Gynaecologists - what do they do?

A gynaecologist is a specialist doctor who helps prevent and manage conditions that affect the female reproductive system.

A gynaecologist may also work as an obstetrician, focusing on pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal care. Your gynaecologist has training in both gynaecology and obstetrics, and may work in one or both fields.

Gynaecologists may work in a clinic or a hospital setting.

Your general practitioner (GP) is usually the first doctor you see if you have a health concern.

They may refer you to gynaecologist due to:

• irregular or heavy periods, unusual vaginal bleeding or pain
• infertility
• a need for advice about contraception or family planning
• concerns about your pelvic floor
• cancer of the ovaries, cervix or uterus
• concerns with menopause symptoms or for hormone replacement therapy

If you have ever been sexually active, it is important to have a sexual health check-up with your GP or gynaecologist at least once a year. See your doctor if you notice any symptoms that concern you.

At your first appointment, your gynaecologist will take a full medical history. They will ask about relevant family history, your periods and sexual health and your lifestyle. It might be useful to bring details about your periods, contraception and any medicines you take.

They will ask you about the reason for your visit. You can feel confident to share information openly. Everything you say is kept private and helps your doctor give you the best treatment. You can bring someone to support you if you like, such as a friend or partner.

To check your reproductive health, your doctor may ask to perform a pelvic exam. This may involve you removing some clothing. Your doctor will explain why they recommend the examination and what it will involve. Any physical examination can only be performed with your informed consent.

Asking questions about your reproductive and gynaecological health can help you understand your options and make the best choice for you.

Read more about questions to ask your doctor.

You can ask your general practitioner (GP) or a friend or relative to recommend a good gynaecologist.

You can also visit the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists site to find a specialist.

Before your appointment with a gynaecologist, it's best to get a referral from your doctor.

You can choose to see a gynaecologist privately without a referral, but the visit will not be covered by Medicare.

How much does a gynaecologist cost?

Seeing a gynaecologist through the public hospital system is free for Medicare card holders. If you are not eligible for a Medicare card, you will need to pay a fee.

If you see a gynaecologist in a private hospital or in their surgery or clinic, it's likely that you will pay a fee.

Some private gynaecologists bulk bill, meaning Medicare will cover the full cost. When you make your appointment, ask about fees and what Medicare will cover.

Read more on paying for healthcare.

• The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) has tools and resources on a range of female health issues.
• The Royal Women's Hospital has many fact sheets on female health topics.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders

• Westmead Hospital offers fact sheets and videos on Aboriginal Women's Health. They also explain how Aboriginal Liaison Officers provide advocacy and support in a hospital setting.
• The Aboriginal Maternal and Infant Health Services (AMIHS) provides support if you're pregnant.

Other languages

• The Royal Women's Hospital offers information on common gynaecological issues in many community languages.
• Health Translations Victoria has translated Australian health and wellbeing information.