Gynecology in Brooklyn: What to Expect and How to Find the Right Gynecologist

By the IDCC Health editorial team

What Is Gynecology and What Do Gynecologists Do?

Gynecology focuses on the female reproductive system, including the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, and breasts. A gynecologist diagnoses and treats conditions in these areas and provides preventive care like screenings and counseling to help women stay healthy at every stage of life.

Gynecologists offer more than exams: Pap smears, pelvic exams, breast exams, birth control counseling, and testing for sexually transmitted infections. They also manage menstrual problems, pelvic pain, endometriosis, fibroids, and menopause symptoms. Some have extra training in obstetrics to care for women during pregnancy and childbirth. At IDCC Health, our team includes family medicine doctors like Stella Geller DO and Irina Pruchansky DO, as well as nurse practitioners like Marina Timoshenko FNP, who provide many of these services as part of Primary Care.

You don't always need a separate gynecologist for routine care. Family medicine doctors like Stella Geller DO provide many gynecological services as part of Primary Care, and nurse practitioners like Marina Timoshenko FNP perform well-woman exams and screenings. At IDCC Health, you can choose between primary care and dedicated Gynecology services in Brooklyn. Having a primary care physician offers many benefits for better health and care, including coordinated screenings and follow-up. For more on this, see our article on the Benefits of Having a Primary Care Physician for Better Health and Care.

Annual well-woman exam
Pelvic pain or unusual bleeding
Birth control or family planning
Menopause symptoms
Screenings for cervical cancer and infections

When Should You See a Gynecologist in Brooklyn?

Most women should have their first gynecology visit between ages 13 and 15, or sooner if they become sexually active or have concerns. After that, a yearly well-woman exam is standard. This visit includes a pelvic exam, a Pap smear when recommended, and a conversation about your health history, birth control, and symptoms. The goal is prevention and early detection. The American Academy of Family Physicians provides guidance on preventive care for women.

You don't always need a separate gynecologist for these visits. Family medicine doctors like Stella Geller DO provide many gynecological services as part of routine Primary Care, including pelvic exams, Pap smears, and birth control counseling. If you have a primary care doctor you trust, you may get well-woman care during your annual physical. This is one of the many benefits of having a primary care physician for better health and care. For those who prefer a dedicated gynecology practice, IDCC Health also offers a full Gynecology service.

Beyond the annual visit, schedule an appointment sooner if you notice unusual bleeding between periods, persistent pelvic pain, unusual discharge, or pain during sex. Also see a provider if you are trying to get pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or want to discuss birth control. Pregnancy care, including prenatal visits, is another reason to seek gynecological care. If you have pelvic pain, you might also benefit from Pain Management or Physical Therapy to address related issues.

Bleeding between periods or after menopause
Pelvic pain that does not go away
Unusual or foul-smelling discharge
Pain during sex
Missed periods or irregular cycles

Can Your Primary Care Doctor Provide Gynecological Care?

Yes, your primary care doctor can provide many gynecological services. Family medicine doctors receive training in women's health, including pelvic exams, Pap smears, birth control counseling, and screenings. At IDCC Health, Stella Geller DO and Irina Pruchansky DO offer this care as part of their Primary Care practice. For many women, routine gynecological care can happen during a regular checkup, making it easier to stay on top of preventive health.

There are times when a dedicated gynecologist is the better choice. If you have a complex gynecological condition, are pregnant, or need a specialized procedure, your primary care doctor will likely refer you to a gynecologist. In a multispecialty clinic like IDCC Health, that referral is smooth. Doctors can inter-refer within the same practice, so your records and care stay coordinated. You can learn more about this process in our article on Can Doctors Inter Refer in a Multispecialty Clinic? For routine preventive care, though, your primary care doctor can often handle it. The best approach is to ask your doctor about their training and comfort with gynecological care.

If you prefer to see a gynecologist directly, IDCC Health also has a dedicated Gynecology service. The right choice depends on your needs, health history, and comfort level. Many women start with their primary care doctor and then decide if they need a specialist. Either way, the most important step is to schedule an appointment and not delay preventive care. If you have questions about how primary care works, you might also read our articles on Can a Specialist Be a Primary Care Physician? and Can You Have a Primary Care Doctor in Another State?.

Routine pelvic exams and Pap smears
Birth control counseling and prescriptions
Screening for common infections and conditions
Referrals to a gynecologist for complex care

What to Expect at Your First Gynecology Appointment

Your first gynecology appointment is a chance to talk about your health, ask questions, and get the screenings you need. It's normal to feel nervous, especially if you've never had one. Knowing what happens can help you feel at ease.

The visit usually starts with a conversation. A doctor or nurse will ask about your medical history, periods, sexual activity, birth control use, and any symptoms. You may see a family medicine doctor like Stella Geller DO, who provides many gynecological services as part of Primary Care. After the conversation, the clinician may do a physical exam, often including a breast exam and a pelvic exam. A pelvic exam checks the vagina, cervix, and uterus. If you are due, the clinician may also do a Pap smear, which collects cells from the cervix to screen for cervical cancer. You can ask the clinician to explain each step and ask them to stop at any time. You are in control of your visit.

After the exam, the clinician will talk with you about results and next steps. They can also discuss birth control, menstrual concerns, and other health questions. If you need more specialized care, the Gynecology team at IDCC Health can help. You can book your first appointment at our 445 Kings Highway office or another Brooklyn location, such as 2846 Stillwell Avenue (Coney Island) or 201 Kings Highway. For reliable health information before your visit, the National Institutes of Health and MedlinePlus offer helpful resources.

Your insurance card and a photo ID
A list of any medications you take, including vitamins and supplements
A list of questions or concerns you want to discuss
Any recent test results or records from other doctors

Frequently Asked Questions About Gynecology in Brooklyn

Here are answers to common questions about gynecology in Brooklyn. For a full overview of our services, visit our gynecology page. If you don't see your question below, call our office and a member of the care team will help you.

Many women have the same questions before their first visit. The answers below can help you feel prepared and confident.

How often should I see a gynecologist? Most women benefit from an annual well-woman visit. Your doctor may suggest a different schedule based on your health history, age, and risk factors. Routine visits are a good time for a pelvic exam, breast exam, and Pap smear when recommended. For more on preventive care, see the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Can my primary care doctor provide gynecological care? Yes. Family medicine doctors like Stella Geller DO and Irina Pruchansky DO can handle many routine gynecological services as part of Primary Care. This can make it easier to get your checkups and everyday health care in one place.
What happens during a gynecological exam? The visit usually starts with a conversation about your health history, symptoms, and any concerns. The exam itself may include a breast check and a pelvic exam. You can ask questions at any time, and you can ask the doctor to stop or take a break if you feel uncomfortable.
Do I need a referral to see a gynecologist? Often no, but this depends on your insurance plan. Some plans require a referral from a primary care provider. Check with your insurance company or call our office to confirm before booking.
What should I bring to my first visit? Bring your photo ID, insurance card, a list of any medications you take, and a list of questions you want to ask. It also helps to know your family health history.
How do I book an appointment? You can call our office or visit one of our Brooklyn locations, such as 445 Kings Highway, 2846 Stillwell Avenue (Coney Island), or 201 Kings Highway, to schedule a visit. Our team can help you find a time that works for you.

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When to Seek Care Right Away

Symptoms that are severe, sudden, or rapidly getting worse
Fever along with pain or other new symptoms
Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or fainting
Numbness, weakness, or loss of function in an arm or leg
Any symptom severe enough to interrupt sleep, work, or daily activities for more than a few days

Sources

Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.