A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in the health of the female organs. A gynecologist treats patients with female reproductive organs, whether or not they identify as women. They deal with a wide range of issues, including obstetrics, or pregnancy and childbirth, menstruation and fertility issues, sexual transmitted infections, hormone disorders, and others. To become a gynecologist, a person must train first as a doctor for 4 years, then specialize for another 4 years in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology. Passing a further examination will enable them to be certified and registered.

How to Choose gynecologist doctor?

Considering you will be needing her for the entire nine months of pregnancy, delivery and subsequent recovery, let us understand what factors should you consider before you choose a gynecologist.

#1. Check the experience and ask the reputation of the doctor from friends and family.

Yes, reputation and experience matter a lot. Check on the hospital website about the doctor, her qualifications, areas of expertise, and experience. If your gynecologist is not an obstetrician, you might need a different doctor at the time of delivery. So, it is always better to choose a gynecologist who is also an obstetrician.

#2. Availability of the doctor in your city

Check how easily you can get an appointment with the doctor. What would be the typical waiting period for a consultation? You can always plan your routine check-ups by advance planning. You should also clarify the below points with the doctor:

• How does she deal with an emergency? How soon will she be able to attend you?
• Will she respond to phone or text for your non-emergency queries?

#3. Time spent in every consultation.

This is a very important criterion as you would not want a doctor who would rush from one patient to another without pausing. Always choose the one who is relaxed and answers all your queries with patience. She should answer all your queries and conduct all the required check-ups, no matter how busy she is.

#4. Location

Proximity to your place of residence is one of the topmost criteria to choose a doctor.

#6. How friendly they Communicate? 

Your gynecologist should be able to communicate to you in clear and precise language. She should be able to explain all your queries in simple layperson terms and not in complicated medical terms. She should be friendly, responsive and listen to your concerns. She should also keep you updated on how your pregnancy is progressing, if there are any complications or if there are any additional precautions/preparations you need.

#7. Costs

This is also one of the major deciding factors in choosing a gynecologist. Though the consultation charges differ from doctor to doctor, there would not be much difference in delivery charges from doctor to doctor or from hospital to hospital.