Q&A
Choosing A Gynaecologist
Question:
I'm in my mid-twenties and just got married. I'm thinking of seeing a gynaecologist for advice on women's matters such as conception and routine screenings. My aunts and colleagues each gave rave reviews about their gynae but I don't know who to listen to. How do I go about finding the right specialist? 
Many women, like you, have plenty of relatives, colleagues and friends who are more than willing to make recommendations, but obviously what is the 'right choice' for one may not be the same for another. Because this is mostly a personal choice based on the efficiency of treatment as well as how comfortable you are with each other, eventually you will still have to decide for yourself which gynaecologist is best for your needs. Here are some pointers to consider:
Obstetricians or gynaecologists?
First of all, make sure you are seeing the right specialist who can provide you with the service you want. Obstetricians provide prenatal care and deliver babies; gynaecologists are physicians who specialize in treating women's reproductive health problems; OB-GYNs do all of the above.
Objective recommendations
Most women will ask their relatives, close friends or colleagues for recommendations, and that's very useful if you want first-hand accounts from the patients themselves. But if you're looking for a more objective opinion, it would be wiser to seek recommendations from your family physician who will be able to give unbiased advice.
Personal preferences
The doctor's credentials aside, you will also have to decide on softer issues such as whether you feel more comfortable seeing a male or female gynaecologist and other preferences such as the doctor's bedside manners, age and race. This is very subjective and really depends on your personal preferences and cultural beliefs.
Rapport
As gynaecological consultation typically involves examining the intimate areas, you should see someone you are comfortable with. This way, you'll also feel more at ease discussing matters with your gynae, especially sensitive ones like sexuality.
It is important you feel that your questions are sufficiently addressed and all options are taken into consideration. You should also be given a realistic expectation of success rates of the treatment and made aware of the risk of any side effects or complications.
Ultimately, it's about who you are more comfortable with and whom you trust. If you are uncertain, always seek a second or third opinion. But once you've found a gynae with whom you have a good rapport, it's best not to 'doctor-hop'.
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