What to Expect and What to Look For in an Ob-Gyn

When choosing an obstetrician-gynecologist (ob-gyn), it’s important to look for a few key things:

• Board certification – Ob-gyns who are certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology are the best choice.

• Experience – Look for an ob-gyn who has experience in the areas of care that are most important to you, such as prenatal care, gynecologic surgery, or management of menopause.

• Insurance coverage – Verify that the ob-gyn participates in your insurance plan.

• Communication style – It’s important to feel comfortable talking to your ob-gyn and to feel like they listen to your concerns.

• Patient reviews – Look up reviews on the ob-gyn, to gauge how satisfied other patients are.

• Personal preferences – You may prefer to have a female or male ob-gyn.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to find an ob-gyn who you trust and feel comfortable with. It can be a good idea to schedule a consultation appointment before committing to a specific ob-gyn, to see if they are the right fit for you.

At your first ob-gyn appointment, you can expect the following:

• Medical history – Your ob-gyn will ask you about your medical history, including any past gynecological or obstetric issues, any surgeries or procedures, and any medications you are currently taking.

• Physical exam – Your ob-gyn will perform a physical exam, which may include a breast exam, a pelvic exam, and a pap smear.

• Discussion of birth control – Your ob-gyn will discuss different options for birth control with you and help you choose the method that is best for you.

• Discussion of any symptoms or concerns – You should feel comfortable talking to your ob-gyn about any symptoms or concerns you may have.

• Scheduling follow-up appointments – Your ob-gyn will schedule any necessary follow-up appointments, such as for a pap smear or other tests.

A routine ob-gyn check-up typically includes the following steps:

• Medical history update – Your ob-gyn will ask you about any changes in your medical history since your last visit, including any new medications or supplements you are taking, any new symptoms or concerns you have, and any changes in your menstrual cycle.

• Physical exam: Your ob-gyn will perform a physical exam, which may include a breast exam and a pelvic exam.

• Pap smear – A pap smear is a test to check for cervical cancer, it’s usually done on women who are 21 or older.

• Discussion of any symptoms or concerns – If you have symptoms or concerns, you should feel comfortable talking about them to your ob-gyn.

• Discussion of birth control – Your ob-gyn will discuss any changes in your birth control methods and provide any necessary refills or prescriptions.

• Scheduling follow-up appointments – Your ob-gyn will schedule any necessary follow-up appointments, such as for a pap smear or other tests, and also recommend any screenings or tests that you may need based on your age, health history, and other factors.

• Update on vaccinations – Your ob-gyn may check and update your vaccinations, including HPV and Tdap.

• Lifestyle and health advice – Your ob-gyn may give you advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing certain health conditions, such as osteoporosis or heart disease.

When visiting an obstetrician-gynecologist (ob-gyn), it can be helpful to come prepared with a list of questions to ask. Some examples of questions include:

• What are the best methods of birth control for me?

• How often should I schedule check-ups?

• How can I improve my overall gynecological health?

• What are the risks and benefits of certain procedures or treatments?

• What are the signs of gynecological cancer and how can it be prevented?

• How can I manage menopause symptoms?

• How can I improve my fertility?

• Can you recommend a specialist in case I need one?

• Are there any clinical trials or new treatments that might be relevant to my condition?

It’s important to feel comfortable discussing any symptoms or concerns you may have with your ob-gyn. Remember that your OB/GYN is there to help you and provide you with the best care possible. For more information about our services, contact us here or book online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Arcadia, and Glendale, CA. We serve patients from Arcadia CA, Glendale CA, Monrovia CA, Pasadena CA, Los Angeles CA, Burbank CA and surrounding areas.