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.
This article provides a broad overview of gynecologists, including tips on when to see one and what to expect during an office visit.
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A Note on Gender and Sex Terminology
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are 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 of in-office procedures, like:
- Pap smear, a cervical cancer screening
- STI testing, or tests for common sexually transmitted infections
- Pelvic exam, an examination of the vulva and reproductive organs
- Colposcopy, a procedure to examine the cervix and vagina
- Vaginal or endometrial biopsy, or removing a tissue sample from the vaginal area or uterus to test for infection or disease
Outpatient surgical procedures that some gynecologists may practice include:
- Laparoscopy, which involves inserting a camera tool through a small abdominal incision to see the inside of the pelvic area for diagnostic or treatment purposes
- Laser surgery, used to treat certain conditions like urinary incontinence or endometriosis
- Tubal ligation, which entails tying, cutting, or blocking the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy
- Endometrial ablation, which is the removal of the uterus lining to decrease heavy menstrual periods
- Hysterectomy, which is complete removal of the uterus
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 discuss gender-affirming care extensively.
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-Gynecologist
Gynecologists specialize in treating conditions related to female reproductive health. Ob-gyns specialize in treating reproductive-related conditions—and are also trained in pregnancy and delivery care.
Many gynecologists are trained as ob-gyns but 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, noticing irregular or severely painful menstrual periods, needing a new birth 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:
- Cramps
- Menstrual periods
- Weight
- Acne
- Birth control options
- Sex and sexuality
- STIs
- Alcohol, drugs, and smoking
If physical exams—like a general physical exam or an external genital exam—are a part of your first visit, know that a family member or nurse can be present for the exam at any time.
A pelvic exam is typically not required at a first appointment unless you’re experiencing issues like pain or abnormal bleeding, but any potential discomfort can be flagged to the gynecologist. The provider may be able to make the exam more comfortable by using a smaller vaginal speculum (a metal tool used to open up the walls of the vagina) or making other adjustments.
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:
- Your medical history, including any current or past symptoms or conditions
- Your family medical history
- Any reproductive health concerns, like pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding
- Birth control methods and options
- Pregnancy planning, if applicable
- Sexual or intimate relationships
- Lifestyle habits like your diet, exercise routine, sleep schedule, and alcohol or drug use
- Whether you feel safe in your home
Following that discussion, a physical exam may be performed. This can include a pelvic exam, a pap smear, and/or breast exam. Here’s what to generally expect:
- During a pelvic exam, the vulva (external part of the vagina) is examined. Then, the inside of the vagina and the cervix are examined using a speculum. Internal reproductive organs are checked as the gynecologist places a gloved finger or two into the vagina and up into the cervix while pressing on the abdomen with the other hand from the outside.
- Pap smear screening tests check for cervical cancer and may also include a human papillomavirus (HPV) test. With a speculum inserted, the gynecologist takes a sample of cells from your cervix using a small brush. It’s then examined in a lab for abnormal cervical changes and types of HPV that may develop into cancer. You may choose to start getting Pap tests as early as age 21; otherwise, they’re typically recommended starting at age 25.
- For a breast examination, the gynecologist feels along both breasts and the surrounding underarm area for any lumps or abnormal changes, which should take about a minute or so. Breast exams are generally recommended starting at age 25.
Recommended vaccinations may also be discussed during an appointment. These include the HPV and meningococcal vaccines for teens and young adults and the hepatitis A virus and pneumococcal vaccines for 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:
- Ask family and friends about their experiences and recommendations.
- If you have insurance, look for a “find a doctor” tool on the insurer’s website or call the number on the back of the insurance card.
- Use the “find a doctor” tool on the website of a local hospital system.
- Try the Medicare website to locate and compare gynecologists in your area.
From there, you can do an online search of the gynecologists’ qualifications and education, read reviews and check their board certification. Feel free to call the medical office with questions about accepting new patients, appointment scheduling, and insurance billing.
Through Insurance
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a healthcare law that helps provide affordable health insurance to people who live in the United States.
It requires insurance companies to cover preventive gynecologic care, including well-woman visits, pap smears, and STI testing. Still, certain services may not be covered, so they may require co-pays (a small fee the insurer requires to be collected before a visit) or will be applied to your deductible (the payment made by the patient before the insurer begins covering expenses.
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 you qualify for coverage. Other options include checking out:
Gynecologist Training and Certification
Gynecologists may receive additional training on subspecialties within the field. These subspecialties, officially recognized by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG), typically require a certification exam. Some examples include:
- Gynecologic oncology, which is focused on treating reproductive cancers like ovarian or cervical cancer
- Maternal-fetal medicine, which involves a focus on treating high-risk pregnancies
- Female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, where the focus is on pelvic floor disorders such as pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, and incontinence
- Reproductive endocrinology and infertility, which is focused on reproductive hormones and issues in getting pregnant
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.
