FAQ
what is an obstetrician/gynecologist?
We are specialist physicians who have completed a medical school and an additional five years of specialized training. We are certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons to practice Obstetrics (care of women in pregnancy) and Gynecology (care of reproductive organs). We are medical doctors who may prescribe medications to treat concerns such as painful periods, menopause, or bladder concerns. We are also surgeons who operate on the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, vulva and vagina.
How can i find a maternity care provider?
In Victoria, women who are pregnant can receive maternity care through a family doctor or midwife. If you have issues in your pregnancy your maternity care provider may refer you to see an Obstetrician at the CFAU Clinic at Victoria General Hospital. Obstetricians in Victoria do not see patients for routine prenatal care but are in hospital 24 hours a day to help in emergencies, high-risk deliveries, and perform surgeries.
How long will i wait to see an Obstetrician/gynecologist?
You require a referral from a family doctor, nurse practitioner, walk-in clinic doctor, or midwife to see an Obstetrician/Gynecologist. We will triage that referral based on urgency. For example, if you have heavy vaginal bleeding you will be seen before a woman waiting to discuss contraception. Wait-times for different doctors vary from a few weeks to over 12 months depending on the urgency of the referral concern.
What should i bring to my appointment?
It is always helpful to bring an up-to-date list of prescribed medications and drug allergies to your appointment. It is also helpful if you have a list of previous surgeries and current medical conditions. If your concern surrounds your menstrual periods, bringing a calendar of your bleeding, or tracking your cycles on an app can also be very helpful to your doctor.
Will i have a pelvic exam at my appointment?
This depends on the nature of the referral. Many patients will have a physical exam of some kind which may involve a blood pressure reading, focused abdominal exam, speculum exam and bimanual exam. In some situations, a Pap smear, swabs, endometrial biopsy, or cervical biopsy may also be recommended by your Gynecologist.
How long do i have to wait for my surgery?
If you decide with your Gynecologist to pursue surgery, you will be placed on a waitlist. Surgeries are also triaged based on urgency. For example, a woman who is having a hysterectomy for cancer will have her surgery done before a woman having a fibroid removed. Surgical wait-lists also vary by surgeon.