When you see a gynecologist, it may be a pleasant process, but you don't know which symptoms need to be mentioned, you don't know when to make an appointment next time, you don't know how to better prepare for the examination?
Here are 6 tips from gynecologists on how to make the most of your visit and how to maintain your relationship with your doctor.
1. Arrange a physical examination once a year
Many women choose to have a pap smear and human papillomavirus (HPV) screening, and see a gynecologist despite finding no abnormalities.
Alison Hill, M.D., a gynecologist in Los Angeles, USA, said: "Cancer screening, such as cervical smears and mammograms, is just one part of many tests. It is equally important to have a pelvic examination and a breast examination once a year to find out if you have uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts. ”
Therefore, the annual medical examination of women should be put on the agenda.
Your doctor will also pay attention to other aspects of your menstrual cycle, such as changes in your menstrual cycle, whether contraceptive methods are still the best choice, and whether there are things to be aware of in your lifestyle.
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Second, there is no need to trim the inspection site
"A lot of women think about whether they should shed their hair or shave before they get it, but honestly, I didn't notice anything," Says Hill.
As tempting as you want your doctor to smell sweet, it's not a good idea to overdosing before or at any time before your appointment.
Dr. Constance Young, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia University Medical Center in the United States, pointed out that flushing with a rinser can cause bacterial infections because it changes the balance of healthy bacteria and acids in the vagina.
So, don't worry before the inspection, just stay natural.
Third, pay attention to routine secretions
Gynecologists often hear, "I have some secretions, is that normal?" "If the discharge is transparent, doesn't itch and doesn't smell bad, there may be no problem.
The best way is to record a month, as healthy secretions change throughout the menstrual cycle.
If you find that it is different from the usual condition, please consult your doctor in time, as there may be problems such as yeast infection or excessive bacteria, or a venereal disease.
"Infections are often accompanied by a strong fishy or foul odor, as well as an itching or burning sensation," Yang said.
Your doctor may ask you to remember any changes 2-3 weeks before secretion, such as whether you have a new sexual partner? Have you experienced unprotected sex? Do you start taking antibiotics that can cause yeast infections?
The more clues you provide, the better your doctor will be able to find the cause and determine a treatment.
Fourth, dysmenorrhea can be eliminated
Abdominal cramps and discomfort during menstruation are normal. However, if you still can't get relief after taking over-the-counter painkillers, or if your pain is too severe to go to school and work and attend your important appointments at night, then you should tell your doctor about these as soon as possible.
"There are a lot of ways to control bleeding and menstrual pain, and no one needs to put up with that," Hill said. ”
Birth control pills and IUDs can reduce or even stop bleeding and abdominal cramps, and some prescription painkillers can also help eliminate the feeling of pain.
You can also ask your doctor if you can take non-hormonal medications that treat large menstrual flows, such as tranexamic acid.
Fifth, it is normal for genitals to have differences
Hill said: "One of my patients will ask at least once a week, does she look strange underneath? "Unless you find yourself with something new in your genitals, like a mole, a lump or a lesion, don't worry about what your genitals look like.
"Everyone's genitals look different," Hill says, "and the labia can be asymmetrical, there are a lot of skin folds and bulges, and all these differences are usually perfectly normal." "But when you have questions, it doesn't hurt to ask.
Rest assured that regardless of your sexual history, gynecologists will not make moral judgments about it.
She just needs to know the facts so she can know if you have an STD, if you are at risk of contracting an STD, and help you choose the right contraception.
If you do feel like you're being scrutinized and can't tell you everything completely honestly, go find a new doctor who can make you feel relaxed so you can get to know and discuss it together, so that you can be safe and healthy.
*The content of this article is a popularization of health knowledge and cannot be used as a specific diagnosis and treatment recommendation, nor is it a substitute for face-to-face consultation by a practicing physician, for reference only.
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