Up close and personal
Things to know when choosing a gynecologist
Choosing a gynecologist is like buying new
clothes: They either fit you or not; you either like them or you don’t. The
doctor will examine you from an angle usually reserved only for the most
intimate lover, so be sure you find someone you are real comfortable with. Go
with your gut instinct when you first meet the doctor: Does she (or he) take the
necessary time to make you feel welcome? Can you relax? Does she seem to care
about your health or are you just another person in the waiting room? Do you
feel respected? Can you speak freely?
Some points to consider when shopping for a gynecologist:
Gynecologists and obstetricians (doctors who specialize in delivering babies)
have similar basic training. Docs who provide both kinds of care are called OB/GYNs.
If you want children in the future, you may want to look for an OB/GYN;
otherwise you may prefer a gynecologist (no risk that she may be called off to
deliver a baby five minutes before your scheduled appointment!).
The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology certifies obstetricians and
gynecologists in the United States. Being board-certified means that the
physician has fulfilled all the necessary training requirements. Some
board-certified OB/GYNs further specialize in gynecologic oncology (cancer
treatment), maternal/fetal medicine, reproductive endocrinology and infertility,
and urogynecology/reconstructive pelvic surgery. If you have a specific problem
you may require a specialist; otherwise find a doctor who can provide you with
basic gynecologic care, ideally someone who is board-certified. Many
gynecologists also belong to the American College of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists (ACOG), which offers continuing education and conferences to keep
doctors posted on the newest developments in women’s health.
By the way, Charlottesville has some excellent certified nurse midwives (CNMs)
that can provide all basic gynecologic care themselves. If you need special
treatment or present an unusual problem, CNMs collaborate with physicians. They
also tend to take more time with their patients than busy physicians are often
able to. Family physicians as well as certified nurse practitioners and
physician assistants with experience in women’s health also can take care of
most basic gynecologic needs.
Lucky for us Charlottesville women we have many great gynecologic health
providers. UVA students, you are in good hands at the UVA Student Health Center,
where gynecology director Dr. Christine Peterson tells me that they are happy to
see any student who needs them. They have expertise in birth control, HPV-related
concerns and diseases (including abnormal Pap smears and genital warts), other
sexually transmitted infections, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis,
menstrual abnormalities and vaginitis, as well as pain with sex or other vulvar
pain. They also give referrals to local specialists.
Naturally, as women age, their gynecologic needs change. Menopausal women may
need hormone or alternative therapy to relieve symptoms such as hot flashes,
irritability and night sweats. Also, postmenopausal changes in the vagina
(atrophic vaginitis) and bladder problems are common. Professionals who belong
to the North American Menopause Society generally have a thorough knowledge
about this particular stage of life. You can find a list of NAMS members in
Charlottesville on their website,
www.menopause.org.
If you are a lesbian, you may not be aware that your risk of getting uterine,
breast, cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancer may be increased. This is
partly because lesbians are less likely to get pregnant. Hormones released
during pregnancy and breastfeeding are thought to protect women against some
cancers. Another reason is that many lesbians fear negative reactions from their
doctor if they disclose their sexual orientation. Moreover, they often lack
health insurance because of no domestic partner benefits. As a consequence,
lesbian women often avoid routine health exams and delay seeking care when
health problems occur. But they shouldn’t. Every woman needs regular gynecologic
check-ups.
So keep all these factors in mind when choosing your gynecologist. Identify your
specific needs in advance and inquire about a potential health provider’s
expertise in those areas before you set up your first appointment. And don’t be
shy to ask your girl friends and colleagues for recommendations.
Reprinted from C-Ville Weekly Sugar issue, Fall 2007
www.C-VILLE.com
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