What is a Gynecologist?
An obstetrician and gynecologist is a medical doctor who provides a wide range of services from pregnancy monitoring to delivery, postpartum care, menopause and diagnosis and treatment of gynecological diseases for women of reproductive age. He/she specializes in women’s health, reproductive organs, normal and risky pregnancies, delivery methods, cesarean section, in vitro fertilization practices and gynecological surgery. These physicians, who are competent in both general gynecological examination and obstetric care, approach women’s lifelong health needs holistically.
In what areas does a gynecologist provide services?
It provides services in the fields of pregnancy planning and fertility counseling, early pregnancy diagnosis, miscarriage risk monitoring, risky pregnancy management, birth preparation courses, normal (vaginal) birth and cesarean section surgeries, post-pregnancy gynecological rehabilitation, menopause and hormone replacement treatments, and diagnosis and treatment of cervical, endometrial and ovarian diseases. It also provides services in the fields of management of uterine fibroids, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), sexually transmitted infections and pelvic pain complaints.
When Should You See a Gynecologist?
A gynecologist should be consulted in case of complaints such as irregularity in the menstrual cycle, excessive bleeding or pain, ovulation problems, infertility, vaginal discharge or itching, burning sensation during urination, abdominal or groin pain; when planning pregnancy, when a pregnancy test is positive and at the beginning of the first trimester; for regular check-ups throughout pregnancy; when delivery is approaching and when there is a risk of postpartum complications.
What is done during the first examination?
In the first meeting, a detailed medical history is taken, physical examination and ultraviolet parameters (blood pressure, weight, pulse) are measured. Gynecological examination and, if necessary, transvaginal ultrasound are used to evaluate the uterus and ovaries. Laboratory requests (complete blood count, blood group – Rh, urine analysis, infection markers) are given. The patient is informed about pregnancy follow-up, preventive vitamin and mineral use (folic acid, iron, calcium) and subsequent appointments are planned.
What Tests and Scans Does an Obstetrician Perform?
Plans, performs and interprets diagnostic and screening tests such as combined screening in early pregnancy (NT + PAPP-A + β-hCG), second trimester quadruple screening (AFP, hCG, uE3, inhibin-A), glucose tolerance test (24–28 weeks), gynecological smear (Pap test), HPV screening, transvaginal and 2D/3D/4D ultrasound, color Doppler examination, colposcopy, hysteroscopy, chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis.
What is the Difference Between Obstetrics and Gynecology?
While gynecology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the female reproductive organs, obstetrics (obstetrics and gynecology) specializes in pregnancy, birth and postpartum processes. An obstetrician is an “obstetrics-gynecology” practitioner who covers both areas and can manage both pregnancy and gynecological diseases. A gynecologist can only focus on diseases of the uterus and ovaries without monitoring pregnancy.
The Role of the Obstetrician in Pregnancy Follow-up
Provides guidance on health screening, risk assessment, monitoring fetal development with ultrasound and laboratory examinations, nutritional and exercise counseling, preparation for birth, birth planning (vaginal or cesarean) and postpartum mother-baby care throughout pregnancy. Coordinates multidisciplinary teams in risky pregnancies, collaborates with perinatology, neonatology and genetic counseling if necessary. Makes medical decisions to ensure the safety of the mother and baby and provides supportive psychosocial support.
Why is Specialist Support Important in Gynecological Diseases?
A wide range of problems of women of reproductive age, such as hormonal fluctuations, menstrual irregularities, structural problems such as cysts or myomas, and sexually transmitted infections, should be addressed by obstetricians and gynecologists who have received training in this field, rather than general practitioners. Specialist physicians follow the latest developments in the diagnosis and treatment of both gynecological and obstetric pathologies, and use minimally invasive surgical methods such as laparoscopic or hysteroscopic to increase patient comfort and shorten recovery time. Correct intervention in the early period prevents infertility, chronic pelvic pain, bleeding disorders, or the risk of malignancy, and protects quality of life and reproductive health in the long term.
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Examination Prices 2026
As of 2026, gynecologist examination fees in private clinics and hospitals will range from ₺600 to ₺1,200. Packages that include basic gynecological examination and transvaginal ultrasound in the first consultation can go up to ₺1,500, while additional laboratory or screening tests can increase this cost. In hospitals with SSI agreements, basic examinations and routine tests are largely provided free of charge, and a copayment may be requested only for advanced examinations or special ultrasounds.
Do I Need an Appointment to See a Gynecologist?
Most private clinics and public hospitals require an appointment by phone or online before going to the gynecologist in order to regulate the patient load. In cases such as urgent gynecological complaints or labor pains, you can also go to the emergency room or polyclinic emergency examination units without an appointment. An appointment shortens the waiting time and provides your doctor with a more focused time period.
Will the Examination Be Painful?
Routine gynecologic examinations are usually painless; there may be some slight pressure or discomfort during speculum insertion. Transvaginal ultrasound is similarly comfortable, with soft probe covers and lubricating gels used to keep the patient in a comfortable position. When procedures such as endocervical swabs or small biopsies are required, local anesthesia or simple short-term analgesia can increase the comfort of the procedure.
What Tests Are Done for Menstrual Irregularity?
When evaluating menstrual irregularities, first of all, complete blood count, iron and ferritin levels, TSH-fT4 thyroid function tests and prolactin level are examined. Again, gynecological ultrasound is used to screen for uterine wall thickness, polycystic ovary appearance and presence of myoma. If necessary, hormonal panel (FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone) and insulin resistance measurements are added; if there is suspicion of premature menopause or ovarian exhaustion syndrome, an AMH (anti-mullerian hormone) test is requested.
In Which Situations Should You See a Doctor Immediately?
If alarming symptoms such as severe abdominal or groin pain, sudden onset of heavy vaginal bleeding, high fever and chills, severe burning during urination, fainting accompanied by hardness in the abdominal area, severe pain during pregnancy or decreased fetal movement occur, it is necessary to immediately go to the gynecological emergency department. In addition, those who experience a foul odor in vaginal discharge, severe itching or extreme pain during intercourse should immediately seek the evaluation of a specialist. These symptoms can increase the risk of serious complications if not treated early.