21 Most Common Questions to Ask Your Gynecologist

While it’s important to see your Gynecologist regularly, most women dread putting their feet in the stirrups, and some of them muster up the courage only to speed through the process and get out the door as soon as possible.

Visiting a Gynecologist is not something women love to do. Even if they were good friends with their Gynecologist, they’d prefer catching up anywhere but at the clinic. However, whether if you are sexually active, it becomes all the more important to visit your Gynecologist twice a year.

On your way to the appointment, you had a lot of questions front and center in your mind, but as you put on that stiff paper gown and sit in the examination chair, you are all blank and clueless. This happens to a lot of women, maybe because they are not thinking straight at the moment, or feel cold and nervous under the direct wind blast of the air conditioning system.

Your Gynecologist will give you all the information and tips regarding your vaginal health, but some questions remain unanswered because you don’t ask.

You must also know that no question is too silly or complex for your Gynecologist. If it’s on your mind and is stressing your nerves, let it out loud and clear.

A Gynecologist spends years studying the reproductive system of women and another couple of years practising under the patronage of a senior. This means your Gynecologist is qualified to answer just about everything.

Also read: Vaginal Itching – Causes, Treatment & Prevention

In case you didn’t know, here’s a list of most common questions that women must get answers to from their Gynecologist, depending on the situation they may be facing.

Question 1. Is it normal to have painful sexual intercourse?

Painful sex may be a result of the following situations:

• Inadequate lubrication due to lack of foreplay or medication
• Infection
• Thinning of the vaginal walls

Your doctor will examine the situation and will also walk you through various treatment options available.

Question 2.  Should I be really worried about urinal incontinence?

Urinal incontinence is an under-reported problem that’s common among women of various age groups. While it may be common, it’s not normal or something you can ignore. Ask your doctor about viable treatments for urinal incontinence.

Question 3. Is it normal to have vaginal discharge?

Question 4. Why do I experience heavy bleeding during my periods?

Heavy bleeding during periods is the woman’s worst nightmare. Not only do you have to double up on pads, but you are constantly concerned about leaving blood stains on your seat. All of this makes that time of the month unbearable for you. If you can relate, you must address this issue in your Gynecologist’s presence. There could be an underlying health issue or the onset of menopause or a bigger issue in the making. Speak up as soon as you get a chance to see your doctor.

Question 5. What causes my periods to be irregular?

Your lifestyle has a considerable influence on your periods. Poor diet and taking a lot of stress can delay your period by several days or even a month. Other reasons may include polycystic ovarian syndrome for which your Gynecologist may prescribe birth control pills.

Question 6. How frequently should I be tested for STDs?

STDs, if left untreated, can lead to serious health issues, such as pelvic inflammation and cancer. A woman can have an STD for a long time without knowing it. The stats claim the number in millions across the planet. Depending on how sexually active you are, your doctor will advise on how frequently you should be tested for STDs.

Question 7. Is it normal to have occasional aversions to sex?

Low libido is one of the underlying causes behind the drop in sexual desire. This may be because of hormonal imbalance or medication or perhaps you are approaching menopause. However, you are not doomed. You can revive your sex life with a few lifestyle changes, and in this case, talking to your doctor about how you feel is the best way out.

Question 8. What options do I have when it comes to birth control?

Today, birth control options are greater in number as well as safer than ever. With multiple options, you are free to opt for a birth control measure that suits your situation. Who else can give you the best advice than your Gynecologist?

Question 9.  How to perform Kegels?

Performing Kegel exercises is a great way to keep your pelvic floor strong and healthy, especially in the case of pregnant women, as these muscles play an important role during childbirth. Based on your evaluation, your doctor will recommend the right exercise regimen for you.

Question 10.  Why do I experience unusual vaginal discharge accompanied by itching?

The unusually high volume of vaginal discharge and itching are telltale signs of infection or something severe bubbling under the surface. If the vaginal discharge and itching persist despite hygiene measures, you must see your doctor.

Question 11.  Why do I struggle to achieve orgasm or don’t orgasm at all?

According to a survey, 30% of women had struggle stories to share when asked about achieving orgasm. Mostly it’s just a matter of how you go about having sex. That being said, it is something you must bring up in your conversations with the ob-gyn.

Question 12.  When is the best time to get pregnant?

Whether or not it’s your first time, getting your Gynecologist’s advice can help you avoid a lot of complications, such as miscarriage. Based on the evaluation, your doctor will tell you if your reproductive system is healthy enough to bear a baby.

Question 13.  Is there something that can keep my craving under control during PMS?

Because sometimes wine and chocolate do not cut, your doctor can help you cope with the situation through many simple yet effective means.

Question 14.  What is a urinary tract infection and how to know for sure that I have it?

Urinary tract infection can quickly spread inside your system and causes a burning sensation while urinating. It might as well be a temporary infection, but the sure-shot way to know is to ask an expert and get yourself examined.

Question 15.  Is it okay to remove hair frequently from down below?

The opinions on this may vary from one Gynecologist to another. Although pubic hair breeds healthy bacteria and keeps the bad ones at bay, removing them for the sake of aesthetics is acceptable. But how frequent is too frequent? Your Gynecologist can answer this better.

Question 16.  What are the odds of getting pregnant during periods?

While the chances of getting pregnant during periods are slim, it is always advised to take birth control measures if you are not sure. Your Gynecologist will tell you the probability in your case.

Question 17.  Is it normal to feel pressure in my pelvis and vagina?

Feeling the pressure in the pelvis and/or vagina for an extended duration may be a sign of pelvic organ prolapse. Ask your Gynecologist about the symptoms of prolapse and just when you observe any of them, get yourself examined immediately.

Question 18.  Why does my vagina smell?

The vagina does smell to a certain extent, but if it’s too evident, there are chances of infection. However, your Gynecologist can kick any fear regarding this to the curb.

Question 19.  Is it essential to douche my vagina?

Maintaining proper hygiene down below is important, and your vagina is pretty much good at it with its cleansing mechanism, loosely known as vaginal discharge. However, too much douching might remove good bacteria and make your system vulnerable to infection.

Question 20.  How worse yeast infection can get?

Yeast infection causes itching and redness on and/or around the vagina. The longer you put up with infection without having it treated, the worse it gets, and the more will you want to scratch the itch.

 Question 21.  How do I perform a self-breast exam?

It is advised to examine your breasts for lumps more frequently than you visit your Gynecologist. This is because the recommended frequency for breast examination is way less than that of the Pap smear test. Therefore, learning to examine your breast on your own will help.

While you are still at home reading this article, jot down these questions on a piece of paper and keep it handy during the examination. Your Gynecologist would be happy to address all these questions or other concerns you may have.

Also read: What to do After Sex to Keep Your Vagina Healthy