As a parent, you may be wondering when your daughter needs to start seeing a gynaecologist, or as a young woman you may be uncertain about when you need to book your first appointment. 

 

A gynaecologist is an integral part of women’s health, and can help you with a large range of issues from your teen years, right through to your senior years. 

 

While there isn’t one clear cut answer to when you should start seeing your gynaecologist, as it will differ from person to person, there are a few key recommendations to help guide you. 

 

Seeing a Gynaecologist vs. Seeing Your GP

In Australia, your general practitioner (GP) will take care of a lot of your general health concerns, including certain areas of your reproductive health, such as pap smears (now cervical screening tests) and prescription contraception. 

 

It is typically recommended that you book a visit to see your GP when you first become sexually active, regardless of age. A GP can help teenagers and young women with medical advice relating to their reproductive health, and ensure they are developing healthily. 

 

For many women, if they do not have any issues relating to their reproductive health, they may not need to see a gynaecologist until they start family planning or get pregnant. 

 

If you start feeling pain and discomfort, have irregular periods, or have another related health problem, it’s a good idea to see your GP, even if you aren’t sexually active yet. They can recommend whether you need specialist help from a gynaecologist, and assist you in getting the proper treatment. 

 

Your first appointment with a gynaecologist will typically not involve a pelvic exam, and will most likely just be a chat with your doctor. This can be a great way to build a trusting relationship, and discuss your health. 

 

How Often Should You See Your Gynaecologist?

In Australia, you will only need to see a gynaecologist when it is relevant to you, so once again there is not one answer to this question. 

 

Your GP will look after your cervical screening every 5 years, and assess you throughout this period if any issues arise. 

 

When necessary you may be referred to a gynecologist, or book your appointment at a private clinic. 

 

Here is a list of reasons why you may want to visit your gynaecologist:

 

• Fertility & Family Planning
• Pregnancy & pregnancy issues
• Menopause 
• Menstruation and irregular bleeding
• Cervical cancer and other cancers of the reproductive tract 
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Surgeries on the reproductive and pelvic organs
• Ovarian cysts and pelvic masses
• Prolapse 
• Urinary/bladder problems
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) 

 

Your gynaecologist is equipped to treat and assess nearly any medical condition relating to the female reproductive system, and if you are unsure, you can always ask your doctor first. 

 

Visit an Affordable Sunshine Coast Clinic 

Dr. Kelvin Larwood is a qualified and highly trained obstetrician and gynaecologist, who owns and operates two clinics on the Sunshine Coast in Buderim and Noosa. 

 

Dr. Larwood aims to provide you with excellent care and treatment that is evidence based, up to date and safe. 

 

His qualifications and years of surgical experience allow him to offer you with many treatment options, to ensure you feel comfortable and confident. 

 

Women experience many changes throughout their lives, so having a gynecologist who you can trust is an important part of your health care. 

 

If you’re looking for an affordable clinic on the Sunshine Coast, where you will be listened to and respected, then you can learn more here.