Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsConditions TreatedSeeing a GynecologistDuring an AppointmentFinding a GynecologistTraining and Certification
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Conditions Treated
Seeing a Gynecologist
During an Appointment
Finding a Gynecologist
Training and Certification
A gynecologist is a healthcare provider who specializes in treating issues related to female reproductive health, while an obstetrician-gynecologist (ob-gyn) additionally practices pregnancy and delivery-related care.
Gynecologists provide a broad range of diagnostic and preventive care—from treating conditions like endometriosis, pelvic organ prolapse, and urinary tract conditions to offering Pap smears, breast exams, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, and birth control. They are also trained in pregnancy planning, infertility, and other reproductive issues.
Visiting a gynecologist for the first time or for a routine checkup can cause some anxiety, but learning about this healthcare provider’s expertise in discussing, treating, and supporting your sexual and reproductive health may help put any anxiety at ease.
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A Note on Gender and Sex TerminologyVerywell Health acknowledges thatsex and genderare related concepts, but they are not the same. To reflect our sources accurately, this article uses terms like “female,” “male,” “woman,” and “man” as the sources use them.
A Note on Gender and Sex Terminology
Verywell Health acknowledges thatsex and genderare related concepts, but they are not the same. To reflect our sources accurately, this article uses terms like “female,” “male,” “woman,” and “man” as the sources use them.
Gynecology and Conditions Treated
A gynecologist can diagnose and treat numerous issues related to reproductive health, commonly including irregular menstrual bleeding,vaginal infections, STIs, and infertility concerns.
As some general examples, gynecologists can also treat the following:
In addition, they can perform many different types ofin-office procedures, like:
Outpatient surgical procedures that some gynecologists may practice include:
While the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) offers clinical guidance on healthcare for transgender and gender-diverse people and urges practitioners to provide inclusive patient care—know that not all gynecologists may be knowledgeable about or able to discussgender-affirming careextensively.
For resources, information, or potential referrals related to gender-affirming reproductive care, consider checking with your insurance provider (if accessible to you) or your local Planned Parenthood.
Gynecologist vs. Obsetrician-GynecologistGynecologists specialize in treating conditions related to female reproductive health.Ob-gynsspecialize in treating reproductive-related conditions—and are also trained in pregnancy and delivery care.Many gynecologists are trained asob-gynsbut choose to practice only gynecology.Healthcare providers may also use a team approach, with other medical professionals such as physician assistants or nurse practitioners performing exams and screenings.
Gynecologist vs. Obsetrician-Gynecologist
Gynecologists specialize in treating conditions related to female reproductive health.Ob-gynsspecialize in treating reproductive-related conditions—and are also trained in pregnancy and delivery care.Many gynecologists are trained asob-gynsbut choose to practice only gynecology.Healthcare providers may also use a team approach, with other medical professionals such as physician assistants or nurse practitioners performing exams and screenings.
Gynecologists specialize in treating conditions related to female reproductive health.Ob-gynsspecialize in treating reproductive-related conditions—and are also trained in pregnancy and delivery care.
Many gynecologists are trained asob-gynsbut choose to practice only gynecology.Healthcare providers may also use a team approach, with other medical professionals such as physician assistants or nurse practitioners performing exams and screenings.
When to See a Gynecologist
Experts recommend scheduling a yearly “well-woman” visit—the term used for a routine gynecologist appointment—for various reasons.
Depending on factors such as your age and overall health, visiting a gynecologist typically involves basic screenings, exams, and counseling based on any questions or concerns you may have.
Outside of these periodic visits, you should also consider making a gynecologist appointment if you have an issue requiring immediate care—like if you’re experiencing concerning reproductive-related symptoms, noticingirregular or severely painful menstrual periods,needing a newbirth control option, or seeking testing and treatment for a potential STI.
First Time Visiting the Gynecologist
ACOG recommends a first gynecologic visit between the ages of 13 and 15.
It’s completely normal to feel nervous or anxious about your first appointment. To help ease any fears, you may request that the initial visit is a chat between you and the gynecologist about your health, menstrual cycle, and sexual activities, if applicable. Some specific topics of conversation could include:
If physical exams—like a general physical exam or an externalgenital exam—are a part of your first visit, know that a family member or nurse can be present for the exam at any time.
During a Gynecologist Appointment
The specifics of a gynecologist appointment can vary slightly based on the exact reasoning behind your visit, but the general components are similar.
First, you may expect to discuss some or all of the following:
Recommended vaccinations may also be discussed during an appointment. These include the HPV andmeningococcalvaccinesfor teens and young adults and the hepatitis A virus andpneumococcalvaccinesfor people who may be at a higher risk for developing certain diseases.
How to Find a Gynecologist
If you are looking for a gynecologist, consider asking your primary care provider (if you have one) or another trusted healthcare professional for a referral.
Other sources you might try include:
From there, you can do an online search of the gynecologists’qualifications and education, read reviewsandcheck their board certification. Feel free to call the medical office with questions about accepting new patients, appointment scheduling, and insurance billing.
Through Insurance
TheAffordable Care Act(ACA) is a healthcare law that helps provide affordable health insurance to people who live in the United States.
Check with your insurance provider before your gynecologic visit for any specific questions about coverage.
Without Insurance
If you do not have access to health insurance, try visiting healthcare.gov to see if youqualify for coverage. Other options include checking out:
Gynecologist Training and Certification
Summary
A gynecologist is a healthcare provider who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing conditions related to female reproductive health.
In addition to offering preventive screenings like STI testing, pap smears, and breast exams, gynecologists provide care for a wide range of conditions such as endometriosis, heavy menstrual bleeding, and urinary incontinence. They also support pregnancy planning, infertility concerns, birth control selection, and more.
Because routine visits are recommended for teens and adults assigned female at birth, see if a current healthcare provider or community health center can help provide a referral or point you in the right direction for accessing gynecologic care.
17 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American College of Surgeons.Obstetrics and gynecology.MedlinePlus.Women’s health.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Health care and support for transgender and gender diverse adolescents.Planned Parenthood.Gender affirming care.UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine.Obstetricians and gynecologists - what is the difference?.American College of Surgeons.Obstetrics and gynecology.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Well-woman visit.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Choosing wisely.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.21 reasons to see a gynecologist before you turn 21.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Your first gynecologic visit.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Pelvic exams.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.What happens at an ob-gyn checkup and why? One doctor explains.Planned Parenthood.Wellness visit.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.How to find an ob-gyn.Office on Women’s Health.Know your rights: Reproductive health care.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Subspecialties of Ob-Gyn.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.About us.
17 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American College of Surgeons.Obstetrics and gynecology.MedlinePlus.Women’s health.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Health care and support for transgender and gender diverse adolescents.Planned Parenthood.Gender affirming care.UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine.Obstetricians and gynecologists - what is the difference?.American College of Surgeons.Obstetrics and gynecology.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Well-woman visit.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Choosing wisely.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.21 reasons to see a gynecologist before you turn 21.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Your first gynecologic visit.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Pelvic exams.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.What happens at an ob-gyn checkup and why? One doctor explains.Planned Parenthood.Wellness visit.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.How to find an ob-gyn.Office on Women’s Health.Know your rights: Reproductive health care.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Subspecialties of Ob-Gyn.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.About us.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American College of Surgeons.Obstetrics and gynecology.MedlinePlus.Women’s health.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Health care and support for transgender and gender diverse adolescents.Planned Parenthood.Gender affirming care.UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine.Obstetricians and gynecologists - what is the difference?.American College of Surgeons.Obstetrics and gynecology.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Well-woman visit.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Choosing wisely.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.21 reasons to see a gynecologist before you turn 21.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Your first gynecologic visit.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Pelvic exams.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.What happens at an ob-gyn checkup and why? One doctor explains.Planned Parenthood.Wellness visit.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.How to find an ob-gyn.Office on Women’s Health.Know your rights: Reproductive health care.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Subspecialties of Ob-Gyn.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.About us.
American College of Surgeons.Obstetrics and gynecology.
MedlinePlus.Women’s health.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Health care and support for transgender and gender diverse adolescents.
Planned Parenthood.Gender affirming care.
UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine.Obstetricians and gynecologists - what is the difference?.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Well-woman visit.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Choosing wisely.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.21 reasons to see a gynecologist before you turn 21.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Your first gynecologic visit.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Pelvic exams.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.What happens at an ob-gyn checkup and why? One doctor explains.
Planned Parenthood.Wellness visit.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.How to find an ob-gyn.
Office on Women’s Health.Know your rights: Reproductive health care.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Subspecialties of Ob-Gyn.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.About us.
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