Common Mistakes Made When Selecting a Gynaecologist

Medical treatment is a personal matter, and at times there may be some hesitancy in discussing the symptoms, history and possible causes of ailments with a doctor. This is a tendency that must be fought against – unless the doctor is given all the information that the patient possesses, a proper diagnosis and formulation of an effective treatment plan are hindered. A diagnosis begins with information given by the patient, and the more detailed and accurate it is, the better equipped the doctor is to devise a treatment plan. Having confidence in the doctor makes a frank and open discussion of medical issues easier for both the patient and the doctor.

Many women feel uncomfortable discussing their gynaecological issues. This reluctance is against the patient’s own best interests.

Getting to know about the doctor you are consulting on a gynaecological matter is the foundation of an effective and successful patient-doctor relationship. The best way to achieve this is by knowing what questions to ask when deciding on your gynaecologist.

Mistakes to Avoid

Your relationship with your doctor, whether a gynaecologist or another specialist, is a professional one and as a potential patient, you have not just the right, but also a duty to ask for information that will allow you to make the right choice. To that end, here are a few basic issues/questions to keep in mind when deciding on a gynaecologist.

• Do Not Choose Based on Gender: Your comfort level with your gynaecologist is paramount. For some women, that may mean only consulting a female gynaecologist. There is nothing wrong with that. However, limiting yourself to only female doctors should not prevent you from receiving the best possible medical care because you have not considered the option of a male gynaecologist. The qualifications, experience and abilities of the doctors are the prime consideration, not whether the gynaecologist is male or female.
• Do Not Choose Based on Age: There is a common belief that an older doctor is going to be better than a young one. While the older doctor may have more years of experience behind him or her, that does not automatically make them better doctors than a gynaecologist who is as well-qualified but younger. If you feel more comfortable with an older doctor, fine. But if you find that you are comfortable with a younger one, that is just as good. If you are going to the gynaecology department of a leading hospital, you can be confident that the doctors there are the best, irrespective of age.
• Convenience Is Good, but Not Essential: Having a gynaecologist who is close to your home or office may be convenient, especially if transportation poses problems. While convenience is an important factor in choosing a doctor, it must not compromise the quality of medical care. For example, if there is a gynaecologist that you feel will provide you with the best care but he/she is located some distance away, the extra traveling time may be worth it. Besides the quality of the care, the confidence and peace of mind that come from having a gynaecologist you are comfortable with and in whom you have confidence will more than compensate for the extra travel.

• Consider Both Qualifications and Experience: We have already discussed the matter of experience. The issue of qualifications is equally, if not more important. Gynaecology is a highly specialized field of medicine. Check on the qualifications of the doctor and once you are satisfied, ask for an appointment.
• Do Not Forget Reputation: This refers to not just the doctor but also to the hospital where he or she is based. A hospital that is known for providing the highest standards of patient care and for offering access to the best and latest medical practices and technologies is obviously the right choice.
• A Multispecialty Hospital Is the Best Choice: No field of medicine is isolated from others. Any medical condition may be impacted by other health issues and vice versa. This is as true in gynaecology as anywhere else. Going to a multispecialty hospital means that if other specialists can contribute to the treatment of your gynaecological ailment, they will be available when required. And in a leading hospital, they will be the best in their fields.
• The Experience of Others: In India, perhaps more than in other parts of the world, we are influenced by the experiences of others when it comes to choosing our doctors. This can be useful, but it should not be the sole criterion for your choice of doctor. For example, one person may feel more comfortable with a doctor who takes the time to put a patient at ease, while another may prefer one who is direct and to the point without taking any extra time. Both approaches are good, but what suits one patient may not suit another, which could be the reason for a negative impression. Use the experiences of others as a starting point, but do not make it the only reason for your choice of doctor. Use your own judgment.

As a patient, you have a right to all the information that is relevant to your medical problem, and the doctor and the hospital/clinic are required to provide this to you. Asking for this information is your right and there is no need to be hesitant about it. Your confidence in your gynaecologist and the treatment facilities that will be available to you will play a significant role in your care and recovery. For this reason, going to the gynaecology department of a leading multispecialty hospital is the best choice. This is where you will find not only the best gynaecologists, but also the most advanced and effective diagnostic and treatment tools. When you have confidence in your doctors and the quality of the treatment you will receive, it will make a positive impact on your recovery and future good health. For those in and around the Puducherry area, New Medical Centre is the first choice for the best medical care.

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Common Questions About Choosing the Right Gynaecologist

1. Why is it important to choose the right gynaecologist?

   Choosing the right gynaecologist ensures you receive accurate diagnosis, compassionate care, and personalized treatment. A comfortable, trusting doctor–patient relationship encourages open communication, which is vital for effective treatment and long-term women’s health.

2. What qualifications should I look for in a gynaecologist?

   Your gynaecologist should hold an MBBS degree with a postgraduate specialization in obstetrics and gynaecology (MD, DGO, or MS). Additional training, certifications, or hospital affiliations with reputed institutions are added advantages.

3. Why is choosing a multispecialty hospital recommended?

   Gynaecological issues can sometimes be linked to other medical conditions like hormonal imbalances, thyroid disorders, or diabetes. A multispecialty hospital ensures that other specialists are readily available to provide coordinated and holistic care.

4. Is it normal to feel hesitant discussing gynaecological issues?

   Yes, many women feel shy or embarrassed, but remember—gynaecologists are trained professionals who deal with these issues daily. Being open and honest about your symptoms helps ensure accurate diagnosis and better treatment outcomes.

5. How often should I visit a gynaecologist for routine checkups?

   Even if you’re healthy, you should schedule a routine checkup once a year. Regular visits help detect early signs of issues like PCOS, infections, or cervical abnormalities before they become serious.