What is a gynecologist?

A Gynecologist is a doctor who treats  diseases and medical conditions of  the Female reproductive system comprising of the uterus, the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the vulva and vagina and also the breasts. Most gynecologists are also obstetricians – meaning that they also  look after pregnant women with both normal and complicated pregnancies.

What conditions are managed by gynecologists?

Different medical conditions treated by gynecologists:

Pregnancy related:

-       Normal Pregnancy

-       Complicated pregnancy

-       Normal Childbirth

-       Complicated Childbirth

-       Normal Postpartum

-       Complicated postpartum.

Gynecology related:

-       Problems with Menstruation and Puberty, including delayed puberty or precocious puberty.

-       Menopause Problems, including Hormone Replacement therapy (HRT)

Infertility, especially female infertility

-       Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

-       Endometriosis

-       Sexually transmitted Diseases like Chlamydia, Trichomoniasis, HIV, Syphilis etc.

-       Vaginitis including yeast infection and Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

-       Family planning, including contraception, sterilization, and pregnancy termination (Abortion, MTP)

-       Tumors of the reproductive tract like Fibroids, Polyps and ovarian tumors.

-       Cancers of the uterus, ovaries and vagina

-       Emergency care related to gynecology

-       Sexual Dysfunction

 At what age should you see a gynecologist?

Most women visit a gynecologist only when she has a problem. Or when she is pregnant. But it is not necessary to wait for life changing events like puberty,  pregnancy or menopause to see your doctor. Ideally, the first gynecological visit should be between 13-15 years  for a thorough checkup  to ensure a normal reproductive health and for vaccines against HPV like Gardasil.

How to choose your gynecologist?

When you have a gynecological problem and wish to discuss  it with a gynecologist, you have the choice of consulting online or offline at her clinic.

Online  consultation is convenient  since you can do it from the comfort of your home and at any time during the day. You can also consult a gynecologist who has her clinic far away from your place.

Offline and  direct consultation has the advantage of allowing the gynecologist to examine you to come to a diagnosis .

Research your options well and consult a gynecologist who is empathic and with whom you feel free to discuss even very personal and intimate issues.

Check out the doctor’s credentials, qualifications and feedback by other patients. Check if the website you are on highlights the doctor’s areas of interest and duration of experience  in obstetrics and gynecology.

You can ask around among your friends, family, colleagues or talk to your own general physician – very often you may get a  good recommendation. They may even have consulted the gynecologist  online or at her clinic with  a satisfactory experience.

If the address of her clinic is mentioned on the website, think about how far it is from your place and whether it would be easier and more convenient  to consult online.

Consultation online will also help you save hours in waiting for an appointment and then waiting at the clinic since you will be able to consult her at any time .

So, what should you look for in a gynecologist? How to choose a gynecologist?

Look for:

-       Experience in her field of study – check how many years she has been in private practice.

-       Trust and comfort

-       Empathy and  a non-judgemental attitude

-       Willingness to answer all your questions patiently

-       Is she friendly and responsive to your queries?

-       Does she seem up to date in her field?

-       Which hospital(s) she is affiliated with

Many women prefer female gynecologists since it is often easier to discuss intimate problems with her – a female gynecologist is also more likely to understand the seriousness of your problems and why you are so worried about them.

 Reasons to see a gynecologist:

You should see a gynecologist if you have any of the following symptoms:

-       You have missed your period – The first cause for a missed period is a pregnancy. Visit a gynecologist to confirm the pregnancy. Then discuss whether you want to continue with the pregnancy or want to go for an abortion.
If you want to continue with your pregnancy, your gynecologist will order blood and urine tests like a complete blood count (CBC), tests  to rule out anemia,  check  blood sugar and vitamin D levels, check your blood group  etc . A urine test to rule out infections is also necessary. An ultrasound may also be ordered , if necessary.

-       If you do not want to continue with the pregnancy,  you will need to discuss options for a medical or a surgical abortion.

-       Irregular periods – If your periods are irregular, you may be suffering from conditions like PCOS, hypothyroidism, high Prolactin levels and also sometimes anemia (a low hemoglobin level . Ovarian cysts can also cause delayed or irregular periods.

-       Increased bleeding during periods – Excessive bleeding during the periods can  be due to infections causing pelvic inflammatory diseases or ovarian causes or other hormonal causes.

-       Severe pain during the periods – may be due to conditions like endometriosis.

-       If you want to delay your periods due to any reason.

-       Unable to conceive ( infertility)

-       Menopausal symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, excessive sweating.

-       Vaginitis causing excessive vaginal discharge or itching of the vulva and vagina

-       Growths in the vulva or vagina – a common growth being Genital wart due to HPV infection.

-       Signs and symptoms of Genital herpes.

-       If you want   contraceptive advice regarding birth control pills, condoms , rhythm method , IUD’s.

-       Any pain or lump in the abdomen – these may indicate tumors on the uterus or the ovaries.

-       If you have breast pain or a breast lump. You can also visit a gynecologist for a routine breast examination even if you do not have any breast problem.

-       If you want vaccines for HPV like Gardasil

- Other health issues like pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, other urinary tract issues or premenstrual syndrome

What are the doctor’s charges?

Different doctors charge differently for the consultation.  Ask around or call the clinic directly to ask about charges. Online consultation charges will be mentioned on the website.

Whether you want to consult online or at the clinic, it is about your health and your body so consult a gynecologist you will be happy with and satisfied with the advice.

 Can I chat with gynecologist online ?

Yes, you can chat with a gynecologist online. Contact her over her own website or over one she is affiliated do and post your question. Get professional medical advice, a second opinion and also  discuss any reports of blood and ultrasound you may have with you.

Will you get a prescription from your gynecologist online?

Yes, very often,  depending on the circumstances, you may get a prescription from your gynecologist online. Some medicines do not need a prescription and can  be bought at any pharmacy. But  medicines which needs a  prescription will be available only after you have seen your gynecologist at least once for a physical examination. Once the first visit is done and the gynecologist  knows your medical health problems, she can then give you a prescription.

 How to find a gynecologist near me?

The best way to find a gynecologist near you is by searching on the internet. You can also ask friends, family and neighbors for a referral. Alternatively, you can chat with a gynecologist online and if you are happy  with her, you can then visit her in her clinic.

 What to expect at the gynecologists clinic:

 What happens at the gynecologist’s office will depend on  the reason for the visit.

 The gynecologist will take a thorough history – including family history of any conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, infertility  and breast disease. A family history of  diabetes and hypothyroidism may also be necessary.

A detailed history of the signs and symptoms for which you have come to the clinic will be taken. It is necessary to be absolutely honest  at this stage. An open discussion will go a long way at coming to a correct diagnosis.  Do not hesitate to mention any unprotected sexual  contacts   these have increased risks of sexually transmitted diseases (STD).

You will then be examined – pulse, blood pressure,  a check for   general body health, including for body weight and pallor ( which will indicate anemia). Palpation of the abdomen as well as the groin is necessary.

An examination of the  vulva for sores  blisters, growths and change in color  and an internal examination of  the vagina will be done. The internal examination may be a little uncomfortable but please relax – this will be done for your own good.

You will then receive a list of the medical tests you need to get done as well as a prescription of medicines. You may be called back for a review after a few days or weeks.

 If you get a period on the day of your appointment, a proper vaginal examination may not be possible and you  may be called back after the period is over.

  A pap smear  may be advised . This may be done in the clinic or may be done at a diagnostic laboratory nearby.

The breasts may also need to be examined, especially if there is a breast issue like lumps or breast pain.

Do gynecologist examine both male and female reproductive systems?

No, gynecologists examine and treat only female reproductive system and health. Doctors who manage health of the male reproductive system and urinary system are called urologists.

Can males become gynecologists?

Yes, males can and do become gynecologists. Study in obstetrics and gynecology is open to all doctors.

Can I ask to be seen only by a female gynecologist?

Yes, you can. If you feel that you will be more comfortable discussing about pregnancy and childbirth or about your sexual health with a female doctor, please ask to consult a female gynecologist.

What should you not do before seeing a gynecologist?

• As far as possible, avoid seeing your gynecologist when you are on your period.

• Do not douche

• Preferably, avoid having sex the night before.

• Be on a tight schedule since your doctor may order tests while you are at the hospital.

  How to Prepare for a Visit to the Gynecologist

• Keep all your medical reports with you

• Maintain a timetable of your menstrual cycle

• Keep a record of your last menstrual cycle.

• Carry a record of all hormones you have taken at any time - including birth control pills and other contraceptive methods including emergency contraceptives.

• Come prepared with a list of questions you want to ask your doctor about your reproductive health.

Is it necessary to see a gynecologist after age 70?

Yes, even after the age of 60 years and when the menopause has set in, a woman will need to see het gynecologist. it is recommended that a woman consult her gynecologist every three years to check for health conditions like changes in the vulva or vagina and urinary problems like incontinence.

 How to become a gynecologist?

 To become a gynecologist, a doctor needs to first get qualified with a bachelor’s degree in medical health ( In India, this degree is called MBBS) from a medical college. Then she/he has to study for another 3 years to get a post-graduate degree  in Obstetrics and Gynecology. You may need further training in subjects like Infertility, gynecological oncology, maternal fetal medicine and pediatric gynecology.

Choosing the right gynecologist , online or at the clinic is very important – she is an important member of your healthcare team  and you need to consult someone who is empathic and with you feel comfortable.