This article is updated on 12 April 2024

A good gynaecologist is trained to screen maladies of the female organs such as irregular menstrual cycles, infertility issues, hormonal imbalances, vaginal infections, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and gynaecological cancers. A recommended gynae help women make informed decisions about their reproductive health, including preconception, family planning consultations, and women’s health concerns.

The birth rate has been declining for many years. In 2023, Singapore’s total fertility rate (TFR) hit a historic low of 0.97, among the lowest in the world. This decline was caused by various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting some marriage and baby plans, financial concerns, and issues regarding work-family balance.

Amid these challenges, a quality gynae can offer useful information and help to women who are seeking to conceive or experiencing fertility problems.

Fear and Anxiety Associated with Gynaecological Exams

Despite the key role that gynaecologists play in women’s health, some women neglect to undergo their annual gynaecological exams. There are plenty of reasons why female patients dread seeing their gynaes. Some are rooted in fear and anxiety of not knowing what to expect during their visit, especially if they have a high-risk pregnancy or need specialised maternal-fetal medicine care.

Many women find it embarrassing to undress and have their doctor see the private parts of their body. Research shows that 70% of women find their gynaecological examination stressful and embarrassing. That’s because, during the vaginal examination, women become self-conscious of their vaginal appearance, including hair growth, vulva shape, vaginal scent or discharge. Unfortunately, fear and anxiety during check-ups hinder women from receiving the best gynae care possible from their recommended gynaecologist.

What Do I Look For in a Gynaecologist?

Do you feel an intrusion of your privacy when you see your gynae? To reduce feelings of anxiety, embarrassment or discomfort, it’s important for women to work with the most recommended gynaecologist. Patients who have a positive relationship with whom they consider as the best gyne feel less vulnerable and are more participative during clinic visits.

Here are some of the qualities that you might want to look for in a gynaecologist:

1. Attentive

A good gynaecologist genuinely listens to what you say. Patient-centric attentiveness encourages patients to fully disclose their history and health concerns, including questions about natural birth, postnatal care, and health screening.

Active listening is an ideal component of optimal patient care and the best gynaecologist offers comprehensive obstetrics care throughout your pregnancy journey. But more than that, it is therapeutic for patients. So feel free to talk about your own thought processes to your gynae. When a patient provides adequate information to her gynecologist, the latter acquires a better understanding of her medical condition and is able to give a proper diagnosis of the disease and treat it more effectively, including surgery procedures if needed.

2. Trustworthy

Privacy and confidentiality are critical components of patient care in gynaecology. Physician-patient conversation regularly involves information of a sensitive nature. Sharing intimate about your sexual history or unusual vaginal discharges can be uncomfortable. Having a trustworthy, good gynae whom you can place your trust in can help to alleviate these feelings of anxiety.

As a patient, you will likely to share sensitive information during the consultation when you know you are protected from unauthorised disclosures. In gynaecological practice, confidentiality is not only a sign of respect for a woman patient; it is also part of an effective treatment plan services including compassionate care.

3. Honesty

A good physician-patient relationship is built on honesty. A good gynaecologist ought to be truthful when conversing with patients. This includes disclosing everything about the prognosis of a disease as well as the clinical risks and benefits of varied modes of treatment. Unbiased presentation of useful clinical information, including reasonable medical alternatives, helps to support patients’ informed decision-making.

4. Professional Credentials

A good gynaecologist possesses professional credentials. In Singapore, gynaecologists are held to a high standard. Only those with the requisite academic background and clinical practice are allowed to specialise in gynaecology. Good credentials reflect a doctor’s knowledge and expertise and are necessary to deliver satisfactory outcomes of patient care.

Is Gender an Important Factor when Choosing Gynaecologist?

Not really. While some prefer female gynes, not all women do. Studies show that almost 80% of women don’t consider gender preference when selecting a good gynaecologist. It matters not if the recommended gynaecologist in Singapore is female or male. What patients prioritise is the quality of care they receive from their doctor. So long as a gynaecologist possesses good medical reputation, gender is relatively a minor consideration.

Questions to Ask Your Gynaecologist

The following are just some of the many questions you can ask your gynaecologist when visiting for a check-up:

• What is the normal range and frequency of my menstrual flow?

• How can I protect myself from sexually transmitted infections?

• What are the best birth control options for me?

• How often should I get a pap smear?

• How can I improve my chances of getting pregnant?

• What are the risks of my current medical conditions or medications on my reproductive health?

• What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my reproductive health?

• How can I manage menopause symptoms?

• What are the signs of breast cancer, and how often should I check for lumps?

• How can I maintain sexual health and satisfaction?

• What are the symptoms of vaginal infections, and how can I prevent them?

• What are the risks of pregnancy complications, and how can I minimise them?

• How can I manage urinary incontinence after childbirth?

• What are the signs of low libido, and how can I address them?

These questions are starting questions, and you can specify further questions under them depending on the use case. Do not hesitate to ask them so you can better understand your reproductive health and be able to make the right decisions.

Visit a Recommended Gynaecologist in Singapore

Worried about your reproductive health? Experiencing gynaecological issues recently? Make an appointment with WS Law Women’s Clinic and Laparoscopic Surgery Centre.

References

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/

https://www.alliedacademies.org/