although it is rare, there are some cases in which women were sexually abused by their mothers. These women may prefer a male gynecologist. Past abuse or trauma may not have any bearing on whether you prefer a male or female gynecologist.

3. Ask friends your age whether they prefer to see a male or female and why. Consider their feedback, along with your own feelings, and decide which feels more comfortable to you.

Verify Your Health Benefits and Coverage

1. Check your health insurance policy to see what coverage you have to visit a specialist. Most health insurance companies consider the gynecologist a specialist. Unfortunately, many of these companies place tighter restrictions on the amount of coverage a woman can receive for visits to a gynecologist. You get one pap smear per year, for example. Expect other claims to be scrutinized.

2. Call your health insurance company to find out whether or not you need a referral from your primary care physician to see a gynecologist. If you do not need a referral, verify in- and out-of-network benefits and coverage.

3. Obtain a list of gynecologists who you can see if you need such a list to obtain in-network benefits. If you can afford to see any gynecologist (either out of network or without insurance), you can skip this entire section.

Ask for Recommendations and Determine Which Gynecologist Is Best for You

1. Ask friends close to your age for recommendations. Take your friends' advice seriously, especially if they have had children and offer recommendations for a fantastic ob-gyn.

2. Ask your primary care physician for a recommendation. Make sure you ask your primary care doctor why she recommends a certain gynecologist. Ask for specific feedback regarding the gynecologist she recommends.

3. Determine which gynecologist or obstetrician-gynecologist you would like to see on a regular basis. Weigh your personal history and preferences most heavily. If you only feel comfortable seeing a female gynecologist, don't bother going to see one who is male. If you only want to see a gynecologist within 15 minutes from your house, do that. Keep your benefits or budget in mind. Take peoples' recommendations into account.