The American Society for Reproductive Medicine is now in the midst of a new national consumer campaign entitled “Ask Your Gynecologist.” Why have we reached out to the consumer? In the broadest sense, gynecology embraces reproductive medicine in the woman. The many findings from the Women's Health Initiative, with the subsequent interpretations and controversial stories in the media, may well have led women to turn to internists and other primary care providers who may have become disenchanted with the role of gonadal steroids for women.
In preparation for the launch of this campaign, ASRM conducted a national survey of nearly 1,000 (977) women, aged 25-65, in June 2004. The survey examined women's attitudes based on their experiences with their gynecologist.
Surprisingly, nearly half of all women (49%) nationwide said they don't go to their gynecologist first for information and advice on reproductive and sexual health. In fact, 44% said they first turn to their female family members and friends, family physician, books and magazines, and the Internet for advice. Of note is the fact that 62% of women who see their gynecologist annually turn to that individual first for such advice. Also a concern is the finding that more than half of all women over the age of 45 years (54%) do not see their gynecologist on an annual basis.
Contraception is the leading reason (32%) that women first seek gynecological care, and almost three-quarters of women (74%) had their first visit to a gynecologist before the age of 20. Desire for a routine examination (24%) and pregnancy (18%) were the next most common reasons for first seeking care from an obstetrician/gynecologist. Younger women (aged 25-40) were more likely than women over age 50 to have had their first visit to a gynecologist before age 18.
General health (43%) and menopause (40%) top the list of topics that women are most likely to discuss with their gynecologist. Only 16% stated they would discuss libido and sex drive with the gynecologist. Women are least likely to discuss their partner's impotence with their gynecologist. Vaccinations are rarely discussed as well.
Over half of these U.S. women (52%) stated they were satisfied with their last gynecological visit and had a good relationship with their gynecologist. However, one out of every six women said they “dreaded” visiting their gynecologist. A slight majority of women surveyed (53%) had female as opposed to male (47%) gynecologists. Changing attitudes might be evident in the observation that 65% of women under age 35 had female obstetrician-gynecologists.
Overall, these data indicate the need to educate American women about the capabilities of gynecologists and members of our Society. They also provide the opportunity to raise the awareness of American women about a number of issues related to reproductive health and fertility. It is our intent to do just that in this ongoing consumer campaign.
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