Gynecologist appointment?

I am a 20 year old female, I've been sexually active for about a year now, I'd like to start the pill but don't know when or how to get one but I've also never seen a gynecologist? I've heard that when you start to be sexually active you should see a gynecologist ? Would they also be able to help me with the birth control issue? I guess I'm just confused on what exactly they cover in that specialty?