7 Things To Ask Your Gynaecologist on your first visit

Your uneasiness regarding visiting a gynaecologist is completely normal. The blame for the same goes to the society that has conditioned us to feel ashamed of such things. Even though you have so many questions to ask your gynaecologist, so often you are discouraged by society to not discuss sex and sexuality with a doctor.

However, it's high time that women came out of their comfort zones and spoke about their sexual health without feeling ashamed of it. Let me get you started with all the things you should ask on your very first visit.

1. Menstruation Problems 

Women are ridiculed for complaining about their menstrual problems. There are thousands of women out there who have a tough time during that time of the month. Most women go through severe cramps, abdominal pain, excessive bleeding and headache. At the same time, there are women who hardly get their periods on time. Some might also face severe problems like endometriosis that surely needs to be taken up to the gynaecologist. Make sure to report all kinds of unusual menstrual symptoms to your gynaecologist at the earliest. 

Periods. Credit: Unsplash

2. Unusual Growths/Bumps 

Your vaginal area might show certain bumps or little growths which might just be pimples. Pubic hair removal can be one of the causes for the same (folliculitis). Those bumps could also be genital warts, cysts or herpes which should be attended to at the earliest. Keep your health above your embarrassment, so don't shy away from a medical examination of your private parts. Besides that, there might be an occurrence of growth on your breasts which might need immediate attention especially if you are in your mid-forties. Self-examination of breasts is ok, but it is always mandatory to get a gynaecologist's opinion on it. 

3. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STIs) 

Certain sexually transmitted diseases might go unnoticed, so it is always better to openly enquire about the same if you have had unprotected sex. This is also mandatory if you are sexually intimate with more than one person. You might have to discuss about your sex life in detail with your gynaecologist in order to avoid the onset of severe symptoms and conditions like cervical dysplasia, infertility, etc. Your doctor will help you by providing with all the measures you need to undertake to keep your sexual health in check. 

All questions you must ask your gynaecologist. Here are 7. Watch the video below for more.

4. Vaginal Discharge 

Vaginal discharge is normal as long as it has the right texture and doesn't have an abnormal scent. A cottage cheese appearance indicates a fungal infection. A grayish discharge accompanied by a fishy odour might indicate bacterial  vaginosis. Abnormal scent and appearance of vaginal discharge might be a symptom of STIs like gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, etc. Such kind of symptoms might come alongwith with irritation and discomfort too. Don't try to fix your vaginal problems on your own and get in touch with your gynac ASAP.  Read more about the colours of your vaginal discharge here.

5. Libido 

Low libido in women is always blamed on exhaustion, stress and tiredness. However, this might not always be the case. There might be a lot more to this than what it actually seems to be. For example, medications or some medical conditions might contribute towards low sex drive. Your gynac might actually give you good advice about how you can effectively increase your sex drive. Although this doesn't really concern women in particular, it might actually become something worth concerning.

Don't feel shy to ask your gynaecologist. Plan an early visit and stay ahead of your body's needs

6. Pregnancy 

Many questions regarding pregnancy can be asked to your doctor. Women are often curious to know whether they can get pregnant during their periods, and the answer for that depends on how long your menstrual cycle is. You might also be an expectant mother who is paying a visit to the gynaecologist for the very first time. You might end up asking questions regarding how to remain healthy during pregnancy or anything regarding your unborn child. You might be someone who is desperate for a child, so you and your partner might want to address such issues as well. Also queries regarding birth control, family planning, contraceptive measures, etc are important too. 

7. Maintaining Vaginal Hygiene 

How do I clean my vagina? This is one the most common queries gynaecologists have to encounter. They will always tell you to use a mild soap with water for the same. This is because the vagina is capable of cleaning itself, and doesn't need high-end cleaning products. “As a gynaecologist, I suggest that you clean your vulva and labia every day as if it were any other part of your body," says Sherry Ross, MD, and Santa Monica–based OB-GYN to Healthline.

In fact, it is important to not use cleaning products that are loaded with tons of chemicals as it can potentially harm your vagina. Also, pubic hair doesn't make your vagina dirty. If you wish to remove it, your gynaecologist might tell you to trim, wax or shave all the hair. Using hair creams down there is a big no-no as it can cause rashes and irritation.