The team of doctors at OB/GYN Specialists of Tulsa, a women’s health group in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is frequently asked to answer questions for friends and patients alike regarding appointments with a gynecologist.
The most common questions include:
- Should every woman see a gynecologist?
- When should a woman start or stop seeing a gynecologist?
- How many times do you have to see a gynecologist?
- Are gynecologists near me accepting new patients?
- What do you look for when choosing a gynecologist?
Any one of the five doctors practicing obstetrics and gynecology at OB/GYN Specialists of Tulsa can easily answer these questions, and all are taking new patients. Patients can choose from among Dr. Sarah Shepherd, Dr. Grant Cox, Dr. Paul Gehring, Dr. Gena Gray, or Dr. Cate Hildebrand.
Here’s a brief Gynecology 101 put together by the team.
Every woman should start seeing a gynecologist when sexually active or by age 21. However, many choose to select and establish a relationship with an OB/GYN before then. No routine exam is required before 21 years old, so many patients at OB/GYN Specialists of Tulsas bring in their high school-age daughters. This allows us to establish rapport and make the girls comfortable with visiting a gynecologist early on. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (our governing body) recommends the first visit starting as early as ages 13-15. Regardless of when visits start, all women should see a gynecologist!
Once a relationship between the physician and the female patient is established, the patient should have yearly visits with her gynecologist for routine well-woman care, potentially including breast and pelvic exams. If scheduling visits to address problems, a patient might see her doctor more often or even get lab or imaging to help diagnose and treat her medical issue.
Many women are nervous when they visit their gynecologist for their yearly exam or a problem visit. It is best to choose an OB/GYN with whom you feel comfortable. Open communication and trust are two important things to look for when choosing a gynecologist. Additionally, having a connection with the doctor is important, too.
Someone once asked me, what is the difference between a gynecologist and an OB/GYN. The answer encompasses what kind of medicine the person practices. A gynecologist takes care of female health issues both in the office and surgically, whereas an OB/GYN does that plus manages pregnant patients and their deliveries.
To set up a visit with one of our specialists, call 918-712-8700.
