Questions You Should Ask Your Ob-gyn

Some women are terrified of gynecological exams, while many more are "only" dreadfully uncomfortable with the idea. Nonetheless, gynecologists and obstetricians play a crucial role in maintaining our overall health. This is true not just during pregnancy or when you have specific concerns, but also when it comes to screening tests. 

An informed patient is a comfortable patient — so what do you need to ask your OBGYN if you were scared to show up at your appointment?

It is important for women to overcome their self consciousness and ask questions which are critical for their health

Each one of us has our own personal space around us and we are fiercely protective about it. We don’t like anybody to violate that space, except for someone very close to us. It is the fear of the violation of our personal zone which makes us dread the visit to the gynecologist. It is a big mental block that every woman has to overcome. As it is a matter concerning our health and well being, the sooner we overcome our shyness, the better. It is extremely important to overcome self consciousness so that women could ask their OBGYN questions which can be critical to their health.
 

If you feel more comfortable being examined by a female doctor rather than a male doctor, then it is better to choose accordingly. Going to a male doctor and then being hesitant in asking questions or getting yourself examined would not benefit your health, or your comfort. 

It is essential to remember that, to your OBGYN, you are similar to the umpteen patients she is seeing everyday. Your anatomy is the same as any other woman and for your doctor, examining you is a matter of routine. Your shyness will just hold you back from asking important questions. Also remember that knowing about your sex life is important only from the doctor's medical point of view. The doctor is not there to pass any moral judgment and hence, do not resist sharing any information with her; the more complete a medical history your OBGYN has, the better she will be able to help you. Many medical conditions are affected by your sex life and therefore, it is important for your doctor to know about it so that she can order suitable tests.

It is always a good idea to think about your visit to the OBGYN before you’re actually there. Ponder over the questions you would like to ask her and make a mental list of them. This is important because many a times, women are so nervous in the office of their doctor that they forget to ask questions. Some of the important questions that you should be asking your OBGYN are:

1.    Questions regarding your menstrual periods. Whether you are concerned about the dates, the amount of flow, or pain or any other symptoms associated with your monthly period, feel free to discuss them with your OBGYN.

2.    Questions regarding the tests that were recommended to you. You must have heard of several tests that females should undergo, such as PAP smears or mammograms, but are not sure when to go for them. Your OBGYN is the best person to guide you.

3.    Questions regarding any discharge from the vagina or urinary incontinence. Any abnormal discharge from your vagina should be brought to the notice of your doctor. It could be of any particular odor or color; your doctor can treat it accordingly.

4.    Questions regarding the different methods of birth control and your options regarding them. You are confused about the method that you should adopt. Sharing the problem with your doctor will help you in choosing the method that is the best suited to your requirements.

5.    Questions regarding your sex drive. If of late, you have not been feeling “up to it”; do not be embarrassed to discuss it with your doctor. She may be able to find out a reason behind it.

6.    Questions regarding pregnancy and delivery. You are pregnant and have been noticing changes in your body and mood. You are not sure whether they are because of your pregnant state and are normal; your doctor is the best person to allay your fears. Similarly discussing about your delivery will save you from many apprehensions.

7.    Questions regarding menopause. Of late, you are having a lot of mood swings. They may be part of menopausal symptoms and your doctor can prescribe medicines to bring them under control.
 

Form a Mental List of the Questions You’d be Asking Prior to the Visit

Questions pertaining to your periods

You may have questions regarding the flow- whether it is less than normal or it is more than normal. Some women are worried about the fluctuation in their cycle. Remember, there is nothing to be perplexed about if your cycle fluctuates by three to four days. However, if it becomes very erratic, it is important to find out the reason behind it. Similarly, a decreased flow during periods may be a pointer towards anemia whereas an unusually heavy flow may be suggestive of uterine fibroids, endometriosis or malignancy.

Questions regarding Pap smear and other tests

Pap smear is the microscopic examination of cells from your cervix. Women are often confused about when to go for this test. Ideally, you should undergo your first Pap smear when you are 21 years of age or after your first intercourse. It should be repeated every two years till the age of thirty and then, if three consecutive reports are normal, it should be done every three years till the age of 65. However, if you have a new partner, it should be done every 2 years. However, these guidelines keep changing and your ob-gyn is the best person to advise you when to go for a Pap smear. Even if you don’t require a Pap, you should undergo pelvic examination annually after the age of thirty to rule out any abnormal growth. According to the American Cancer Society, women should undergo a complete breast examination every three to four years till the age of forty and annually thereafter. Other important tests include blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol screenings as advised by your doctor.
 

Questions regarding incontinence or any other discharge

Incontinence may be due to lack musculature because of age or excessive fat. It may also be due to urinary tract infection which is so common in females. Any abnormal discharge may be indicative of a vaginal infection or a sexually transmitted disease. There is nothing to be embarrassed about in case you are suffering from either of these. Your doctor can prescribe medicines to deal with these conditions, provided you share your problem with her.
 

Questions regarding contraception

Women usually have a dozen questions regarding family planning. They want to know which method of contraception will be the most suitable for them. They also want to know about the side effects of the different methods. It is important for them to understand that each method has its own benefits and shortcomings. Many a times, women jump from one method to another without giving time to their bodies to adjust to any one particular method. They should discuss these things in detail with their ob-gyn and then decide their best recourse.
 

Questions regarding sex drive

This again is one field women feel shy to talk about. Remember that like men, women too have a sex drive and it is okay to talk about it to your doctor. A low libido may be related to emotional issues as well as to some underlying hormonal problem. Your doctor can assess whether it is because of hormones and advise how to overcome it. If it is because of some relationship issue, as is generally the case with women, she may suggest some counseling. Either way, you are better off discussing the problem with her.
 

Questions regarding pregnancy and delivery

Pregnancy is one time when a woman is in a state of complete mental and physical upheaval. Her hormones have gone for a toss and her body undergoes multiple changes. It is very natural for her to have umpteen questions regarding her state and her ob-gyn is the best person to answer them. Similarly, there are bound to be a number of queries regarding the delivery of her baby. Will it be natural or assisted? Will she have to undergo a caesarian section? Regular sessions with your doctor where you can freely express your apprehensions will go a long way in allaying your fears about child delivery.
 

Questions regarding menopause

Just like pregnancy, this in another stage in a woman’s life where she has difficulty coping with the changes in her body. There may be multiple questions regarding hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, dryness in vagina, painful intercourse and a change in sex drive. Sharing your concerns with your doctor will help you overcome these problems. Your doctor may like to prescribe hormones to cope up with these changes.

It is important to feel free with your ob-gyn and ask her any questions that may be bothering you. Rather than feeling shy or embarrassed, you should treat your visit to your ob-gyn as a visit to any other doctor and make full use of the session by posing these questions which are critically important for your health.