To many women, gynecologist consultations are awkward and invasive, to the point that they try to avoid routine appointments and checkups. However, gynecologist visits are very important for women of all ages. It isn't infrequent for patients to feel less comfortable discussing their reproductive health in the presence of a man. Therefore, it may be a good idea to book a consultation with a female doctor. The number of female doctors in Australia has recently surpassed that of males, so it is now easier than ever to find a female specialist for your OB/GYN needs.
Female Doctors Will Provide The Soft Touch First Visits Require
Early gynecologist visits can be daunting because, for many young women, they entail the unknown. Patients around menstruating age should begin seeing an OB/GYN to prepare them for their upcoming bodily changes. If you are the parent to a teenager, you must know how challenging it can be to approach the topics of sex, menstruation and pregnancy in a safe, constructive exchange. This is where your female gynecologist will come in.
Gynecologists are trained to provide basic counselling to even the youngest of their patients. They will know how to create a conducive environment for young girls to feel comfortable discussing their first sexual experiences (or lack thereof) and new bodily occurrences (breast growth, the release of vaginal fluids, etc.). Female gynecologists will also provide adequate guidance as to safe sex, preparing and dealing with painful periods and necessary exams that will prevent the development of possible reproductive illnesses in the future.
Relatability As A Key Component Of Doctor-Patient Relationships
At some point in your medical consultation, you are likely to wonder whether your medical professional can relate to the sensations or symptoms you are describing. This ability to relate to the patient as a fellow human who has likely encountered similar physical discomforts at some point in their life is essential. This is the reason doctors are encouraged to show their attentiveness by remaining silent during consultations; however, there are limits to the level of relatability body language can feign.
When discussing bodily changes associated with puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, female doctors are likely better equipped to relate and understand the descriptions of your symptoms. They will know to show empathy when period discomfort is mentioned and will have an inherent advantage in the diagnosis of conditions they have surmounted themselves.
A Concluding Word
When it comes to reproductive health, it is understandable that many women seek female doctors for both routine exams and consultations. Generally, you can expect a more comfortable experience with a doctor whose body can experience the same changes as yours has gone, is going or will go through. And if apprehension is getting in the way of a first OB/GYN visit, remember that women's "soft touch" will also definitely come in handy when dealing with nervous clients.
Contact medical practitioners in your area to learn more.
