Establishing a comfortable and honest relationship between yourself and your gynecologist is an important factor in your health. Your gynecologist should be someone you feel comfortable with and trust. But even the most skillful gynecologist can’t tell everything about you from your exams. That’s why it’s crucial that you know what to discuss with your gynecologist and establish an open dialogue.
Banish embarrassment
At some point, a woman may feel uncomfortable or shy about her body. The most important thing to remember is that your gynecologist is a trained professional and wants to help you.
The other thing to remember is that by not discussing any concerns or changes, you could harm your health. Many conditions or diseases may not show symptoms right away. And certain types of cancers—such as breast or cervical—have a much higher chance of being treated successfully if they are detected early.
Still, it can be difficult to jump right into a frank discussion about your reproductive and sexual health. But it needs to be done. If you’re still nervous, consider writing down questions ahead of time to read or even hand to your gynecologist. Whatever method works for you is fine—as long as it works.
What to ask?
In your 20s and 30s, you should be in the habit of annual gynecological exams. During this exam, you should have the following:
During your examination, you can also discuss any of the following topics or questions with your gynecologist:
It’s completely normal to feel anxious or a little embarrassed during your gynecological exam. Just take a deep breath, try to relax—and remind yourself that in some situations, it’s what you don’t say that can hurt you later.
Has it been a while since your last check-up, or do you need a new physician? Call us at 317.565.0535 to request an appointment.
Sources: ACOG.org, MedlinePlus.gov
