Unpleasant, but Necessary - What to Do When You Visit the Gynecologist

In the waiting room, to pass the time faster, you read the posters on the walls ten times or you flip through the brochures about breast cancer; then, during the consultation, you try to behave freely and keep a certain dignity, sitting on the table in that position…

If you still have to go through such torments - because doctors always warn us not to play with health - then at least have an effective consultation and do not stay away with the feeling that you have wasted time. On average, a visit to the gynecologist takes about 15 minutes, so less than half of the patients who cross the threshold of a gynecological office manage to leave with all the problems clarified or solved.

So how can you be relaxed and efficient at the next consultation?

Before the consultation

Try to extend the visit. In general, you depend on the doctor's schedule, but when you schedule it, try to find out when his schedule is lighter; there are very busy periods, generally in autumn or spring, and quieter ones. Another suggestion: it is good to schedule in the morning when the doctor is more rested. And, possibly, he mentions the reason for the visit, explaining that you have a special problem, which requires a little more time.

Make a list of questions.

The position you are in and the unfriendly tools in the office do not make the communication process much easier. So it is better to prepare from home with a list of questions.

Do you find the problems you face embarrassing? It's easier when you write them on paper. A few weeks before going to the consultation, do not forget to keep a strict record: write down all the symptoms, as well as useful information such as the date of the last menstruation or if the symptoms worsen after sex.

Even if it is a simple routine check-up, prepare at least three topics that you want to address, such as the contraceptive methods you use - and how satisfied you are with them; the intention to get pregnant in the immediate future - or not; possible contact with a sexually transmitted disease.

All the details related to these problems should be noted, so you can come to the doctor's aid; out of emotion or embarrassment, you can omit them.

Take with you the results of previous checks. About 46% of women change their gynecologist every three years. Whatever the reason for doing this, it is important to keep in mind the results of your gynecologist visits in recent years.

Especially when it comes to important things, such as a Pap smear or a biopsy curettage; Such information may help the doctor to avoid unnecessary repetition of tests or to make a misdiagnosis. Because cervical cancer develops relatively slowly, doctors often prefer to wait a certain period when a Pap test has failed. If the next test is good, no further investigation is needed.

But if your new gynecologist doesn't have this information, he won't be able to act effectively.

Go with her. Doctors often use many specialized terms that can confuse you, especially if you are stressed or anxious. Therefore, when you are waiting for the result of an important test, it is good to go with a friend. It's not just a matter of moral support, but four ears hear better than two. And maybe she's more detached and calmer.

You should also know that, at your request, a nurse, a sister, a nurse, or someone else from the medical staff can attend the consultation. Of course, the confidentiality of consultation data should be self-evident.

In addition to the breast exam and pelvic exam, the doctor should:

• take your blood pressure, feel your abdomen and control your thyroid
• to perform an analysis for the detection of sexually transmitted diseases
• to ask you what contraceptive methods you use and to give you a prescription for emergency contraception

During the consultation

Speaks. The 15 minutes allotted to you pass quickly, so don't dwell on it. Doctors do not wait more than 15-20 seconds before bombarding you with questions or comments, says a study published in a journal.

It often happens that the consultation ends before the patient says the exact reason for the visit. So don't hesitate to show your doctor the list of questions from the beginning - this is the only way to get an effective consultation.

For example, if you have itchy or itchy vaginal discharge, your doctor will take a smear to detect possible infection. But this becomes impossible once your pelvic exam lubricant has been applied. So, if you do not speak in time, you risk paying for another consultation to solve your problems.

Tell the truth and only the truth. Women are often embarrassed to answer the doctor's questions. But it is important to tell him even intimate things that no one else knows: when you started having sex, if you had an abortion or if you had a sexually transmitted disease… Some elements help a diagnosis correct or effective treatment.

For example, a sexually active woman who has not been pregnant for ten years is either a true contraceptive expert or has a fertility problem. Try to remember exactly the details - not minor - such as the date of your last period.

Many of the questions that come to mind are hormonal issues: what is normal in one period of the cycle is not necessarily normal in others. Try to keep track of your menstrual cycles and do not respond to chance.

Make sure you pay close attention. Doctors are also people - sometimes too tired or too bored to give you all the attention. That's why it's good to be sure that nothing is out of sight of you. Here are the most important analyzes that I would not mind recommending:

Pap smear: if you are under 30, it is done every year to detect possible cervical cancer. The same is true for older women who have had abnormal results. If all goes well, you need a test every two years.

Breast examination: It is especially important. Why? Because there are more and more cases of breast cancer. Recent studies have shown that breast self-examination does not necessarily reduce the risk of dying from cancer, so a clinical examination by a specialist remains the best way to detect cancer on time.

A correct examination is done first in a supine position, then standing, so that the doctor can notice some worrying signs. You need such a consultation every year.

Pelvic exam: it is necessary every year, regardless of whether or not you take the Pap test. It is the only way to detect a vaginal infection, an ovarian cyst, or a uterine fibroid (a benign condition that affects about 25% of women and can lead to infertility).

Many women confuse the Pap test with the pelvic exam, but in reality, it is different. Such an examination is done in two stages: in the first instance, the doctor uses valves to observe a possible fibroid or even a fibromatous uterus; then he will insert two fingers into your vagina, and with his other hand he will palpate your abdomen to find any discomfort in the area of ​​the fallopian tubes, uterus or ovaries.

After examination

Check the test results. After a visit to the gynecologist, you can rest easy for a year, with one condition: not to lose sight of the results of the tests you have done.

Many women think that if they don't get any news from the doctor, that means everything is fine. But it doesn't hurt to make sure everything is fine. Don't wait for someone to contact you: call to find out how your tests came out. Thus, take care of your health and ensure your peace of mind.