What to do if dr wont refer you? (Canada)

Go to a walk in clinic and get a referral

In order to get a referral to the gyno, your family doctor would have to have reason. Your GP can perform initial testing and physical. They can also requisition ultrasounds, which is basically the best diagnostic tool available for identifying any issues. When I had my initial ultrasound they identified my fibroids, and THEN I was referred to a gyno.

Usually you require to have prior concerns or diagnosis such as PCOS, Endometriosis, etc or already been attempting to conceive for 6 months to a year before they send a referral. You might be able to get a second opinion but unfortunately the system is already overwhelmed and they cannot make referrals out of want rather than need.

Depends what area you are from. Of your doctor won't refer you then you could try getting one from a walk-in. Walk-ins in Canada these days are impossible to actually walk into... Last year my family doctor was on mat leave and I wasn't comfortable with the doctor who was covering for her, doing my pap. They gave me a referral to a clinic run by female nurses that can do gyno-style checks and tests. I think its more for women who are very nervous about it (SA victims etc). That might be an option for you?

@Amber i understand this. And i also agree about the overwhelming amount of people. But after reading scary stuff about prolapse and forced pushing being bad i got scared even more and wanted to make sure i dont have any of that without knowing. I had a vacuum delivery that caused me to fear birth even more. Thats why i want to be SURE im ok all below before its too late

@Tara any in toronto/vaughan area? I just feel Too traumatic from my vacuum delivery. I want to feel safe and comfortable

@Tara @Amber we do have the right to choose our ob gyn though right? When we are pregnant? The one i want is female and near me. The last two he gave me were so careless and rough. No way am I comfortable to go back to them

Oh for prolapse you can just go see pelvic physiotherapist! They’ll be able to establish this for you. You can self refer too, no need for dr appt. But like others have said, if that’s the only reason to see a specialist, then your fam doc can check it out as well. But do see a pelvic physio, they’ll be able to test your pelvic muscles, check out your abs and hips too

@Polina oh didnt know this at all!! Thank you so much. I will check into this for sure then :) THANKKKK YOUUUUUUUU!!!! ❤️

Yes you have the right to choose, assuming they have the space to take on new patients. Remember though that when it comes to a birth, unless it is a scheduled c-section, chances of actually getting your OB in the room on time are iffy!

@Tara that is totally fine! I never had any if my ob gyns deliver. Thankful for that too.. which is why I want to choose an ob gyn I will feel comfortable with throughout the pregnancy regardless if she delivers or not. I am considering a midwife as well... but im trying to see my options now before im in the situation of immense stresss

My experience with midwives have been fantastic. Not sure if there are any decent ones in York Region but I'd definitely recommend looking into it. Of course they will only take you on once the pregnancy is confirmed

@Tara did you have epidural and hospital birth? I think i want to try without medication but at a hospital.. and from what ive read thus far.. it seems a lot of women felt more at ease with a midwife...

@Tara oh and yes! I actually called one up in the vaughan area and they said to come once im pregnant. Not before 😆

I had to go with a planned c-section. My BP was very high toward the end of the 3rd trimester. So I ended up with an OB and a pair of midwives. Best of both worlds. The midwives were clutch after the birth though, since you get home visits for 6 weeks 👌

@Tara what do they do during the home visits? And can we have more than one midwife or because yours was c section they had more help? I really like the idea of midwives being on our side regardless of how the birth turns out. I think just knowing they are with me i would feel safe.. and i assume they dont rush or pressure anything like nurses/drs

Feel free to PM me! Happy to answer any questions