When should a woman see a Family Doctor vs a Gynecologist?

​With all your options for health care, figuring out which doctor to see for your issues can be overwhelming and confusing.  Let’s take a look at a couple different types of physicians to help determine which health care provider you should see for gynecological care. 
 
Family Physicians often get the question, “What are the differences between the care provided by a gynecologist versus care from a family medicine doctor?”  So, what’s the answer?  Continue reading to learn some of the differences between the two specialties.
 
A family medicine doctor is best suited for patients outlined below:

• You are experiencing a new or recent discomfort in the pelvic or vaginal areas and need an exam or imaging to determine the next best course of action
• You have concerns or questions about the female reproductive system, including but not limited to: uterus, ovaries, vagina or vulva
• You would like a preventative health exam that includes age-appropriate screenings such as a pap smear or STI / STD screening
• You have questions or issues about your period or getting pregnant
• You have a need for contraception, birth control or questions about safer sex
• You would like an IUD or implantable birth control method placed or removed
• You have sexual health concerns about libido (sex drive), arousal, orgasm or pain
• You are not sure if your acute condition may require antibiotics or antifungals
• You need to get a chronic medical condition under control before getting pregnant

You family physician may refer you to a gynecologist for the following:

• Your issue requires or may require a major procedure or surgery
• You require advanced fertility testing or treatment
• You need routine or high risk pregnancy care and delivery (though some family physicians do also see patients for pregnancy and delivery care)
• You need advanced pre-conception counseling for medical condition that may make your pregnancy especially high risk

The next question many doctors receive is, “When should a young woman begin to seek gynecologic care?”  or  “At what age should my daughter begin gynecologic visits?”
 
Generally, adolescent girls and young women should visit their family practice doctor for any gynecology concerns between the ages of 11 and 21.  An adolescent or young woman who is sexually active should see a physician regularly for pelvic exams or screening tests as soon as she becomes sexually active.  In the pre-teen and teen years, a family medicine physician can address the majority of concerns such as:

• The patient is experiencing painful menstruation, requiring them to miss school or other activities as a result of the painful symptoms
• There are sexual health concerns or contraceptive needs
• The patient is unable to wear a tampon  

For the following concerns, a family physician can start the evaluation and refer to another specialist such as a gynecologist or endocrinologist if needed: 

• The patient is experiencing delayed puberty – No breast tissue changes by age 14
• The patient is experiencing delayed menarche – No menstrual cycles by age 16

Finally, a last common question is, “When should a young woman begin Pap smears for cervical cancer prevention?”
 
Currently, it is recommended that patients begin Pap smear screenings at the age of 21.  All female patients should begin at this age, regardless of birth control needs or sexual activity. 
 
For further guidance, contact Dr. Jamie Glover at Glover Family Medicine for any health concerns or questions you may have.

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