A good OB-GYN supports women through multiple stages of their lives, from first menstruation to treating the symptoms of menopause. Unfortunately, not all doctors offer the same level of care, which means there may come a time when you feel the need to change OB-GYNs. Prevention offers the following insight on which red flags to look for if you have concerns about the care you’re currently being provided.
Communication is lacking
Due to the intimate nature of gynecological exams, it’s important for doctors to communicate effectively with their patients. For instance, many OB-GYNs make it a practice of explaining each facet of a procedure or exam, which soothes the nerves of the woman on the exam table. When doctors are brusque in their approach or fail to inform the patient on what exactly is happening, a woman is bound to feel less comfortable about the experience. She might also be reluctant to speak up, which can directly impact the quality of care provided.
They’re not attentive to your needs
Doctors must also strive to ensure patients are comfortable during exams. Some women prefer another person to be present during gynecological exams, while others are only comfortable with just themselves and a doctor in the room. Your OB-GYN should value your comfort greatly, and be willing to make the necessary accommodations to ensure you’re OK with what’s transpiring. If your requests are dismissed, it should be taken as a red flag.
You’re not privy to all the options
Whether you’re discussing birth control or treatments for a women’s health condition, your OB-GYN should be proactive about discussing all the available options. The more information you have, the better equipped you are to make a decision about your care. Doctors should also be open-minded about treatments they don’t provide, even if that means referring you to a specialist. Being close-minded about medical care can easily lead to serious oversights and mistakes.