Gynecologists and obstetricians specialize in a range of women's health care issues, including fertility, sexual health, and urology. For many women, a gynecologist serves as the primary point of care, making referrals to specialists as needed. Obstetricians, by contrast, specialize in care for pregnant women and women who plan to soon be pregnant.
A gynecologist can help you maintain your sexual and reproductive health after a catastrophic injury. He or she can also counsel you about family planning options, work with your team to ensure optimal sexual function, and help you prevent issues such as yeast infections and bladder infections, which are common among spinal cord injury survivors.
You should choose a gynecologist who has experience working with brain or spinal cord injury survivors. If you plan to have a child, choose an obstetrician who helps women manage spinal cord and brain injury-related fertility issues, and who shares your general approach to childbirth. For instance, some obstetricians prefer to perform lots of interventions, while others encourage mothers to embrace natural pain management or alternative care.
Some questions to ask include:
- Have you worked with female survivors of brain or spinal cord injuries before?
- What is your childbirth philosophy?
- How long have you practiced?
- Do you have any specialties?
- What specific issues should I watch for due to my injuries?
