How do I find a gynecologist?

How do I find a gynaecologist?

You may already have heard mention of a few gynaecologists near where you live. Recommendations from your circle of friends indicate a good relationship of trust, but the choice is always a personal one. You are dealing, after all, with a very intimate and private part of your own body and your own life.

The first thing to do is to find out which gynaecologists are available and accepting new patients. The Comparis medical directory includes an up-to-date list.

If you have found a gynaecologist, but they are not taking any new patients at the moment, it is also worth asking them for a recommendation. Specialists in the same area know their colleagues, and can generally point you in the direction of someone with high standards and a good patient manner. Another option is to ask your own family doctor for a recommendation, because they often work with gynaecologists.

What makes a good gynaecologist?

In addition to professional credentials in gynaecology and obstetrics, interpersonal skills are enormously important in a gynaecologist. Trust between you and your doctor is at the heart of all successful consultations and treatment.

A good gynaecologist will…

• take care of your general well-being and take a preventive approach to your healthcare;

• ask how you are feeling and if there is anything you are worried about before any examination or treatment;

• focus completely on your needs and advise or treat you the best way they can. Regardless of any personal feelings, they will not judge you in any way;

• only conduct examinations and tests with your consent;

• be mindful in physical examinations and will not make you feel uncomfortable;

• always tell you in advance of what they are going to do, and explain why;

• fully respect your privacy (doctor-patient confidentiality) and not talk about your condition or test results in front of other patients;

• respect your personal boundaries. You will only have to undress or change if it is necessary and you can do so in a screened-off area. In addition, you should never have to be naked in front of your gynaecologist. You should only have to undo or remove the top or bottom half of your clothing, depending on the examination in question;

• ensure that you get an appointment as quickly as possible if the matter is urgent;

• tell you about the risks involved in any test, and what it will cost if it is not covered by basic insurance. Patients must pay for certain tests themselves, such as amniocentesis during pregnancy to test for Down's syndrome.

Is it better to have a male or a female gynaecologist?

The gender question is a justified one, because gynaecological examinations and treatment are generally very intimate. There is no single answer, however. In Switzerland, women make up two-thirds of gynaecologists and obstetricians. No specific differences have been found where professional credentials and interpersonal skills are concerned, however. Empathy and trust are a personal thing, and ultimately more decisive than the doctor's gender.