Photo: euthman / Flickr

Gynaecologists, like death, taxes and dentists, can’t be avoided. While visiting an ob-gyn is very rarely physically uncomfortable, many women find it embarrassing at best. That’s why it’s important to find an ob-gyn who is not only a good doctor, but one you feel safe with too. Many women choose to see private gynaecologists for this very reason. Finding the right ob-gyn can be a matter of trial and error, though, and nobody wants to share their intimate details with a handful of doctors before they find the right fit.

Your needs first

Before setting of on the search for the perfect ob-gyn, you need to be clear on what you need from him or her. All ob-gyns in the UK receive general training, and all are capable of handling a wide range of common women’s health issues, but some doctors choose to specialise in a specific interest.

Whether you see an ob-gyn who specialises in treating women at your stage of life is entirely up to you. Some ob-gyns focus on menopause, for example, while others specialise in adolescent reproductive health. But if you suffer from a particular condition like endometriosis, infertility or cancer, you will definitely need specialist care.

Your GP will be able to recommend a good specialist to you. If possible, ask your GP for the name of more than one specialist ob-gyn. Just because you have a condition that needs expert care doesn’t necessarily mean you have to settle for a doctor you’re not comfortable with.

The gender divide

It should go without saying that men and women make equally good ob-gyns, but some women prefer seeing a female doctor, feeling she will be better able to identify with them. Conversely, other women are more comfortable seeing male ob-gyns. While the gender of your doctor is very unlikely to make a difference to the quality of healthcare he or she will offer, it’s still a good idea to go with your gender preference, if you have one. The most important thing here is your peace of mind.

Word of mouth

Once you’ve decided on whether or not you need a specialist ob-gyn, and you’ve chosen whether you’d like to see a man or a woman (or either), start asking your friends about their doctors. There are plenty of online resources that can help you find the names of doctors, but nothing beats a personal recommendation.

Finally, don’t be afraid to interview a prospective ob-gyn. Ask any questions you’d like answered, no matter how big or small. A doctor who is open to answering questions and can do so without using confusing medical jargon is likely to be superior to one who ducks your questions.

Tags: women