OB/GYN Discussion Thread

Frank Green2 said:It’s honestly hilarious to me that you’re suddenly wearing a skirt just because you're seeing a gynecologist—like, you're worried about them catching a glimpse of half your butt, but they're going to see your most intimate parts anyway.
I always show up in pants. My sister doesn't even see me since she's usually in another room, and even if she walks into the "bedroom," there's a privacy screen hiding both the bed and the changing corner.
Of course, if anyone is more modest than I am, go right ahead... whatever works for you.
I don't really know how to answer that bit about the virginity exam, though; someone else would probably handle that...

I don't find it funny at all. Actually, it's a MUST. At every OBGYN I've ever been to, wearing a skirt was totally standard—it'd almost be weird if you didn't. I mean, you aren't just sprinting straight onto the exam table the second you walk in, right? You talk to the doctor first, chat about why you're there, ask questions... I'm not exactly looking to have a conversation with a woman while I'm standing there totally exposed. I mean, think about it... when she's sitting there talking to you, her eyes are basically level with my... well, you know what I mean... 😲you know who she's actually talking to... 😬...

Michael Jones23 said:It’s not even funny to me—it’s actually mandatory! Every OB-GYN I’ve ever visited has been the same; it feels weird if you don't show up in a skirt. You aren't just jumping straight onto the exam table the second you walk in—you have to chat with the doctor first, talk about why you're there, ask questions... and I mean, I can't exactly carry on a conversation with a woman who's already completely exposed, right? I mean, her eyes (while she's sitting there) are basically at my... well, you know where...😲 eye level...😬...

I usually do all my talking while I'm getting undressed, while I'm waiting for them to come over to the table, or even while they're performing the exam—thankfully, most doctors are polite enough to step behind their screen to their desk immediately after finishing, which gives me plenty of time to keep chatting (if I actually have anything to say). But, oh well, like I said—everyone has their own way of doing things.

Frank Green2 said:I just keep talking while I’m undressing, while I’m waiting for him to get to the table, while he’s doing the exam... thank God the guy is decent enough that as soon as he’s done checking me over, he heads straight back to his desk behind the screen, leaving me there still rambling on (if I actually have anything to say). Man, seriously, what is it with people and their silence?

So yeah, it's the same thing every time things get a little different... with mine, it’s basically assumed you just show up in some kind of little gown...

velvetwolf9 said:It’s not just that they don't exist in Chicago; she claims they don't exist anywhere at all based on her statements... I can't speak for other cities...
It isn't that I particularly adore the man—after all, he is my gynecologist😬 but I still find myself unable to agree with the lady... 😉

I would kindly ask you to stop talking nonsense and refrain from misquoting me, as I never once stated that a good gynecologist does not exist!
I recommended one specific doctor, which is clearly evident from my very first sentence, and I merely noted my own poor experiences with the three socialized doctors I have seen thus far.

As for any others, I haven't voiced an opinion because I haven't been to them and therefore simply do not know. However, what remains undeniably obvious is how the state-run clinics skimp on diagnostic testing; apparently, even three failed Pap tests aren't enough justification for them to send you for HPV or Chlamydia screening—a fact many women here have confirmed through their own experiences.

My personal preference and recommendation is to seek private care... which certainly does not mean I am claiming that every other gynecologist out there is incompetent.

Well, I figured I’d write down my own experiences too, just in case it helps anyone else out there...👍

My first doctor was this old guy right on the verge of retirement, and honestly, everything was just a blur since I was only just starting to go in for regular checkups. He was eventually replaced by Dr. Miller—last I heard, he practiced over near the downtown medical plaza. I don't actually know if he's still there, but frankly, I couldn't care less. His nurse, though? Total nightmare. A complete grouch. Every time I dealt with her, I walked away feeling absolutely miserable—not to mention she always insisted on being the one to hear all my symptoms first, as if she were going to be the one diagnosing me or something. It probably suited the doctor perfectly, because he was this incredibly quiet, withdrawn type who tried to keep communication to an absolute minimum. He performed exams with such a routine, disinterested vibe, it was like he was working on a cadaver. At the end, I’ll ask him if everything is okay, he just says "yeah," and that’s it. No "good morning," no "have a nice day"—nothing.
The worst part was when I was pregnant—my first pregnancy, you know? You have a million questions, and back then—about nine years ago—we didn't have the instant answers from the internet we have now. And he just acted like looking at me was a massive chore.
Looking back, I feel pretty foolish for putting up with that for so many years, but I just assumed that if you're using your standard insurance, you can't really expect anything better.
Our "fairytale romance" finally hit the rocks during a routine annual exam. After sitting in the waiting room for about 45 minutes, the nurse coldly informed me that they had dropped me from their patient list because I hadn't been in for over a year (it had actually been closer to eighteen months since my last visit), but that I could re-register at the start of the next year—which was the rule back then. This whole thing went down in May, so I was basically praying to God that nothing bad would happen to me in the next six months, because if any complications popped up, I’d be paying out of pocket to private specialists.
But hey, at least that gave me some time to do some digging!
I thought about signing up with Dr. Shaw—I’d heard nothing but good things about him, and he made a great impression at my prenatal class—but he wasn't taking new patients.
Then my mom mentioned she was extremely happy with her doctor and suggested I try him. The location wasn't exactly convenient, but honestly, I’d rather drive to the other side of town for a good doctor than deal with a sleazy one in the same building!
So, I found exactly what I was looking for—Dr. Evans over on West Side Drive!🙏
Now, I'm pregnant again, and unlike last time, these appointments aren't a total trauma.
The nurse is professional, but also genuinely kind and warm. She gets everything done—weight, blood pressure, the works—quickly and with a smile, but she isn't so overly sweet that it feels fake. It’s just enough to make you feel comfortable and relaxed.
Before the exam, the doctor always asks how I’m doing or if I’ve had any issues, tosses in a little joke (nothing forced or inappropriate), and then goes, "Alright, let's take a look." He isn't rough during the exam, but he’s certainly not fumbling around like he doesn't know what he's doing; he explains everything as he goes so I always know what’s happening and that everything is fine.
After the exam, he always makes time for questions.
The whole thing doesn't take long—maybe 15 to 20 minutes—but there’s never that rushed or nervous energy, and I try not to drone on too much since I know others are waiting.
After an appointment like this, I actually feel like a human being instead of just another object.
Of course, I'm seeing him more often now because of the pregnancy, but I received the exact same treatment when I was just coming in for routine checks or minor issues.
In the meantime, my sister switched to him too (now we joke about having our own family gynecologist), and talking to her and my mom, it turns out the doctor and nurse are like this with everyone—so it’s not just in my head.
Unfortunately, I don't know if he's currently accepting new patients, but if he is—I give him my highest recommendation!
Even with standard insurance, you *can* find a good OBGYN, they're just rare gems, so don't give up searching!

Sorry if I rambled on too much, but I’ve never really been a woman of few words.
I mean, I'm a woman, for heaven's sake!🙂

I'm looking for some info on Dr. Nicholas Smiljanic's gynecology practice over on Grahorova Street. Has anyone here actually been there? If so, what was your experience like?

Jason Wright41 said:I'm looking for info on Dr. Nicholas Smiljanic's OB-GYN clinic over on Grahorova. Has anyone here seen him? What was your experience like?

My bad!! I meant in New York City, obviously. 👋

I’ve been reading through these comments, and honestly, it feels like they’ve given Dr. Miller a total lobotomy! I am seeing actual praise for him in here, which is just unbelievable. 🤔

My partner and I encountered him seven years ago—unfortunately, a few different times, since back then you could only switch doctors once a year.

During my first appointment, he performed a Pap smear. It was incredibly painful, though at the time, I just assumed I was being overly sensitive. He told me to come back in a month for some swabs. When I returned, he had an "intern" (I think that's the term) in the exam room with him. I’m not particularly shy, so it wasn't a big deal initially. But as he started the swabs, the pain was absolutely unbearable. Then, he actually turned to the intern and said, "You always scrape deep enough; when you see blood, you know you've gotten a good sample." My eyes 😲 . Good grief, no wonder it hurt so much! When I asked about my Pap results (it had been a full month!), he simply replied, "Well, if you had come to my private practice, you would have your results by now. Since you're here, just wait!" I was starting to lose my temper, but I kept quiet.
A month later, the results came in, so I went back to see him. The Pap smear was fine, but he insisted on doing an ultrasound. The cost was $27—well, I could afford it, and I wanted to be thorough. He sent me to the ultrasound room completely naked, walking right through the nursing station. I mean, seriously? There were other women waiting, the door opens directly from the waiting area, and I’m just walking there totally exposed 😠 . During the ultrasound, he was pressing down hard on my lower abdomen; I was crying out in pain, and he just kept telling me to relax. It lasted about 15 minutes, and I have never experienced an ultrasound that painful in my life. Once it was over, I had to walk back (still naked!!!) through the nursing area to his office to get dressed. He typed something into my medical records and told me to hand the paperwork to the nurse. As I was leaving his office, he just casually tossed out, "Oh, I forgot to mention, you have a tumor. Next patient, please!!!" 😲 .

To this day, I can barely remember the moment I walked out of that office 😕 . I didn't even start sobbing until I got into my husband's car. He was in shock, and I couldn't even get a word out because I was weeping so hard.
Once we got home, we started calling every friend we knew with medical connections. We learned that "tumor" is often used as a catch-all term for any kind of growth, like an inflamed sebaceous gland or a cyst. In my case, it was a dermoid cyst that required surgery. I ended up handling most of my follow-up care privately with some wonderful doctors at Mayo Clinic.
Unfortunately, I had to go back to the public health clinic to get a referral for the hospital. That’s when I clashed with Dr. Miller again. He refused to write the referral for the General Hospital because he "prefers Memorial Hospital and insists I go there instead."
I did go to Memorial for an ultrasound, where they actually suggested removing my entire ovary! So, I sought a second opinion. At the General Hospital, they decided to try and clear the ovary instead 👍 (and it still functions perfectly today).
Only after I threatened to file a formal complaint with the Medical Board did he finally write the referral 😁 .
My husband had to see him one last time to get a referral for stitch removal after my surgery. That part went smoothly; he got the paperwork quickly because they were clearly trying to clear out the office. There was a young man there who was yelling at the nurses and Dr. Miller. Apparently, Dr. Miller had prescribed antibiotics to the man's girlfriend that were so bad she ended up hospitalized 😲 .
He hasn't seen me since. 😍

It truly warms my heart to see him treating a girl with actual decency for once! To be perfectly honest, his behavior toward me was nothing short of being a complete :asshole: .

So
I’m 21 years old and I’ve actually never been to a gynecologist before.
I know I should have gone a long time ago, but it’s always just been one thing after another. I won't linger on the details.
Does anyone know of a good gynecologist in the West Side of the city (near the Gajnice area)?
I’d prefer to go through my insurance first, since money is a bit tight right now for private exams and all that.

One more thing—does anyone know if I can use my insurance to see a doctor in Zapresic even though I live in Gajnice?

Thanks.

Bradley Lopez56 said:I am wondering if anyone knows a good gynecologist in the West Side area of the city (near the suburbs)

I am not sure about the suburbs, but there are two doctors working at the local community clinic. One of them is always fully booked, and the other is Dr. Asad, whom I certainly do not recommend 👎.

Bradley Lopez56 said:Also, does anyone know if I can use my primary insurance for a gynecologist in the next town over even though I live in the suburbs?

You absolutely can! You simply need to register with them first so they can set up your medical file 👍.

I’ve been scrolling through most of these posts, but I haven't managed to stumble upon the specific info I need...
Does anyone here have firsthand experience with gynecological exams over at the Dr. Bates clinic?
Also, has anyone dealt with having an IUD removed? I’m still haunted by the terrifying experience of getting mine inserted by a doctor working through the public health system, but it’s finally time to get that little device out of my body...
😲
(Note: I haven't given birth yet)

northernseal6 said:I have this recurring thought about having a guy perform a pelvic exam when he isn't my partner or husband. Honestly, I prefer it when a woman does it. Though, I have heard some women actually prefer seeing male gynecologists... hey, to each their own.😎

I used to feel the exact same way. Now, I actually find it easier to see a man than a woman. 😁 I spent so many days mentally bracing myself because I knew I had to go to a male doctor. 🙄

So, I just left my appointment with Dr. Mirić at the student health clinic, and honestly, she’s fantastic. She actually listens to you, answers every single question, and just has such a great vibe. But man, let me tell you about the nurse 👎... I don't think I've ever encountered someone so disorganized in my life. You end up waiting for an eternity! Look, I get it, social workers can be a bit overwhelmed, but seriously, even the nursing staff manages to pull things together somehow—this lady looks like she needs a professional management seminar just to find her clipboard.
I guess I can overlook the chaos since the doctor was so good and I actually had decent luck with the wait time this once (unlike my friend who sat there for four grueling hours just to pick up a basic referral!). I highly recommend seeing the doctor; I think they're still taking new patients, but do yourself a favor and bring a book or something to read while you're stuck in the waiting room.☕

Hey Laura, I actually know an amazing doctor over at the Blackwater Medical Center 🙂.

If you're interested, just shoot me a DM and I can get her number over to you 🙂.

Hey everyone, could someone point me toward a reliable gynecologist or OB-GYN covered by my insurance? I’m looking for somewhere where I can potentially walk in without an appointment without running into major issues, or at least a place where the wait times aren't absolutely brutal. Ideally, I'd love to stay in downtown Chicago, preferably a female specialist, but I'm totally open to seeing a male doctor too if they're good.

Gerald Palmer3 said:Can anyone recommend a decent gynecologist or OB-GYN covered by insurance? Like, someone I can just walk in to see without a massive headache—or at least someone where I won't be sitting in a waiting room until my hair turns gray? Ideally in the city area, preferably a female doctor, but I'm not picky about gender if they're good.

Dr. Wahid over at the community clinic in the Trnje district—I think he’s still taking on new patients.

I gotta be honest though, he’s never actually performed an exam on me... I mostly just go to him to get my referrals sorted out, but the guy is sharp, super smart, and actually stays current on everything...😉

So, I’m heading to a private specialist this summer—Dr. Miller—right in the heart of downtown near Union Square.
To be honest, he’s about 70, but the man is a top-tier expert. My mom and a bunch of her
friends all go to him. He’s careful, keeps things discrete, and actually walks you through everything he’s doing while he’s "working."
You can ask him anything, really—like getting a full checkup plus a pelvic exam, blood pressure, breast exam, and a PAP
test. I think he charged about $83 for the whole thing, and I had my results in just three days.
Honestly, you feel great afterward; there’s zero shame involved, just a really comfortable experience, haha.
Highly recommend.

I just felt the need to weigh in on this topic—honestly, I just really needed to vent to someone about it. So, by a complete stroke of bad luck yesterday, I ended up at the imaging clinic for an ultrasound... and let me tell you, the technician there was an absolute creep. Just a total, rude jerk. It was such a deeply unpleasant experience. Ladies, please, just be careful out there.

Andrew Thomas10 said:Just felt like I needed to vent about this here—it’s been weighing on me... So, yesterday, by some weird stroke of fate, I ended up at the Mayo Clinic for an ultrasound—and honestly? The guy working there was such a complete creep and just straight-up rude. It was a horrible experience. Girls, seriously, watch yourselves...

There are actually a few different doctors working the ultrasound shifts over at the Mayo Clinic...

Just a heads-up, stay far away from Snjezana Belak—she’s strictly private practice and honestly? Avoid. I had a super rough experience with her, though I’m debating if it’s even smart to blast this publicly... who actually wants to hear my drama, right? If you really need the tea, just shoot me a DM. On the flip side, I keep hearing nothing but glowing reviews for Dr. Harni! Like, seriously, if you’re looking for a wife—wait, I mean, if you're looking for a partner—she's my top recommendation, even if the wait times are absolutely brutal. Same goes for the private clinics in general. Honestly, I find myself trusting the doctors in the public healthcare system way more. I tend to steer clear of the private guys.