Gynaecologists are medical doctors who specialise in women’s health, particularly the reproductive system. Contrary to popular belief, you shouldn’t start seeing a gynaecologist only when you’re pregnant. Gynaecologists can also prevent the development of heart disease and cervical cancer.
Here’s a general guideline on when you should see a gynaecologist.
When Should You See a Gynaecologist, Besides During Pregnancy Stages?
When a Girl Becomes a Teenager
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggests that a girl should start their first visit between the ages of 13 to 15. This visit is an excellent opportunity for the patient to clarify any sensitive questions regarding her reproductive organs, menstrual cycle, or any sexual health concerns in a safe space.
The first visit usually involves a lot of talking and consulting. The doctor will be finding out about the patient’s medical history, which may include her family medical history and sexual health history.
After the medical history taking, the patient will change into a paper gown, where the doctor will perform a general physical examination.
Contrary to popular belief, the patient would not need a pelvic exam until the age of 21, unless:
– She’s experiencing pain and discomfort around her cervical and abdominal areas
– She’s experiencing unusual bleeding around her pelvic area
– She’s sexually active
– She’s pregnant
During the visit, the doctor would advise the patient to get a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to prevent cervical cancer.
Most sessions are conducted with only the doctor and the teenage patient in the room. However, doctors will still consult with the patient’s parents when it comes to critical decision making.
When a Girl Becomes Sexually Active
This can be awkward, especially when she’s a teenager. Despite the fear of what her parents might think, a woman, regardless of age, needs to visit a gynaecologist when she’s sexually active.
The doctor can do a pelvic examination to help her detect any potential STDs, which can produce cervical cancer and lymphoma.
When it’s Time for a Pap Smear
For healthy women with no sexual history, the ideal age for a pap smear is 21. A pap smear is a medical test that detects any precancerous or cancerous cells around the cervix. Despite being a typical result of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), not all cervical cancer cases are viral. That’s why every woman should do a pap smear by the time they are 21.
Thanks to modern technology, pap smears do not need to be done every year. A woman in her 20s should do a pap smear once every 3 years. When she’s above the age of 30, she can do it once every 5 years. However, when she’s showing signs of menopause, the frequency should be back to once every 3 years. Pap smears should be done until a woman reaches the age of 65.
However, the rate of your pap smears may increase if you regularly change partners or are infected with a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD).
When a Woman Shows Signs of Menopausal Symptoms
Menopause is officially diagnosed when a woman has not experienced a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. This also means that she can no longer reproduce. It usually happens to women during their early 50s. However, there have been rare cases recorded from women who are in their 30s to women who are in their 60s.
Few years before a woman experiences menopause, she will go through a period of hormonal and physical changes. That period is known as perimenopause. Some signs of it include:
- Hot Flashes
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Vaginal Dryness
- Urinary Discomfort
- Mood Swings
- Pain or Bleeding During Sex
- Breast Tenderness
- Irregular Menstruation Periods
- Mental Exhaustion
- Depression and Moodiness
A gynaecologist can help you manage your menopausal symptoms through treatments such as:
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – To help relieve your hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and prevent any bone loss.
Vaginal Estrogen Creams and Lubricants – To relieve vaginal dryness
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Small Dosages of Antidepressants – To help cope with anxiety, moodiness, and depression
When there’s Irregular Menstrual Periods
Other than menopause, the other 2 likely causes of irregular menstrual periods are signs of pregnancy and medical conditions due to hormonal imbalances. At times, a woman’s lifestyle such as drug use, eating disorders, or stress may also be the cause.
A gynaecologist can help you detect the cause of your irregular menstrual periods and provide you with the appropriate treatment and advice.
When there are Pain and Discomfort around Her Vagina
There are many causes for the above issue, such as signs of STDs, bacterial growth, and yeast infection, amongst many others.
Seek a diagnosis from a gynaecologist to get this treated as soon as possible before the discomfort manifest into something more serious.
When there’s Bleeding, and It has Nothing to Do with Menstruation
This could be a sign that your cervix is either injured or is experiencing symptoms of cervical or uterine disease. Additionally, if the bleeding occurs when you’re pregnant, it’s also a sure sign that you should see a gynaecologist immediately.
Before You or Your Daughter Visits a Gynaecologist
Please do thorough research on the clinic, its doctors, as well as their accreditation. Look through the reviews on various social media platforms to be sure that you’re choosing the right doctor.
Before you commit, check with the clinic if they accept any of the insurance you’ve purchased to help you save costs.
During the doctor’s visit, make sure that you’re comfortable with his/her approach. While it’s normal to feel insecure about your grooming habits, it’s almost certain that your gynaecologist would hardly notice any of it. He/she is more concerned about your reproductive health than anything else.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to share things that may be considered “embarrassing” or “weird”. Sometimes, your sharing can help provide peace of mind to you. Through your sharing, the gynaecologist can also better detect potential health risks that you may be facing. They are trained to handle all sorts of questions and concerns from patients.
Any professional doctor will respect your privacy and makes no judgement against any of your choices. Otherwise, don’t be afraid to change to someone who can make you feel safe and understood.
Clinic/Consultant | Ann Tan |
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Website | |
| Address | 3 Mount Elizabeth, Medical Centre #11-12, Singapore 228510 |
Telephone | (65) 6734 8188 |
| Operating Hours | Mon-Fri: 9am – 6pm |
| As Seen On | Inside Magazine |
Review 1 | “Dr Ann is a god send! She is professional, extremely competent and very proactive in her approach. Dr Ann took care of me and my baby from when she was conceived until a successful delivery. I experienced some complications during pregnancy but always felt very safe and taken cared off under Dr Ann’s care. Clinic is busy so be prepared for long wait times, but it is well worth it.” – Jinny.N |
Review 2 | “Dr Ann Tan is the sweetest and most caring doctor I’ve ever met. She never rushes me during our appointments and genuinely listens to all my concerns. I enjoy my time with her as I always feel taken care of.” – Emilia.D |
Clinic/Consultant | Gynae MD Women’s Clinic |
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Telephone | (65) 6873 3383 |
Operating Hours | Mon-Fri: 9am – 1pm, 2pm – 7pm |
Review 1 | “I took my daughter to Dr Ng for her first gynae check yesterday. Waiting time was short, and bonus points go to his patient and respectful nature, especially when dealing with my anxious daughter. Overall a good experience.” – Grace.T |
Review 2 | “I had doubts before about having a male gynecologist, but Dr Ng always made me feel comfortable and cared for.” – Kit.C |
Clinic/Consultant | Lien Clinic |
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| Address | 3 Mount Elizabeth, Medical Centre #05-03, Singapore 228510 |
Telephone | (65) 6736 3331 |
Operating Hours | Mon-Fri: 9am – 1pm, 2pm – 5pm Sat: 9am – 12pm Sun: Closed |
As Seen On | 新明日报 |
Review 1 | “I knew Dr Lien LS since I was 30, over 30 years ago. He has been practicing since then at Mt E medical Ctr. I am so fortunate to have a caring doctor as my dear friend all these years. He is very professional, patient, sincere & warm. His staff is no exception. They always make me feel welcome. I will not hesitate to recommend him to my friends’ daughters for his expertise.” – Valerie.O |
Review 2 | “Been under the care of Dr Loke for 3 pregnancies. Extremely learned and experienced Dr. He does have an unfriendly and stuck up face BUT not his personality. That’s just him. Ask him any questions and he will answer you. In my opinion he is straightforward and do not beat around the bush nor sugar coat his words. Very factual but very experienced.” – Nur.S |
Clinic/Consultant | Astra Women’s Specialist |
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Telephone | (65) 6258 5530 |
Operating Hours | Click here to view |
Review | “Dr James is a patient oriented and very patience gynae. During my whole pregnancy, he constantly give me professional advice and Fulfill my wish to be able deliver my girl naturally . Unfortunately due to some complications that I developed on week 35 , and I have to go through a c-Sec for the good of me and baby safety. However I still would like to thanks Dr James for all the emotional support and advice given to me during my pregnancy.” – Cecilia.C |
Clinic/Consultant | Singapore Women’s Clinic |
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Website | |
| Address | 821 Tampines Street 81, Shop @ West #01-216, Singapore 520821 |
Telephone | (65) 6786 3188 |
Operating Hours | Mon: 9am–1pm, 2.30pm–5.30pm, 7–9pm |
Review | “Highly experienced, scientific and practical doctor. On the quiet side, but very knowledgeable and will not cause you to worry unnecessarily, neither will he try to sell you things that are not needed or order expensive unnecessary tests. Bedside manner professional and gentle.” – Chilli.P |
Clinic/Consultant | Motoko Clinic |
Speciality |
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Website | |
| Address | 290 Orchard Road, Paragon Medical Centre #11-13/14, Singapore 238859 |
Telephone | (65) 6838 5366 |
Operating Hours | Mon-Fri: 9am – 4pm Sat: 9am – 12pm Sun: Closed |
Clinic/Consultant | OBGYN Centre |
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Website | https://obgyncentre.sg/ |
| Address | 290 Orchard Rd,Paragon Medical Suites #11-07, Singapore 238859 |
Telephone | (65) 6235 4188 |
Operating Hours | Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm |
Review 1 | “The best experience as an expat! Dr. Wong is very knowledgeable, practical & helpful. He used facts & knowledge to put me at ease and did a great job when performing the procedure. Highly, highly recommend!” – Whitney.H |
Review 2 | “Dr Wong delivered our 3 daughters. I think he is an exceptional obstetrician and wonderful person to deal with. He always answered all my questions with kindness and precision. I found him to be very approachable, straightforward and experienced. Heartfelt thanks to the clinic for such an outstanding service over the last 8 years, our family will greatly miss you when we leave Singapore next month. We wish you continued success!” – Cathy.M |
Clinic/Consultant | Health & Fertility |
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Website | |
| Address | 3 Mount Elizabeth, Medical Centre #15-16, Singapore 228510 |
Telephone | (65) 6235 5066 |
Operating Hours | Mon-Fri: 9am – 6pm |
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Review 1 | “I just had my first child with Dr Loi, and I cannot commend her and the staff enough. Not only does she listen attentively, she seemed genuinely invested in our pregnancy and basked in our joy when our son was born! I would definitely recommend her for anyone looking for good prenatal care.” – Tay.L |
Review 2 | “I’ve accompanied my wife to consultations with several GPs and obgyns before. And while most doctors are competent, only a few stand out with their genuine and personable nature. Dr Loi was no doubt one of them. The clinic is also staffed with friendly nurses and has a clean and classy environment.” – Ryan.C |
Clinic/Consultant | W Gynae Women’s Clinic |
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| Address | Block 721 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8, #01-2807, Singapore 560721 |
Telephone | (65) 6455 0050 |
Operating Hours | Mon,Wed, Thurs: 9.30am – 1pm, 2.30pm – 5.30pm Tues, Fri: 9.30am – 1pm, 2.30pm – 5.30pm, 6pm – 8pm Sat: 1.30pm – 5.30pm Sun: Closed |
Review 1 | “I never regret choosing him as my #2 Gynae. Very professional, pro natural and stitching skill was great! Dr Ben was very calm and make me felt safe in his hand during labour time. He is those kind of gynae that helps you save money and not to cheat you, very sincere Dr. It’s always pleasant going for check up as he’s always smiling, making me felt comfortable as well. Highly recommended! Definitely will go back to him if I have #3. – Joey |
Review 2 | “So glad that I chose the right clinic. Staffs Mona, Agnes and Margaret are friendly. As for Dr. Ben he’s nice, caring and accomodating. I’m really grateful to have you as my OB and thank you very much for a safe and smooth delivery. Kudos! ♡ Cherry Nakar” – Cherry.N |
Clinic/Consultant | SOG |
Speciality | |
Website | https://www.sog.com.sg |
| Address | 229 Mountbatten Road, Mountbatten Square #02-02, Singapore 398007 |
Telephone | (65) 6440 4123 |
Operating Hours | Mon-Thurs: 9.30am – 5.30pm |
Review 1 | “First visited Dr Natalie in 2015 and gave birth to my first born in March 2016. Almost 4 years later, and I still only have nothing but compliments for her. I have no regrets and would return to her in heartbeat if I have a second one. Dr Natalie is not only professional, she’s also very respectful to my concerns and requests. She doesn’t make me feel bad even if I’m raising “common pregnancy” complains and changes. I’m sure she hears so many of them throughout her years, but she was very nice to not discredit it anyways. It was always comfortable during consultation. Quick but fair enough. Towards the end of my pregnancy, she really helped me a lot. On delivery day, I saw the other side of Dr Natalie I’ve never seen before during the consultations. She came in with her game face on, gave clear instructions in a very serious tone. I remembered how she controlled the situation very well and that really helped. During consultations, she was always very kind, sweet and empathetic. And during delivery, she’s really shows that she knows what she is doing. She means business and she really takes good care of her patients. Thank you Dr Natalie!” – Scha.A |
Clinic/Consultant | Raffles Women Centre |
Speciality | |
Website | https://www.rafflesmedicalgroup.com/specialist-centres/services-by-centre/women |
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Telephone | (65) 6311 1230 |
Operating Hours | Click here to view |
Review 1 | “Had a great experience for my pregnancy and labour. The nurses in the Women Centre are great, they make the monthly/bi-weekly trips bearable. All my scans and test were done there. Nurses in the maternity ward were awesome. Because Raffles unlike KKH, have very small no of labour cases per day, the nurses are not busy so they were able to attend to you as much as you need. The Nurses that attended to me during my labour were constantly giving me words of affirmation and care that it made 13 hours in labour not so hellish” – Hafizah.I |
Clinic/Consultant | Lisa Wong Women & Gynae Oncology Centre |
Speciality |
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| Pricing | Click here to enquire |
Website | |
| Address | 3 Mount Elizabeth, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre #12-17, Singapore 228510 |
Telephone | (65) 6836 2004 |
Operating Hours | Mon-Fri: 9am – 5pm |
Review | “Courteous and attentive staff. Enjoyed my appointment with Dr. Wong, who was easy to talk to, and sensitive to my needs. Didn’t have to spend a lot of time explaining my situation, she was quick to understand and very efficient! – Farnaz.K |
Clinic/Consultant | WS Law Women’s Clinic & Laparoscopic Surgery Centre |
Speciality |
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Website | https://www.drlawweiseng.com.sg |
| Address | 38 Irrawaddy Road, Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre #08-53, Singapore 329563 |
Telephone | (65) 6339 6659 |
Operating Hours | Mon-Fri: 9am – 5pm Sat: 9am – 12pm Sun & PH: Closed |
Review 1 | “A great Gynae. He is assuring and gave us ample time for questions. Sorry that it took me 9 months after the arrival of our little princess to write this review.” – Stanley.Y |
Review 2 | “I can never thank Dr Law and team enough for taking such great care of me during my high risk pregnancy. Dr Law is highly experienced, calm and assuring during every prenatal check-up. His nurses are friendly, caring and competent. I have recovered well from my C-section without much pain. Many people were surprised that I did not have to take painkillers and i could walk around normally on 2nd day post surgery. Will highly recommend him!! 🙂 ” – Jermaine.L |
Clinic/Consultant | Thomson Women’s Clinic |
Speciality |
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Website | |
| Address | 254 Serangoon Central Dr, #01-219, Singapore 550254 |
Telephone | (65) 6479 3233 |
Operating Hours | Mon-Fri: 9am – 5pm Sat: 9am – 12.30pm Sun: Closed |
Review 1 | “I visit Dr Irene in 2004 tool now I personally feel that the Dr Irene here are professional and sincere in the way they treat their patients with no complacency. I must also commend the services of over-the-counter assistance. The staffs are patient, quick to respond, customer service oriented and always wearing a smile. Wonderful clinic overall and definitely worth the wait. 👍👍👍” – Esther.L |
Review 2 | “Dr. Irene Chua did what she had to when it was most critical and very literally saved my life.” – Amanda.T |
Review 3 | “She truly cares for her patients and her staff are friendly.” – Siti.R |
Clinic/Consultant | SW Jen |
Speciality |
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Website | |
| Address | Blk 721 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8, #01-2813, Singapore 560721 |
Telephone | (65) 6459 2833 |
Operating Hours | Mon & Fri: 9.30am – 5.30pm Tues & Thurs: 9.30am – 5.30pm, 7pm – 9pm Sat: 9.30am – 1pm Sun: Closed |
Review 1 | “I recently went through an abortion and had Dr. Jen do the abortopn procedure for me. A friend of mine recommended him to me since Dr. Jen is her surgeon. I was really impressed on the manner that Dr. Jen handles his patients. He was attentive and would answer all my questions in a way that I will understand clearly. The abortion surgery did not put much strain on me and now I am already back to my normal routines. I am really thankful for his help.” – Valerie.C |
Review 2 | “Dr. Jen has been a very helpful and accommodating OB to me throughout all my pregnancies. I appreciate how he always show patience towards me even when I bombard him with countless questions, especially during the time that I almost had a miscarriage.” – Abby.T |
Clinic/Consultant | Funan Clinic |
Speciality |
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Website | |
| Address | 5 Coleman St, Excelsior Shopping Centre #03-20/21, Singapore 17980 |
Telephone | (65) 6338 8793 |
Operating Hours | Mon: 2.15pm – 6pm Tues-Fri: 10am – 6pm Sat: 10am – 2pm Sun: Closed |
Review | “She is very kind and good doctor. We have to be very grateful to her.” – Bala.M |
Clinic/Consultant | Seed of Life, Fertility & Women’s Care Medical Centre |
Speciality |
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Website | |
| Address | 38 Irrawaddy Road, Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre #06-41, Singapore 329563 |
Telephone | (65) 6887 4264 |
Operating Hours | Mon-Fri: 8.45am – 5.15pm Sat: 8.45am – 1.15pm Sun: Closed |
Review 1 | “Excellent Gynae. Not just what I said, even nurses in the hospital sing praises of him. Very meticulous. Had him for both my kids delivery, never regret my choice.” – Jenniella.P |
Review 2 | “One of the most patient doctor who is empathetic and kind. Dr Suresh Nair’s nurses are the most helpful bunch of nurses who will go all out to help and serve you. ” – Sue.A |
Clinic/Consultant | Dr J J Chee Obstetrics & Female Gynaecology |
Speciality |
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Website | https://www.drjjcheegynae.com |
| Address | 3 Mount Elizabeth, Medical Centre #12-02 , Singapore 228510 |
Telephone | (65) 6732 9882 |
Operating Hours | Mon-Fri: 8.30am – 5pm Sat: 8.30am – 12pm Sun: Closed |
Review 1 | “I have known Dr Chee and her staff for almost 6 years now and I am always greeted with the warmest service. Dr Chee and her lovely team of staff has taken care of me ever since my first visit visit with her at Paragon. She has always taken time to explain and answer all my questions. Dr Chee is very experienced, reassuring and patient and I completely trust her.” – Aiza.A |
Review 2 | “I am extremely pleased with the care and dedication Dr Chee has. My wife and i visited a few obgyns before we found Dr Chee and I have to say, she has been very detailed during every antenatal visit. We are looking forward to have our baby delivered by her. Her clinic assistants are also helpful and accommodates to our requests and answer any doubts we had regarding the billing etc. Big thanks!” – Zizou.F |
Clinic/Consultant | The Tow Yung Clinic |
Speciality |
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Website | |
| Address | 19 Tanglin Rd, Tanglin Shopping Centre #05-01, Singapore 247909 |
Telephone | (65) 67374433 |
Operating Hours | Mon-Fri: 8.30am -5pm Sat: 8.30am – 1pm Sun: Closed |
Review 1 | “I would like to give a big thank to Dr.L.S.Lim,he is my gyn, he done a very good job.👍” – Wong.W |
Review 2 | “Dr lim teck chye. Very professional senior doctor. Had been their patients since 1993. Need 30min to an hr waiting time during visit. Wear thicker clothing as is colder either” – Sally |
Clinic/Consultant | PK Women’s Specialist Clinic |
Speciality |
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Website | https://www.pkwomensclinic.com |
| Address | 2 Tai Thong Crescent, The Venue Shoppes #01-12, Singapore 347836 |
Telephone | (65) 6636 9909 |
Operating Hours | Mon – Fri: 9am – 1pm, 2pm – 5.30pm Mon, Wed, Fri: 6.30pm – 9pm |
Review 1 | “Patient in answering qns and understanding. Gives professional recommendations but yet respects my preference and decision as well. First baby successfully delivered via natural birth. Good Stitching. Will be back again for second one :)” – Asta |
Review 2 | “My wife, Charlene and I had a wonderful time at Dr Tan PK clinic whenever we were there! The staff treated us like family and would always gave us advice as well! Dr Tan is an experienced gynecologist and we knew from start we were in safe hands. Dr Tan helped us delivered our 3 little bundles of joy and never rush thru each session. At times my wife and I would feel insecure about certain procedures but he would always assured us. Kudos to Dr Tan and staff!” – Hong.W |
Review 3 | “During my pregnancy, Dr Tan strongly encouraged staying active to prevent and lower the risk of gestational diabetes. Fearing needles, I took his advice seriously from week 24 and started swimming regularly for an hour, 2 – 3 times a week, up until I delivered in week 38. Not only did I manage to keep away from the needles during pregnancy, the exercises gave me a higher pain tolerance and stamina that allowed me to experience natural delivery without any assisted pain management. Really thankful to Dr Tan for his constant reminders and encouragement throughout this journey to ensure I have a higher chance of experiencing the au-naturel delivery I’ve been aiming for :)” – Ruo.Y |
Editors Note:
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