Tips on Choosing a Gynecologist
Choosing a gynecologist is an important part of your gynecological health. Whether you are experiencing troublesome symptoms, are thinking about starting a family or it’s time for your yearly feminine checkup, a gynecologist can perform an examination and address any concerns you might have about your reproductive system.
There are several things to keep in mind that can help you choose the right gynecologist. You want to find a doctor you can trust and who is familiar with any special issues that are important to you, such as fertility supplements for women, egg health or getting pregnant after 40. Keep these tips on choosing a gynecologist in mind as you conduct your search so you can feel confident in the care you receive for your reproductive health.
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1. Get Recommendations
When you begin your search for a gynecologist, ask other women you trust for recommendations. This includes friends, especially if they face the same reproductive or vaginal health issues as you are experiencing. Your primary care doctor or female relatives are also valuable resources. Recommendations are extremely helpful in choosing a gynecologist because the women you speak to are more likely to be honest about their experiences.
They may tell you the name of the practitioner who helped them address their fertility issues, or they might warn you to stay away from a doctor who made them feel uncomfortable or judged. Gather a list of recommendations and make notations of what is said about each gynecologist. Ask questions about their bedside manner and qualifications, and write this information down.
Read: Steps to Ensure Women’s Health
2. Read Reviews
When looking for a gynecologist, it is a good idea to find their profile online and read the reviews. Healthgrades.com is a user-friendly review resource that breaks down the practitioner’s profile into at-a-glance sections and detailed patient reviews. Vitals.com is another good resource for investigating gynecologist reviews. This site provides a quick facts section that gives you an overall rating and factual information, including their hospital affiliation, years of practicing and specialty areas.
Take note of any recurring patient comments, both good and bad. Also, pay close attention to the factors that are important to you when reading reviews. Review sites often ask patients to rate their visit based on wait time, trustworthiness, office environment, staff attitude and convenience of scheduling. If one of these is more important to you than others, check out what people say about that particular element to judge whether the practitioner would be a good fit for you.
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