How to choose the gynecologist
Let's talk seriously: of all the visits, the gynecological one is the most intimate, the most emotionally difficult, the most embarrassing ... so it is good to choose your doctor carefully. Here are some tips on how to choose the gynecologist.
How to find a gynecologist
If you have no problem and you want to do a simple periodic check, the "pass-word"Of one or more friends who are satisfied with the relationship established with their gynecologist, man or woman, is sufficient. If you have specific problems, it will be good to choose, with the help of the family doctor, perhaps, the best specialist in that field.
Word of mouth can be very effective: listen to the opinions of friends or sisters and book a visit. The first impression is important because a relationship of trust must be established with the gynecologist and one must feel free to speak openly and without embarrassment. Alternatively you can contact the consulting room in your neighborhood and get to know the gynecologists who work there.
How to choose the right gynecologist
In the past, the gynecologist was only consulted during pregnancy, or when the patient complained of problems. Now, fortunately, it does more prevention, essential for diagnosing, treating, but above all to avoid the onset of any pathologies, infections or inflammations of the genital system. And if one first visit it is recommended with the onset of the first menstrual cycle, it is to be considered essential after the very first sexual intercourse.
After an interview, an excellent gynecologist should proceed with the practical examination.
Should visit:
- the thyroid gland;
- the breasts and armpits preferably in the period following menstruation
- the abdomen;
- the external genitalia;
- the state of the perivaginal muscles;
- if the woman has pain or burning during sexual intercourse, she should diagnose the "pain map"
- cervix and uterus and ovaries
L'examination of the internal genitals is carried out with the so-called bimanual palpation. It is performed with the patient in a gynecological position, that is, lying on the bed with her legs apart and with her thighs resting on thigh supports. The gynecologist introduces the index or index and middle fingers of the right hand into the vagina until they touch the cervix, while with the left hand he palpates the lower part of the abdomen. If the patient has not yet had intercourse and it is painful to insert a finger into the vagina, a rectal examination can be performed by inserting the index finger into her rectum. Through the visit it is possible to evaluate the size and consistency of the internal sexual organs (uterus and ovaries), and the possible presence of pain on palpation.
Sometimes the visit may not give sufficient information to exclude the presence of pathologies, either because the patient does not tolerate it and does not relax the abdominal muscles, or because too much abdominal fat makes it difficult to palpate the organs. Also in this case it may be necessary to resort to other tests.
If the woman has already had relationships, will complete the examination with the evaluation of the cervix using the vaginal mirror (a tool that allows you to view it). Before inserting it, he will take care to choose a small size, to gently spread his lips and ask the patient to push lightly: this stretches the muscles surrounding the vagina and facilitates insertion, avoiding the discomfort or pain that many women try. Many also use a light lube.
The doctor will then do the pap smear, a collection of cells useful for the early diagnosis of any pre-tumor and tumor lesions. Many doctors also doechography, which however can never replace a thorough gynecological examination!
The evaluation of the blood pressure and possibly body weight complete the physical exam.
For all the steps you just need to stay relaxed and "soft" and you will feel absolutely no pain, at most a slight discomfort ... more than bearable.
If you are in front of a good gynecologist here is what you will be asked:
- family history: most important diseases that appeared in the family of origin
- Past medical history: diseases you have suffered from in the past, allergies
- physiological history:
- age of onset of the first menstruation;
- flow characteristics;
- menstrual irregularities or blocking of menstruation;
- painful menstruation;
- possible premenstrual syndrome (PMS);
- date of last menstruation: write it down in your diary !;
- "How's your sex life?"
- contraceptive method chosen, if having intercourse, unless the woman is looking for children.
- any pregnancies or miscarriages
- lifestyle
- proximate medical history: that is the disorders for which you are there at that time unless it is a routine visit
Private or public gynecologist pregnancy?
The difference can basically only be economic: a private gynecologist will of course be paid for each visit, which is usually monthly, and for each ultrasound that he does. The hospital gynecologist will comply with the maximum number of checks provided for by the guidelines established by the Ministry of Health: generally aultrasound every quarter for physiological pregnancies, but in the clinic you will come into contact with the midwives who will be able to visit every month.
At the time of birth, however, you will not be sure that the gynecologist who followed you during the pregnancy will be present because there may be another one.
Gynecologist and obstetrician
They are two completely different figures.
- Il gynecologist is a doctor specialized in obstetrics and gynecology who can perform cesarean delivery and is indispensable for twin pregnancies or those at risk
- L'midwife follow the physiological pregnancy taking into account not only the more medical aspects related to pregnancy and the fetus, but also the psychological aspects of the mother and the couple. Generally the midwife is chosen (and becomes an indispensable figure) when the woman wants a pregnancy and a birth as natural as possible and less medicalized. Furthermore, the midwife will certainly be present in the delivery room if she gives birth in the hospital, while the gynecologist may not be the one who followed the pregnancy in the nine months.
Pregnancy how to be followed in the hospital
We often think, wrongly, that the country does not offer great opportunities from a medical point of view while in reality we are one of the countries in the world with the best health care (which is also free) and among the lowest rates of neonatal mortality and maternal. That said, it is worth giving public health services a chance when you discover that you are pregnant. How to proceed?
- Contact your local clinic where you will be given an appointment and you will make the first visit with ultrasound with the gynecologist;
- you will know midwives who organize preparatory courses and will follow you for all 9 nine months and will do the monthly checks;
- you will give birth in the hospital.
- disadvantages of this choice are essentially two:
- the gynecologist who visits you will not always be the same
- when you give birth you will probably be followed by another gynecologist, who will be on duty on that date.
Private gynecologist and hospital delivery
Some private gynecologists They also operate in the hospital, so if you want to give birth in a public facility and be followed by a private gynecologist, you can always find a figure of this type. Alternatively, you can choose to rely on a private gynecologist for all pregnancy checks and then give birth in the hospital where you feel safer.
Pregnancy clinic or private gynecologist?
As we said, the choice belongs only to the future mother. The factors to consider are essentially:
- budget: undoubtedly the pregnancy followed by the private gynecologist will cost more;
- natural pregnancy: a woman who wants a birth as natural as possible will rely on the clinic because she will come into close contact with the midwives, who follow the pregnancy from many aspects, both medical and more strictly psychological, and will have access only to the visits and examinations provided by the National Health Service . If mom is more anxious, a private gynecologist will certainly be the right choice because he will always answer the phone, will be available to answer all questions and to visit the future mother whenever there is a need;
- type of pregnancy: many think that a high-risk pregnancy should be followed by a private gynecologist. Undoubtedly, many are experts in their field, but in the event of complications, hospital delivery is more recommended and safer.
How many gynecological visits during pregnancy
If you opt for a private gynecologist, medical examinations will be done every month as well as follow-up ultrasound scans. If you go to the clinic every month you will be able to meet the midwife, who is perfectly able to check the progress of the pregnancy, while there will be three ultrasound scans, one for each trimester.
