7 Questions Every Woman Should Ask Her OB/GYN
You have an appointment with your gynecologist and have loads of questions on your mind. As you sit in the waiting room, you realize you didn’t write them down.
You have a variety of things on your mind, including the kids, errands you need to do and your husband as you read a magazine waiting for your appointment.
When you see your gynecologist, you get caught up in their questions and forget to ask half of your own. It happens all the time. So what do you do?
A good idea to prepare for your appointment is to have a set of gynecology questions written down before you arrive.
Taking time to compose and print out your questions or copy them down by hand will help keep you on track.
Here are important gynecology questions you need to ask your OB/GYN at your next appointment to maintain your gynecology health.
Critical Gynecology Questions to Ask Your OB/GYN
Ask these important questions next time you meet with your OB/GYN.
1. How Do I Give Myself a Breast Exam?
It’s surprising how most women don’t examine their breasts at home. They often will wait for their annual mammogram.
Some women delay getting a mammogram when they get a pap smear exam that can be from three to five years.
It’s critical that women take the time to self-examine their breasts for lumps in between gynecology and imaging appointments. It’s too long to wait until your next appointment.
Self-exams can help you detect a problem in its early stages. Your OB/GYN can demonstrate how to administer a self-exam.
Since breast cancer is one of the leading cancers for women, make sure and ask your doctor how to look for lumps.
2. Why Is Intercourse Painful?
There are a variety of reasons pain and discomfort can occur during sex. And it’s important to find out. Some of the reasons include vaginal infections, improper lubrication, effects of menopause, and endometriosis.
Lubricants can help if vaginal dryness is the issue. But if you have an infection, it’s critical to clear it up with an antibiotic or ointment.
If you’re experiencing irritation or discomfort during sex, make sure and ask your gynecologist about it so you can be treated.
3. Why Do I Leak Urine Sometimes?
A common condition in women is called urinary incontinence (UI). It’s often not reported among women due to them being embarrassed to talk about it.
This condition occurs when a small stream of urine is discharged from the bladder. It can happen during coughing or laughing.
Although the condition is common, it can signal other problems. Ask your doctor to test you for UI. Tests may include bloodwork and ultrasounds.
If you’re experiencing pain when you urinate, you could have Interstitial Cystitis. If you’re leaking urine or experiencing pain, let your gynecologist know.
4. Is it Safe to Douche?
You might think you need to douche to keep your vaginal area clean, especially if you’re sexually active. But what many women don’t know it your vaginal discharge is a natural cleaner.
Some douches you purchase in the drug store can cause vaginal infections. This happens because they kill the good bacteria that protects your body from infection.
Douching can cause a condition of bacterial vaginosis that makes a foul odor that you wanted to avoid to happen from the outset.
Some research studies are finding out that douching can lead to ovarian cancer. If you feel the need to douche, ask your OB/GYN for a safe method of douching since some natural ingredients are less harmful than others.
5. Why Do I Get Heavy Periods?
We all menstruate differently. And many women experience heavy periods during their monthly cycles.
The discomfort from heavy periods can make it challenging to be active or carry out our day. And women with heavy periods need to change tampons or sanitary products more frequently.
If you have to change them every two hours or more often, you might have what is called menorrhagia.
The amount you bleed can depend on your age — women who are going into menopause experience heavier bleeding than younger women. But you can also have a uterine fibroid or another medical condition.
That’s why it’s wise to make the topic of heavy bleeding one of your gynecology questions to ask your OB/GYN. She or he may prescribe different methods of treatment or medication to give you relief from heavy menstrual bleeding.
6. I Have a Vaginal Discharge. Is It Normal?
If you’re experiencing a milky or clear discharge from your vagina, that’s probably normal. It’s mother nature’s way of discharging older cells from your body.
But if your vagina gives off an unusual odor or changes in color or thickness, it could mean you contracted an infection.
One of them is bacterial vaginosis. This occurs from douching and other means of depleting the good bacteria in your body, for example, if you take too many antibiotics for another health issue.
Other problems include Trichomoniasis or a yeast infection. So when you see an abnormal looking discharge, make sure to ask your gynecologist about it so they can evaluate it.
7. Is It Safe to Go On Birth Control: What Are My Options?
Pregnancy isn’t right for everyone. And birth control has helped many women avoid getting pregnant. Birth control also regulates heavy periods, so women bleed normally.
The medical industry offers a wide array of birth control options, including pills, vaginal rings, sponges, condoms, implants, and IUD’s.
Ask your gynecologist about the safety of birth control. Pills aren’t given for women over 35 because of the side effects. They will be able to recommend the best method for your unique situation.
Final Words on Asking the Right Gynecology Questions
In this post, you’ve learned some of the most important gynecology questions to ask. You may have some more of your own.
Write them down, and you’ll be armed for better gynecological health when you meet with your OB/GYN at your next appointment.
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