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Deciding whether to consult a general practitioner (GP) or a gynecologist (gyne) can be daunting when faced with vaginal discomfort or pelvic issues. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you make the right choice:
Consulting a GP or a Gyne: Who Should You See?
When experiencing pain in the vaginal area, discomfort in the pelvic region, or concerns related to pregnancy, your initial step should be consulting a medical doctor, typically your GP. They can assess your symptoms, conduct initial tests, and provide preliminary advice. Your GP is also the appropriate professional to discuss questions about pregnancy, contraception, sexual health, and any discomfort during intercourse. Based on their evaluation, they may refer you to a gynecologist for specialized care.
For adolescent girls and young women (ages 11 to 21), visiting a GP for issues such as painful menstruation or questions about sexual health is recommended. Routine check-ups with your GP are essential for maintaining optimal sexual health, particularly if sexually active.
When faced with vaginal discomfort, pelvic pain, or questions related to sexual health, it’s important to choose the right healthcare professional:
Consulting Your GP:
Your general practitioner (GP) is your first point of contact for a wide range of gynecological and sexual health concerns:
- Menstrual Issues: Consult your GP for irregular periods, heavy bleeding, severe menstrual cramps, or any changes in your menstrual cycle.
- Contraception: Discuss contraceptive options, including pills, implants, or IUDs. Your GP can prescribe and monitor contraception effectiveness.
- Sexual Health: Seek advice on STI testing, safe sex practices, and sexual well-being. Your GP can perform tests and provide preventive care.
- Preconception Counseling: If planning a pregnancy, your GP can offer advice on optimizing health, fertility concerns, and prenatal care preparations.
- Routine Check-ups: Schedule regular visits for Pap smears, breast exams, and pelvic health assessments.
Consulting a Gynecologist (Gynae):
Certain conditions require specialized care from a gynecologist:
- Persistent Pelvic Pain: If ongoing pelvic discomfort persists despite medication or treatments from your GP, consult a gynecologist.
- Sexual Dysfunction: Seek a gynecologist’s expertise for issues like pain during sex, low libido, or difficulties achieving orgasm.
- Fertility Concerns: If you’re having trouble conceiving, a gynecologist can conduct fertility assessments and recommend appropriate treatments.
- Complex Gynecological Conditions: Gynecologists diagnose and treat conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, or ovarian cysts requiring specialized care.
Navigating whether to consult a general practitioner (GP) or a gynecologist (gyne) can feel overwhelming when dealing with vaginal discomfort or pelvic concerns. It’s crucial to start with your GP, who can assess symptoms, provide initial tests, and offer advice on a wide range of gynecological and sexual health issues. They are adept at managing menstrual irregularities, contraceptive needs, sexual health queries, and preconception counseling. For persistent or complex conditions such as chronic pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, fertility challenges, or specialized gynecological conditions, a gynecologist’s expertise becomes invaluable. By consulting the right healthcare professional based on your symptoms and needs, you can receive timely and appropriate care to enhance your overall well-being.
How a Sexologist Can Help:
As a certified sexologist, I offer specialized knowledge and support beyond medical treatments. I provide confidential consultations to address sensitive sexual health concerns, including sexual dysfunction, intimacy issues, and improving sexual well-being. We collaborate with GPs and gynecologists to ensure holistic care, offering guidance on enhancing sexual pleasure, communication with partners, and navigating sexual changes throughout life stages. Whether you seek to explore sexual desires, address concerns about sexual pain, or improve intimacy in relationships, our expertise in sexual health counseling can empower you to achieve a fulfilling and healthy sexual life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and embark on a journey toward comprehensive sexual health and well-being.
About Dr. Martha Tara Lee
Surrounded by friends who were sexually inhibited and struck by dire lack of positive conversations around sex and sexuality in Singapore, Dr. Martha Tara Lee set out to make a positive difference in embarking on her doctorate in human sexuality before launching Eros Coaching in 2009. Today, she remains dedicated to working with individuals and couples who wish to lead self-actualised and pleasure-filled lives.
She also holds certificates in counselling, coaching and sex therapy, and her fourth degree – a Masters in Counselling in May 2018. In practice for more than 10 years, she is the only certified sexuality educator and certified sexuality educator supervisor by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) in Singapore.
Often cited in the local media, Dr. Lee is the appointed sex expert for Men’s Health Singapore, and Men’s Health Malaysia. She was recognised as one of ‘Top 50 Inspiring Women Under 40′ by Her World in July 2010, and one of ‘Top 100 Inspiring Women’ by CozyCot in March 2011. She has published four books: Love, Sex and Everything In-Between, Orgasmic Yoga, From Princess to Queen and {Un}Inhibited.
Martha works with individuals and couples in private coaching sessions, and conducts her own workshops. She takes prides in making sure all her workshops are also fun, educational, and sex-positive. This comes easily to her because even though she is extremely dedicated and serious about her work, she fundamentally believes that sex is meant to be fun, wonderful, amazing and sacred. As such, this serious light-heartedness has shone through again and again. For her full profile, click here. Email her here.
