Gynaecologist

Pebbles!

I've been thinking about going to see a gynaecologist as I've never been to one before and sher a check up can't help.

But I seem to get the impression that people only go with fertility issues?

The Big Red Button

I'd say the first step would be your GP. They'll be able to do a general health assessment, and give you advice on whether you need to see any specialist about any specific issues. And they'll be able to organise a smear test, and any other tests that might be appropriate.

I'm not sure that there's much need to specifically see a gynaecologist without reason, if you have a good GP? Open to correction there, though. I've heard that, in the US, all women seem to visit their gynaecologist on a regular basis ... never heard of it happening here in Ireland, though!

meeeeh

In my home country they would call you in every couple of years. Not just for smear test but a general check up (it's free so it's not some money making scheme). Basically when living at home I saw my gynaecologist way more often than GP. I would get a check up every six to 12 months when getting prescription for contraceptives.

I think a check up is good every so often.

LegacyUser

In places like the USA you wouldn't really have GP's, you'd have a doctor to cover each different body function and/or different areas of expertise So you'd see a pediatrician when your a child and then as an adult you might have a primary care physician which is similar to a GP but wouldn't cover as a wide a range as a GP, actually they would be very limited and you would be expected to visit say gynaecologist for issues with lady parts. A friend of mine in the USA has type 1 diabetes and has to visit 3 different doctors each month as each is "specialized' in one area related to her treatment while if she was in Ireland her GP would cover all of this. It has to do with the way the medical education system is set up in the states, the cost of education and debt graduates find themselves in, the high cost of insurance if your covering too many areas and the state of their health career system so you really don't get many people looking to be primary care physician and most look to focus on one area of expertise.

In Ireland [and most of Europe] it's different, your GP would in theory cover you from birth all the way through your life and will only send you to see someone more specialized if there is an issue. It would actually be very hard to make an appointment to see alot of specialists without a referral from your GP.