Get More Out Of Your Gynecologist Visits With These Four Tips

Going to the gynecologist is something that every woman must do. It is also an opportunity to care for your body and learn more about your own health. Use the following tips to get the most out of your visits to the gynecologist.

Do Some Research about Your Body

If you are like a lot of women, you might not know what a vulva is or the proper names for all the parts of your body. However, it's a good idea to do some learning on your own so that you are better able to have an intelligent discussion about your body. When your doctor mentions your fallopian tubes or your cervix, it is important that you know what they are talking about so you can ask relevant questions and better understand their recommendations.

Practice Relaxation Techniques

If you are like many women, you do not look forward to the stirrups or the speculum during your gynecologist appointment. You might find yourself feeling a little tense in the waiting room or on the examination table. Calm yourself down by doing a few relaxation techniques. For example, you might want to take slow, deep breaths. You can also try consciously relaxing each part of your body, from your feet to your shoulders. When you are more relaxed, you can be more interactive with your doctor.

Start with Uncomfortable Questions

While you might feel fine talking to your gynecologist about serious concerns you have about your health, you might be less likely to bring up embarrassing questions or concerns. For example, if you have an unusual discharge, that might not be something you want to bring up at all. In fact, you might not bring it up and do an internet search later to get the answers you need.

Instead, make a point of talking about uncomfortable questions first. Be sure to preface the topic by saying it's something that makes you uncomfortable; this cue can help your gynecologist understand that it's a sensitive subject that needs to be addressed properly.

Be Honest about Your Behavior

You might feel a little embarrassed talking about your sex life with your gynecologist, but it is important that you are as honest as you can be about your lifestyle so that the gynecologist can perform the appropriate tests on you. Some sexually-transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia, don't usually have symptoms, so the only way you could know if you have them is if you are tested by your doctor. Be forthcoming with the information your doctor needs to treat you properly.

Now that you have some suggestions about how you can make the most of your trips to the gynecologist, remember everything you have read here. Ask your gynecologist for more pointers about what you can do to make your relationship even better.

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