Seeing a gynecologist? 4 things you must question.
Jan 31 2012.
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Nobody wants to linger at the gynecologist’s clinic: the faster you get out of there, the better, right? Breast exams, pelvic exams, and pap smears are hardly the most comfortable experiences, and if you could get away with not having them, you probably will.
Do you know that there are things you would be better off asking your gynecologist instead of rushing through your consultation? Gynecologists actually want you to be open with them. After all, they cannot very well deal with issues that you have not opened up with them about. In fact, this is true for women who are in their 20s and 30s, deemed to be the prime of health; typically, women of this age just visit the gynecologist perhaps to get a required form filled out or to get a new prescription for pills. Generally, they leave right after those needs are met, resulting in important information being overlooked. These issues include possibly crucial health problems, ranging from sexual satisfaction to HIV testing.
The following are four things that you should ask your gynecologist, as she will likely be more than willing to help you sort through them as long as you ask:
Should I have tests done for sexually transmitted diseases? A common predicament among gynecologists is the lack of honesty among their patients regarding their sexual activity. The doctor will be much more able to help if the patient would at least share a possibly risk-taking sexual lifestyle. These experts actually desire to be able to help their patients become educated about certain risks, as well as to help them avoid contracting serious diseases. Proper education is deemed to be an important key for proper avoidance. With the patient’s sharing of crucial info, the doctor will no longer be limited to simply waiting for symptoms of STDs to occur, but she may also recommend an increased frequency of Pap smears, if high-risk HPV is detected; this is because the human papillomavirus is a link to cervical cancer. If there is sexual promiscuity, a doctor may recommend annual tests for HIV, or even tests for hepatitis C.
2. Can I use a different contraceptive? If you have been using a certain contraceptive for the past few months or years, there is always room for something that could possibly work better. For example, if you have been using pills and yet keep forgetting to take them on schedule, asking your doctor for another recommendation will help you greatly.
3. How do I deal with my incontinence? Majority of young women refuse to bring up incontinence, although as high as 20% of them undergo the condition either in their teens, in their 20s or in their 30s. Only about 50% of these women who have the problem dare to share the problem with their doctor. Incontinence can come about after childbirth, while many other factors can influence it, too, such as high intake of caffeine, artificial sweeteners, hot peppers, or iced drinks.
4. How do I deal with sexual problems? Indeed, this question causes the biggest squirming among doctors and patients alike. But the gynecologist will likely be the best person to help you deal with them. Sometimes, medication plays a crucial role in lowering libido in women. Your doctor will be able to check for physical causes of pain or discomfort during intercourse, and if not, he/she may refer you to a sex therapist.
These four issues are among those that most women are embarrassed about to ask their gynecologists. But in the end, it is well worth it to get past the shyness and simply share what’s on your mind; after all, doctors are gifts to help take care of you, and it would be in your best interest to take full advantage of their skills and knowledge. As with most health issues, it is always better to be safe than sorry, and the earlier you bring up your concerns, the faster it will likely be to find a solution!
(Written by Jessica Lord)
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