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Choosing a Gynecologist That You Don’t Mind Visiting
Choosing any type of doctor can be tedious. After all, this is your health we are talking about. Unfortunately, in some cases, choosing the wrong doctor can be a life altering decision – or a life ending decision. However, women have to be especially picky when choosing a gynecologist. It is sad that many women do not get the annual testing that they require simply because they cannot find a gynecologist that they are comfortable with. Here are some tips to help you find a good gynecologist that you won’t mind visiting once or twice a year.
First, if you still plan to have children, it is probably best to find a gynecologist who is also an obstetrician. This is very important, because establishing a comfortable relationship with either type of doctor is never easy. This way, when you do get pregnant, you won’t have to go through the entire process again, to find an obstetrician – you already have one.
Next, determine whether you are more comfortable with a male gynecologist or a female gynecologist. Many women will instantly say that they prefer a female, while others prefer a male simply because they are uncomfortable being touched in intimate places by another female. This is a very personal decision, and the reasons for your selection between a male and a female doctor really don’t matter – choose the gender that you feel you are most comfortable with, above all else.
Check with your insurance company to see if you have to use specific doctors before you start making the gynecological rounds. Often, this seriously narrows your search. After you know which doctors will work with your insurance coverage, ask friends and family members for references. You can also call the American Medical Association for recommendations, or to find out if a doctor has been sued for malpractice, or has other outstanding complains filed against him or her.
Finally, make an appointment with each of the gynecologists on your list. Make it clear when making the appointment that this is an initial consultation appointment. During this appointment, the doctor should not subject you to an exam. He or she should understand perfectly well that this is a ‘get to know you a bit’ session, and it is very important. This gives you the opportunity to see if you like the doctor, and the doctor the opportunity to gather important medical information about you. You are under no obligation to use a doctor for your routine care after this initial visit if you were not comfortable, through this process, however, you will most likely find the gynecologist that you want for your healthcare.
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