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By Jenilee Matz, M.P.H., Staff Writer
An obstetrician-gynecologist, or ob-gyn, can be a woman's medical partner for most of her life. From puberty to post-menopause, ob-gyns care for all women's reproductive health issues.
When an ob-gyn can help
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says all women 21 and over should see their ob-gyn at least once a year. ACOG suggests that women first see an ob-gyn between age 13 and 15, before becoming sexually active.
Your ob-gyn will play a vital role in your health care throughout your fertile years and after menopause. Some of the health issues an ob-gyn can help with include:
- Irregular or painful periods.
- Birth control.
- Sexually transmitted diseases.
- Pain, itching or burning around the vagina or lower abdomen.
- Fertility issues.
- Preconception health.
- Pregnancy and prenatal care.
- Perimenopause symptoms, like hot flashes and vaginal dryness
- Post-menopause health.
- Cancer screenings. Pap tests are used to check for cervical cancer. Clinical breast exams check for breast cancer.
- Acne.
- Weight issues.
- General health.
How to find an ob-gyn
Having an ob-gyn you trust and feel comfortable with is a must. This doctor will need to know your most intimate health issues.
Follow these five steps to find a doctor:
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Consider the type of doctor you need. Most women's reproductive health doctors are trained in both obstetrics and gynecology, though they might choose to practice only one aspect of women's care
- Obstetrics is a surgical specialty that focuses on women and children during pregnancy, labor and delivery and the first six weeks postpartum.
- Gynecology involves all women's health issues, including care of the uterus, vagina, ovaries and breasts.
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Check with your health insurance provider. Contact your health insurance provider to see what ob-gyns in your area accept your plan.
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Ask around. Your primary care doctor, a friend or family member can offer suggestions. If someone you know likes their ob-gyn, you may too. This is not a given, though.
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Call the doctor's office. You can learn a lot about a doctor's practice by speaking with his or her staff. See how you interact with the office assistant when you make the call. Is the office staff helpful and professional? Ask the office assistant these questions:
- Are you accepting new patients?
- The logistics: What are your office hours? Where are you located? Is there enough parking?
- Is the doctor board certified? How long has the doctor been practicing?
- How far ahead do I need to schedule a routine check-up?
- How long does the typical visit last?
- Is the doctor a male or female? Some women feel more comfortable with female ob-gyns.
- If I have a question, can the doctor or a nurse give advice by phone?
- Does the doctor take phone calls after hours?
- Is the doctor in a group practice? If so, can you meet with them, too? You may feel more at ease if you meet all doctors beforehand.
- What hospital is the doctor affiliated with? It's important to know the reputation and location of the hospital.
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Schedule a visit. The best way to find out if a doctor is right for you is to meet her or him in person. You'll know fairly quickly if you get along:
- Is the doctor easy to talk to? Does he encourage you to ask questions and show you respect? Does she answer your questions clearly?
- Do you agree with his philosophies? For example, do you feel the same way about hormone therapy for menopause? Does she treat ailments right away or take more of a "wait and see" approach?
Making your choice
If you don't mesh well with the first doctor you meet, trust your gut. Call another office and schedule another visit. You want to have an ob-gyn with whom you are comfortable.
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This article was reviewed and updated
08-01-2009.
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