Tips on How to Talk to Your Gynaecologist: Never Hide the Truth From Your Doctor

There are few encounters more unnerving than the one with your gynaecologist, and even if it isn’t your first visit with the doctor, things can get pretty awkward. It is normal to be nervous, even a little anxious, but you mustn’t let this be a deterrent in your participating actively in any discussions regarding your reproductive and sexual health.So whether you are preparing for your first ever gynaecologist consult, or if you are a veteran of many, here are some things to remember when you visit your gynaecologist.Remember, the person taking care of your sexual and reproductive health is your doctor, and is trained to do their job. They will put you at ease during the consult, so there really is no need to be scared.If you still are nervous, you can always ask a friend, a relative, or a significant other to accompany you to the appointment. You can ask them to wait outside the consultation room, or join you with the doctor, your gynaecologist will honor your wishes. There should always be a female chaperone during your examination, so do not be worried on that count.If you are more comfortable with a lady, then make sure you see a female gynaecologist.If you would feel more at ease talking to someone your age, then look through profiles online till you find someone you think you can be comfortable with. If you find that your current doctor makes you uncomfortable, find another one.Remember, you need to be comfortable with your gynaecologist, even friends with him or her, so as to have an honest an open conversation about stuff that is usually considered intensely private, and sometimes can be embarrassing.Remember there is no story too scandalous, and no sexual history too promiscuous for your doctor, they have heard it all before. You gynaecologist will never judge you, so even if you’re embarrassed or appalled by your sexual behavior, remember to be totally honest. When you talk honestly about your sex life and partner/s, your doctor can customise their care so it is the most effective and relevant to your lifestyle.Please let your gynaecologist know if you’ve had unprotected sex with a new partner since your last appointment, and please also remember to tell your doctor if you’ve mixed up your birth control pills.You must also remember to mention any odours, growths, discharge, heavy bleeding, pain or change in patterns of your menstrual cycle. In case you have any apprehensions about sex, birth control, or pregnancy, your gynaecologist is the best person to discuss it with.You don’t have to groom yourself “down there” or get a Brazilian before seeing your gynaecologist. Do not use a douche, ever, but especially don’t use one before your appointment.In fact, if you have been scheduled for a pap smear (usually done once every three years for all women above 21 years of age), don’t have sex the night before your appointment, and don’t use yeast medications, spermicides, or douches 24 hours in advance.Remember a pap smear is not painful if you are relaxed and follow your doctor’s instructions. Neither is an internal examination. They are, however, extremely important and help your doctor take care of you better.In case you have an ultrasound scheduled, drink lots of water and carry your own water bottle, because they sometimes need you to have a full bladder before the test. If not, you can always pee at the clinic.Have a shower before you go the doctor, and put on something comfortable and easy to wear because you may need to change at the gynaecologist’s office.Make sure you jot down the date of your last menstrual period, whether you are trying to get pregnant, or trying to not get pregnant, this is one of the most important details that will help your gynaecologist plan your treatment.Do mention the number of days of bleeding, and how severe your cramps are, and it is a good idea to mention the horrible mood swings while you are it. For some strange reason, your gynaecologist will make sense of all this random information and actually make your life easier.Dates of your last child birth, and terminations (natural or medical) of pregnancy must also be shared with your doctor. If you’ve been a victim of sexual abuse, your gynaecologist can be your best friend and help you through the aftermath of the ordeal.If you are having your periods, you may want to reschedule your appointment.Make sure you tell your doctor about any medicines you take, or if you are suffering from any chronic diseases, or have just recovered from an acute one. Carry your previous records, either on paper or as pictures on your phone. Do mention any family history of disease as well, especially of cancers of the breast and cervix. You must also tell your doctor if you smoke or drink, or indulge in any drugs that are stronger. Do not be coy, or embarrassed because it is details like this which will ensure a healthier you, and help your doctor decide your birth control methods better.Try and remember the age at which your mom had menopause, in case you think you are in the peri-menopausal age group. If you are accompanying your daughter for her first ever gynaecologist consult, make sure you remember details of your own menstrual history.A visit to the gynaecologist need not be stressful or uncomfortable. Remember that he or she is an active partner in ensuring a healthier you and deserves your confidence and honesty.Make sure you meet your doctor with all your relevant history sheets and questions ready. Do your research, if you must, on Google, so that you are prepared to make an informed choice, and in a position to ask relevant questions.Do not lie during your consult, trust your doctor to make the right choices for you, and listen to what your gynaecologist says, and follow the instructions.Seek a clarification if you are dissatisfied or confused, and feel free to change your doctor if you are still not comfortable with yours.(Dr Shibal Bhartiya is Senior Consultant, Ophthamology Services at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon.)(In consultation with Dr Jasmeet Monga, Senior Consultant, OBGYN, Paras Hospital, Gurgaon and Dr Preeti Rastogi, Senior Consultant, OBGYN, FMRI Gurgaon.)

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