Choosing a Gynaecologist: What Really Matters

For many women, choosing a gynaecologist is not as straightforward as comparing qualifications or clinic locations. Personal comfort, trust, and long-held assumptions often play a role in the decision. In this article, Dr Tan Eng Loy shares insights from years of clinical practice, addressing common misconceptions and highlighting what many patients ultimately find matters most when choosing a gynaecologist.

Choosing a gynaecologist is an important and personal decision. For many women, this choice is influenced by a mix of medical needs, personal preferences, and past experiences.

In Asian cultures, it is also common for patients to feel that seeing a female gynaecologist may be more reassuring, especially when it comes to intimate examinations or sensitive discussions. This preference is completely understandable and should always be respected.

At the same time, many patients later discover that what truly matters in a gynaecologist goes beyond gender alone.

Trust and communication come first

A gynaecology consultation often involves topics that are private and sometimes anxiety-provoking. What most patients value is not simply who their doctor is, but how they are treated during the consultation.

Feeling reassured often comes from:

• Being listened to without judgment

• Having concerns taken seriously

• Clear explanations before examinations or procedures

• Knowing what to expect at each step

When communication is clear and respectful, patients are more likely to feel safe and confident in their care.

Respect for boundaries and choice

An important part of women’s healthcare is ensuring that patients always feel in control of their bodies and decisions.

This includes:

• Explaining examinations before they are performed

• Proceeding only with consent

• Allowing patients to pause or decline if they are uncomfortable

• Encouraging questions and discussion

A good gynaecologist — regardless of gender — should prioritise dignity, autonomy, and informed choice.

Experience, approach, and values matter

Some patients prioritise a doctor’s years of experience, others value a particular approach to pregnancy or women’s health, and many look for someone whose values align with their own.

Over time, many women find that professionalism, empathy, and communication style play a larger role in their experience than the doctor’s gender.

These qualities are not gender-specific — they are cultivated through training, experience, and a genuine commitment to patient-centred care.

Making the right choice for yourself

There is no single “correct” way to choose a gynaecologist. Some women will always feel more comfortable seeing a female doctor, and that choice is entirely valid. Others may place greater emphasis on experience, communication, or a doctor’s philosophy of care.

What truly matters is finding a gynaecologist who:

• Respects you

• Communicates clearly

• Makes you feel safe and heard

• Supports your choices

When these elements are present, trust develops naturally — and that trust forms the foundation of good care.

If you are considering a gynaecologist, take the time to understand their approach, values, and communication style. The right doctor is one who helps you feel informed, respected, and confident in your care.

Still have further questions? Arrange a consultation or speak to our clinic team