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 if you have concerns or questions about:

• irregular or heavy periods, unusual vaginal bleeding or pain
• infertility
• contraception or family planning
• your pelvic floor
• cancer of the ovaries, cervix or uterus
• menopause symptoms or hormone replacement therapy
• female sexual health and certain sexually transmitted infections

If you have ever been sexually active, it is important to have a regular sexual health check-up with your GP or sexual health clinic. 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, sexual health and your lifestyle.

It can help to bring details about your periods, contraception and any medicines you take.

They will ask you about the reason for your visit. You can share information openly, as everything you say is kept private. This helps your doctor recommend the best care for you. 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. You may be asked to remove 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.

You can ask questions about anything related to your reproductive and gynaecological health that worries you. 

Asking questions 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 local gynaecologist.

You can also visit the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to find a specialist (Opens in new tab).

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.

Seeing a gynaecologist through the public hospital system is free for Medicare cardholders. 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 clinic, you will likely 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 (Opens in new tab) on a range of female health issues.

The Royal Women's Hospital has many fact sheets on female health topics (Opens in new tab).

Languages other than English

The Royal Women's Hospital offers information on common gynaecological issues in many community languages (Opens in new tab).

Health Translations Victoria (Opens in new tab) has translated Australian health and wellbeing information.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Westmead Hospital has fact sheets and videos on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women's health (Opens in new tab). They also explain how Aboriginal Liaison Officers provide advocacy and support in a hospital setting.

The Aboriginal Maternal and Infant Health Services (AMIHS) (Opens in new tab) provides support if you are pregnant.