In France, it is not uncommon for the general practitioner to perform the first gynecological examinations of a woman's life.
During the training course, all students learn the whole of female and male physiognomy and must complete an internship in each specialty, including gynecology.
Until the declaration of the first pregnancy, and taking into account the low geographical coverage of specialists in certain departments, it is therefore the general practitioner who ensures follow-up.
In fact, essentially advice, because, except in special cases, recourse to a real exploration of the genitals is rare before the sexual life is established. He can be the point of contact for prescribing the first pill or in the event of suspicious breast pain. He also informs them of the need for screening smears.
As soon as the woman is pregnant, she approaches an establishment where she can give birth and will therefore be monitored. Very often this is where the visits will take place afterwards.
For several years we have seen the development of midwives' practices which set up in private practice and offer traditional gynecological follow-up to patients in their sector. It is a very good alternative which increases the number of alternative solutions and prevents patients from being discouraged by waiting times with a specialist or by the distance to travel.