Choosing a gynaecologist is a personal decision, and for many women, the gender of their doctor matters. Preferring to see a female gynaecologist is completely normal and increasingly common — and there is no need to apologise for it or feel that you have to explain your reasons. Whether it is about comfort, culture, or simply starting fresh, your preference is valid.
This article outlines five of the most common reasons women seek out a female gynaecologist, and offers practical guidance on how to find one in London.
1. Comfort During Intimate Examinations
Gynaecological appointments often involve intimate examinations — smear tests (cervical screening), pelvic examinations, and transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound scans. For many women, particularly those attending for the first time, undressing and being examined in an intimate area can feel exposing and, at times, anxiety-inducing.
It is entirely natural to feel more at ease when this kind of examination is carried out by a female doctor. Feeling physically and emotionally comfortable during a gynaecological appointment is not a luxury — it is important. When you are relaxed, the examination is often more straightforward, and you are more likely to communicate openly about your symptoms.
Clinics that offer a named female consultant — rather than leaving gender as a variable — can make a significant difference to how women experience their care.
2. Shared Understanding of Women’s Health
It is worth stating clearly: all trained gynaecologists — regardless of gender — are taught to the same clinical standard. A well-trained male gynaecologist and a well-trained female gynaecologist are equally capable of diagnosing and managing conditions such as endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids, or menopause.
That said, some women feel that a female doctor brings an additional dimension of personal understanding to the conversation. Symptoms like severe period pain, cyclical mood changes, pregnancy-related concerns, or the gradual onset of perimenopause can sometimes feel difficult to articulate — particularly if past appointments have felt rushed or dismissive. For these women, the perception that a female clinician might relate more readily to their lived experience can make it easier to open up about what they are going through.
Whether or not that perception reflects a real clinical difference, the therapeutic relationship matters — and feeling heard is part of good care.
3. Cultural or Religious Reasons
For some women, being examined by a male doctor is not appropriate within their cultural or religious framework. This applies across a wide range of backgrounds and is a long-established consideration in healthcare. It is not unusual, and it should not be a barrier to accessing gynaecological care.
Unfortunately, within the NHS, it is not always possible to guarantee the gender of the clinician you will see — particularly in busy hospital departments. This is one reason many women with cultural or religious preferences choose to seek private gynaecological care, where a named female consultant can be confirmed at the time of booking.
Having access to a female gynaecologist removes a real barrier for these women and ensures they can access the clinical care they need without compromise.
4. Previous Negative Experiences
Some women come to a new gynaecology appointment carrying the weight of a previous experience that did not go well. This might have been a consultation where their symptoms were minimised, a clinical encounter that felt uncomfortable, or simply an appointment where they left feeling unheard.
These experiences are more common than many women realise, and they can create understandable reluctance around seeking further care. Seeking out a female clinician in a supportive, private setting can be a way of starting fresh — approaching gynaecological healthcare with a renewed sense of trust. There is no blame attached to any of this. What matters is finding a setting in which you feel confident enough to get the care you need.
5. Young Women and First Appointments
For teenagers and young women attending their first gynaecology appointment, the prospect of an intimate examination can feel daunting. Anxiety about what to expect, uncertainty about what will happen, and concern about being judged are all common feelings at this stage.
Research consistently shows that young women often feel more at ease when seen by a female clinician for their first gynaecological appointment. A calm, unhurried consultation — where questions are welcomed and nothing is rushed — makes a genuine difference to whether young women continue engaging with their gynaecological health as they grow older.
Starting with a positive first experience sets the tone for a lifetime of confident, proactive healthcare.
How to Find a Female Gynaecologist in London
Finding a female gynaecologist in London — particularly one who is available at short notice — can require a little research. Here are some practical steps:
- Check the clinic website for named clinicians. Rather than booking with an unnamed “duty doctor,” look for clinics that list their consultants by name, with a photo and biography. This gives you confidence about who you will see before you arrive.
- Look for clinics that specify a female consultant. Some private gynaecology clinics are led entirely by a female doctor, which means there is no ambiguity about who you will see.
- Check Doctify and Google Reviews. Patient reviews can offer useful insight into whether women have felt comfortable, listened to, and well cared for at a particular clinic.
- Telephone the clinic directly. If you are unsure, a quick phone call can clarify whether a female clinician is available and when the next appointment is.
At Aristo Gynaecology & GP Clinic, all gynaecology consultations are with Dr Anastasia Mermigka, a female consultant gynaecologist. There is no need to request a female clinician separately — it is simply how the clinic is structured. Dr Mermigka holds full GMC registration and has NHS consultant-level training in obstetrics and gynaecology.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
If you have not attended a private gynaecology appointment before, it can help to know what the process involves. At Aristo Gynaecology & GP Clinic, consultations are typically 45 minutes long, conducted in a private consulting room, and structured around listening to your concerns before any examination takes place.
A chaperone is available for all intimate examinations if you would prefer one present. You will be given the opportunity to ask questions throughout, and any findings or recommendations will be explained clearly before you leave.
You can read more about Dr Anastasia Mermigka’s background and approach or explore the full range of female gynaecologist services available in London.
Book Your Appointment
Appointments are available at the following fee levels:
- Face-to-face consultation: £180
- Consultation with ultrasound scan: £270
- Smear test (cervical screening): £150
To book, you can use the online booking system below or contact the clinic directly via WhatsApp.
Prefer to message? Contact us on WhatsApp and a member of the team will get back to you promptly.
You can also find out more about our female gynaecologist services or browse our full list of services.
