FINDING AN OBGYN THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU SAW YOUR GYNO?
I know for us people with vaginas, seeing your OB/GYN can either be a great or not so great experience. Almost every person I’ve known has felt the awkwardness of a stranger peeking at your privates and has felt uncomfortable with their legs up high in the stirrups. That initial feeling of awkwardness can either grow or dissipate depending on who is providing your care. That’s why it’s best to find the right OB/GYN for you!
Seeing a gynecologist is an intimate experience. You want to make sure that you see someone you can trust and speak freely about your sexual and reproductive health with. It’s very important that you get checked out every year, even if you don’t have an issue. In fact, it’s recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists that you go annually.
SO, HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT FINDING THE RIGHT OB/GYN FOR YOU? HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO GET YOU STARTED!
ASK FOR REFERRALS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Going online and searching through the sea of OB/GYN’s can be daunting. It helps to ask someone you trust, such as a primary care physician or your family and friends for their recommendations. My OB/GYN (who I travel from NY to NJ for because I love her that much) was recommended to me by a friend!
RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH
Once you have a few names, you can search them up online or on a website such as Healthgrades, ZocDoc, or Vitals to see ratings and reviews on them to help you narrow down your search. Keep in mind what you’re looking for. Do you want an OBGYN who specializes more in obstetrics? (The OB part of the GYN. Those specialized in obstetrics are more concerned with pregnancy, childbirth & post-partum.) Or, are you just looking for someone who specializes in gynecology? Would you prefer to be seen by a man or a woman? Is their office conveniently located in the town where you live? Would you mind traveling? Everybody is different, so take some time to think about your needs when it comes to your care.
CHECK YOUR INSURANCE
Here’s the really important part. Once you find a few OB/GYN’s that meet your needs on paper, double-check that they take your insurance before making an appointment. If they don’t accept your insurance provider, you may have to pay out of pocket, which can add up quickly. In the interest of saving as much money as possible, you’re going to want to see someone who accepts your plan.
Some ways of checking if you’re covered are:
Calling the OB/GYN’s office & asking if they take your insurance
Utilizing your insurance providers website/phone line and looking up the information from there
Seeing if your insurance provider is listed on your doctor’s profile on Healthgrades, DocZoc or Vitals
MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT AND KEEP IN MIND…
Once you’ve found someone who meets your needs on paper & takes your insurance, go ahead and schedule your appointment! Once the day has arrived, keep a few questions for your OB/GYN in mind…
Do they share your values? You’re going to be discussing your sexual health with them and it’s best to make sure they have the same stance on birth control and reproductive rights as you.
How do you feel with them? Can you converse with them in a friendly manner? Does it seem like they are truly taking their time with you and getting to know your needs? A relationship with your OB/GYN can be as intimate as a relationship with your therapist. You’re going to want to feel completely comfortable before committing to being their patient.
How’s their bedside manner? I once had an OB/GYN who was clearly on a tight schedule. It showed in the way she practiced. She didn’t take her time to let me know what she was going to do, she just did it and sent me on my way. I honestly felt like cattle! Needless to say, I never went back there again.
Let me remind you that it’s YOU who makes the choice for your healthcare provider! Take your time with ANY doctor and don’t be scared to ask questions. It’s especially important to be your own advocate for your sexual health. Check-in with yourself before and after your visit. Did you feel that your concerns were heard? Were all of your questions answered? Don’t worry about feeling like your questions or concerns are embarrassing - these are healthcare professionals and they’ve seen/heard it all! At the end of the day, you want to be able to have a comfortable relationship with your OB/GYN. Your health is important, so don’t settle for just any care. Prioritize yourself in all you do, especially when it comes to your sexual health.
JADE
Bresnihan is a MOB contributor! Follow her on instagramand twitter, more of her writing here: therozegolden.com
