GYNO!

I need to find one. I should have done this a while ago, but forgot. Whoops. How do I go about getting one?

You dont!
You just go to your normal GP, and if he/she feels that you need a referral to a gynaecologist, then they refer you.

Otterpop is right!  As far as I know, your GP carries out all routine exams.

Or Family Planning Clinic.

Otterpop is right!  As far as I know, your GP carries out all routine exams.

Or the nurse practitioner at your regular surgery.  I had a GYN in the US whom I saw only once, all my exams were carried out by the nurse practitioner, even a colposcopy.  

Or the nurse practitioner at your regular surgery.  I had a GYN in the US whom I saw only once, all my exams were carried out by the nurse practitioner, even a colposcopy.  

Perhaps I should have posted "GP or medical staff within your local GP's office, such as a nurse practitioner" .

True, Maddie, some GPs do sort of specialise in certain issues.  Our surgery has a LOVELY GP who works w/all women's issues and with infants and children.  She's ace! 

Sorry as a woman not having a GYNO even for routine checks is a real problem for me.  I remember in the states back in the 80's HMO's were trying to make women have their annual's at their GP office. Luckily I had a non HMO so wasn't affected but thank goodness legislation came through to allow every woman the right to have one exam by a GYNO every year.

A GP is just that....a general practitioner, not someone who should see babies (they should be seeing a pediatrician) nor deal with women's health. In my book, it stretches them too thin. Kind of the jack of all trades...master to none...kind of thing.  

I know I will get a lot of back's up but that's just my opinion. Sorry, I feel very strongly about this.  Great if folks feel they are getting great care and I am sure some are....I am just very leary about it.

I too believe that UK GP's are overstretched with "Jack of all trade" approach to medicine.  I would perfer for it to be more specialized, but that's just me.  I do respect that fact that everyone is eligible for medical care, which in the States is not an option for some.  So, I guess it is give in take.

Well it's up to you of course. If you want to see a gynaecologist for anything routine you can but you'll need to go private for that.  If you see your GP and s/he determines you need a gynaecologist they will refer you on the NHS.

I have been here five years and only SPOKE to an OB/GYN twice, once with each pregnancy.
The nurse at my GP does my smear test every 3 years.
I go to the Women's clinic for B/C issues.

Agreed that you can pay to go private (no problem, I have it) but I just feel its every woman's right whether they have private insurance or not to have an exam done by a GYNO...its an uncomfortable enough experience even having it done in a proper (Woman's health care) type of environment.  I prefer a specialist even if there are no problems, it just gives me more confidence.

Again its just my opinion.  

I can understand someone wanting a specialist if they have a history of problems, but luckily i dont have problems, so im happy with things the way they are.

Just my opinion.

No-one is saying you can't or shouldn't Jules. Well I"m not anyhow  Personally, I don't mind if they're a nurse, GP or specialist as long as they are female, know what they are doing  and don't hurt me. Anytime I have been examined by a man whether they be a specialist or not it has been very uncomfortable.

No-one is saying you can't or shouldn't Jules. Well I"m not anyhow  Personally, I don't mind if they're a nurse, GP or specialist as long as they are female, know what they are doing  and don't hurt me. Anytime I have been examined by a man whether they be a specialist or not it has been very uncomfortable.

I perfer a woman too when it comes to gyno exams, a gentler approach perhaps, not sure.