Even if there are no concerns, a girl should see a gynecologist at some point in her life in order to make sure that her reproductive organs remain healthy.

Young girls feel more open talking about their intimate and personal health issues to their physician rather than with their parents. 

Therefore it is important to find someone with experience and trust.

So what to look for in a gynecologist? 

To choose the right gynecologist, get referrals, research the gynecologist’s credentials, determine what hospitals they’re affiliated with, and evaluate their values and communication style.   

The rest of this article reveals 4 important factors to help you choose the right gynecologist.

4 Ways To Find the Right Gynecologist 

Here are 4 recommendations to ensure you find the right gynecologist:

1: Get Referrals

The first step towards finding a good gynecologist is to ask people you trust – friends or family members – for recommendations.

You can also ask your general physician for a referral list. 

Some specialists will only see you if you are referred to them by your GP. 

In fact, word of mouth and referrals are often good resources for finding a good gynecologist. 

To narrow your referral list, you should look into the background of each doctor before making an appointment.   

2: Research The Gynecologist’s Credentials

If you are getting treated for a certain health condition, look for a gynecologist with a specialty in treating that particular condition of yours.  

It is best to look for someone who is up to date on the latest medical treatments and procedures, and who has a high level of experience in the field.  

The more experience the gynecologist has, the better treatment and care you will most likely receive. 

Therefore, research the gynecologist’s credentials.

Find out where they have studied and completed their residency, and how many years they have practiced.  

 3: Determine Hospital Quality

Whether you visit the hospital for a regular checkup, or to undergo some treatments or a procedure, hospital quality should be your top priority in terms of care, cleanliness, and survival rate.  

Patients at top-rated hospitals have better survival rates because the doctors working there are more competent. 

So to choose a good gynecologist, make sure that the hospital they’re affiliated with has high quality standards and is located conveniently for you. 

4: Evaluate The Gynecologist’s Values

When meeting a gynecologist for the first time, ask them a question and check how they answer it. 

You need someone who makes you feel comfortable talking openly about your reproductive health and concerns.  

Therefore, choose a well-informed and friendly gynecologist who’s capable of answering all your questions, knows how to manage your anxieties, and provides you with the highest level of care and attention.   

Besides, your gynecologist should recommend the appropriate treatment for your condition and respect your decision-making process.  

Try to find out their opinions and views regarding particular topics such as birth control, abortion, and pregnancy in order to check whether you both share similar values or have opposite standpoints.  

Establish a Good Relationship With Your Gynecologist

A gynecologist is someone who can accompany you throughout different stages in your life from puberty until menopause. 

Therefore, you should find someone experienced with whom you are comfortable discussing your most intimate and personal reproductive health issues. 

Getting recommendations, doing a little background research, and communicating with your gynecologist will help you choose the right one to manage a big portion of your healthcare. 

Sources and References:

1. WebMD. “What Is a General Practitioner?” WebMD, 2020, https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-a-general-practitioner 
2. HealthStandards. “Why Standards Matter.” Health Standards, 2020, https://healthstandards.org/standards/why-standards-matter/
3. Harvard Medical School. “Abortion (Termination Of Pregnancy).” Harvard Health Publishing, 2019, https://www.health.harvard.edu/medical-tests-and-procedures/abortion-termination-of-pregnancy-a-to-z