Pretend you're hiring the doctor for a job

• make an appointment just to talk and check them out
• make sure they won't be judging you
• ask them about some of your medical concerns
• think about whether you could trust them

In some places including Ontario, nurse practitioners can conduct pelvic examinations, do STI tests, and prescribe some medications.

• Family Doctor
  • most people get a genital and pelvic exam at their annual physical
  • if you don't do annual physicals, consider starting -- catch any small problems before they become big problems
• Gynecologists/Urologist
  • a doctor who specializes in sexual health and the pelvic region of the body
  • females use a gynecologist and males use an urologist
  • you need a referral from a family doctor
  • if you're trying to avoid your family doctor, consider a sexual health clinic where no referral is needed
• Pediatrician
  • if your doctor is a pediatrician, they too can do genital and pelvic exams
• Sexual Health Clinic
  • a good option if you're not sure where to go
  • most communities have one
  • usually listed in the yellow pages under 'family planning' or 'birth control information centers'
  • contact your local 'Planned Parenthood' {Contact Information}
• Getting recommendations
  • a parent or friend may recommend a doctor
  • recommendations are great ways to find doctors you can trust
  • call to see if the doctor is taking any new clients
• Choosing a male or female doctor
  • it is your choice whether to have a male or female doctor
  • you should trust and feel comfortable with whomever you choose
  • it is completely acceptable to change your doctor based on gender