OB or family doctor for annual check-up?

lsufan

We just moved, and I have to pick new doctors for everybody.  Since I'm not planning on getting pregnant anytime soon (or ever), I was thinking of just skipping the OB and having the pap smear, etc. combined with my annual physical at the family doctor.  Is there any reason not to do this?  

true_norskie

The only times I haven't gone to my family doctor for my annual visits were due to pregnancy and one time for the OB's opinion on a specific birth control method.

I've seen the same nurse practitioner for 17 years now so I'm really comfortable going to her and like having that continuity.

ETA: I don't have any issues "down there" and never have.  If I felt like I needed specialized care I would definitely visit the OB. 

Chapter79

That's what I do! I'm done having kids, and I absolutely ADORE and love my family DR.. so she does my breast exams, pap, etc.. all that.  I find it much easier to just go to one DR for everything now.

Mrs Manners

I'm done having kids so I just go see my PCP for my annual physical. He does a full work up, breast exam, pap, etc. I see no reason for me to have an OB do this and frankly feel like my PCP dedicates more time to the whole process anyway. 

Littlejen22

I have no interest in my family doctor doing a pap for me, they do not do them often and I don't need to be the only privates they see in months. 

ETA:  I don't even think our PCP does them, and no PCP I have ever seen has told me they do so that affected my response.

winomom22

Before, between and after pregnancies, I see my family doc for all my health needs/physicals including my yearly pap and pelvic. OBs aren't in the best position to help you with other health issues and since family practice docs have a wider scope of training they are better able to assist with needs not having to do with your vagina and uterus.

Littlejen22

naybride04:

Before, between and after pregnancies, I see my family doc for all my health needs/physicals including my yearly pap and pelvic. OBs aren't in the best position to help you with other health issues and since family practice docs have a wider scope of training they are better able to assist with needs not having to do with your vagina and uterus.

 

Oh, and I go to my PCP for everything else and see them at least yearly.

lsufan

Littlejen22:

I have no interest in my family doctor doing a pap for me, they do not do them often and I don't need to be the only privates they see in months. 

ETA:  I don't even think our PCP does them, and no PCP I have ever seen has told me they do so that affected my response.

I have to giggle, because now I'm considering screening a new family doctor by asking how many vaginas they see a month.

I know our old PCP did pap smears, because they asked me if I needed one every time I was there for a general physical. 

CsJ442009

i personally would always go to my ob just beacause i think personaly they are more apt to realize if something is wrong beacause thats what they are trained for specifically down there lol just thought id put that out there even if you dont like my answer

Chapter79

CsJ442009:

i personally would always go to my ob just beacause i think personaly they are more apt to realize if something is wrong beacause thats what they are trained for specifically down there lol just thought id put that out there even if you dont like my answer

FWIW, some family DR's also deliver babies.
Mine does. I didn't use her for that purpose, however.  I was high risk and she does NOT do high risk or c-sections.  But, she does deliver babies. So I feel 100% comfortable and confident in her care of me down there

Dougsgirl4ever

CsJ442009:

i personally would always go to my ob just beacause i think personaly they are more apt to realize if something is wrong beacause thats what they are trained for specifically down there lol just thought id put that out there even if you dont like my answer

  This...The only time I had ever had my reg. Dr do it was when I moved here & didn't have an ob/gyn yet. Get this he told me while my feet were still in the stirrups that I would never have children.  REALLY??? So how is it that I got pregnant on the first try & have DD?  And this Dr. used to deliver babies too.

winomom22

Chapter79:

CsJ442009:

i personally would always go to my ob just beacause i think personaly they are more apt to realize if something is wrong beacause thats what they are trained for specifically down there lol just thought id put that out there even if you dont like my answer

FWIW, some family DR's also deliver babies.
Mine does. I didn't use her for that purpose, however.  I was high risk and she does NOT do high risk or c-sections.  But, she does deliver babies. So I feel 100% comfortable and confident in her care of me down there

This too. My family doc delivers babies. I didn't see her though since I was a repeat c-section. It's just so much more convenient. Family docs are a one stop shop. I would rather do it all in one appt than 2. 

jlw2505

I love my OB so I do my annual with her and my sister does the same thing.  I only see my general practitioner for when I am sick or things that just don't fit in anyplace else.  I see my allergist and OB annually plus get my mammogram.  If you are comfy with your family/general doing your pap and breast check, than it is fine.

justEK

Littlejen22:

I have no interest in my family doctor doing a pap for me, they do not do them often and I don't need to be the only privates they see in months. 

ETA:  I don't even think our PCP does them, and no PCP I have ever seen has told me they do so that affected my response.

This cracks me up! I would be a little shocked if they didn't do paps. Most PCP do them. OB is just specialized.  

ilovemygirls

Given your circumstances, I'd do a 'combo' visit this once.  But I'm personally a believer in going to my OB/Gyn for annual women's exams, my PCP for everything else.  Not to say that some PCP's aren't great for that, but I just feel more comfortable going to a specialist as if something went awry, you're already with someone who is more of an expert in that area.