Depending on what you are looking for from your OB GYN you may consider specific factors when selecting an obstetrician-gynecologist. Below is a list of questions you may wish to consider when selecting an OB GYN.
Do you have a gender preference for your doctor?
Many women feel more comfortable dealing with a female OB GYN, given the personal and invasive nature of an OB GYN’s work. Male doctors, however, are every bit as qualified as female doctors, and have undergone all the same training and education as their female counterparts. This is a personal preference that is unique to each woman, but if you feel strongly one way or the other about a person of a certain gender examining you, you should definitely keep that in mind when choosing an OB GYN.
Do you want your doctor to be in private practice or part of a larger medical system (i.e. a hospital)?
You may prefer the small and intimate environment of a private practice OB GYN, or you may want to have access to the resources afforded to a doctor that is a part of a large medical system.
Do you plan to become pregnant?
If you have no interest in becoming pregnant, you can see a gynecologist who is not licensed in obstetrics, but if you plan to become pregnant at any time you may want to begin building a relationship with an OB GYN so that you will be comfortable trusting him or her when you need a doctor to care for you during pregnancy and delivery.
Do you expect complications during your pregnancy?
If you or members of your immediate family have a history of pregnancy complications you may want to find an OB GYN who specializes in difficult pregnancies.
Do you have any history of female reproductive related cancers?
If you think you are at risk for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, uterine cancer, or vaginal cancer you should find an OB GYN who also has experience with gynecological oncology.