It’s not uncommon for many women to feel uneducated about their own reproductive health. Cultural taboos and pure embarrassment often prevent us from asking important questions over the years. Amazingly enough, this embarrassment even follows some into their OB/GYN’s office.
If there was ever a time to leave your reservations at the door, it should be your annual appointment. Your obstetrician or gynecologist’s expertise is one of the best resources for you, to feel supported in the decisions you make, and confident in your own skin.
Here are 6 common questions that most women are (but shouldn’t be!) worried to ask their OB/GYN:
My menopause symptoms seem especially bad – but maybe everyone feels like this?
Effects of menopause can be different from woman to woman – though those mood swings, hot flashes, and difficulties sleeping seem to be quite common. Menopause can start as early as in your 40s, though the average age for it to happen in American women is 51.
In addition, many women endure a range of emotional changes during menopause, such as feelings of anxiety, fatigue, or depression. The good news is, these symptoms are completely normal, and signals that your body is working the way that it’s supposed to. If your menopause symptoms feel especially troublesome or disruptive to your lifestyle, then never be afraid to speak with your OB/GYN about possible solutions.
How do I know if something’s wrong with my discharge?
Some vaginal discharge is normal for most women. However, there are a few bacterial infections that will present by changing the color, odor, or texture of your discharge. The best defense is to pay attention to what’s normal for you. A strong odor, change in color, or thicker texture than usual is worth getting your doctor’s opinion on.
“Ladies, there is almost nothing that I haven’t already heard in my 16+ years of treating patients. Nothing you can say or ask will astonish me, so ASK IT! That is why I am here, for YOU! And sometimes, working out a problem together might give me insight that is useful to help another patient down the line… so I welcome your questions and concerns. Like I was always taught in all my years of schooling, There is no such thing as a stupid question.”
Why am I experiencing leakage when I laugh, sneeze, or cough?
Do those Kegels! Symptoms of incontinence can usually be attributed to weakened muscles of the pelvic floor. This causes the involuntary loss of urine, and though it can happen to men, too, it’s especially common for women to have overactive bladders.
Simply mentioning it to your OB/GYN is all you have to do – certain medications can be effective, and pelvic rehab physical therapy can also control these occurrences.
Is it okay that my bleeding is noticeably heavy, or that my period lasts longer than a week?
Consistency is key. Menstrual cycles aren’t the same for every woman – there’s variety to the “normal” length and intensity of a period. Several factors can affect your cycle, including contraceptive use, taking nutritional supplements, and even plain, old stress. Keep a diary and jot down irregularities to see how much your symptoms change from cycle to cycle. It’s time to talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing intense pain or heavy bleeding that’s not normal for you.
What can I do about pain during intercourse?
Definitely don’t squash the idea of talking about your sex life with your doctor. In this scenario it’s especially important, as pain during sex can be indicative of a more serious problem, like endometriosis. In that case, the pain probably won’t go away until you and your OB/GYN decide on a treatment plan for the underlying condition.
However, in many cases, a lack of lubrication can cause pain during intercourse. These troubles can be easily solved by using a lubricant to minimize dryness.
Should I Still Be Performing a Breast Self-Exam?
Are breast self-exams still recommended? In recent years, there’s been some back and forth in the medical community about whether performing a breast exam is still effective. Still, the providers at Catholic Health believe that women should know enough to know their body, and therefore be able to identify what’s abnormal for them.
Familiarizing yourself with the shape and feel of your breasts is still recommended – especially for younger women, who are told to wait until 40 for their first mammogram.
To Find An OBGYN Near You Call (716) 706-2112
It’s not uncommon for many women to feel uneducated about their own reproductive health. Cultural taboos and pure embarrassment often prevent us from asking important questions over the years. Amazingly enough, this embarrassment even follows some into their OB/GYN’s office.
If there was ever a time to leave your reservations at the door, it should be your annual appointment. Your obstetrician or gynecologist’s expertise is one of the best resources for you, to feel supported in the decisions you make, and confident in your own skin.
Here are 6 common questions that most women are (but shouldn’t be!) worried to ask their OB/GYN:
My menopause symptoms seem especially bad – but maybe everyone feels like this?
Effects of menopause can be different from woman to woman – though those mood swings, hot flashes, and difficulties sleeping seem to be quite common. Menopause can start as early as in your 40s, though the average age for it to happen in American women is 51.
In addition, many women endure a range of emotional changes during menopause, such as feelings of anxiety, fatigue, or depression. The good news is, these symptoms are completely normal, and signals that your body is working the way that it’s supposed to. If your menopause symptoms feel especially troublesome or disruptive to your lifestyle, then never be afraid to speak with your OB/GYN about possible solutions.
How do I know if something’s wrong with my discharge?
Some vaginal discharge is normal for most women. However, there are a few bacterial infections that will present by changing the color, odor, or texture of your discharge. The best defense is to pay attention to what’s normal for you. A strong odor, change in color, or thicker texture than usual is worth getting your doctor’s opinion on.
To Find An OBGYN Near You Call (716) 706-2112
To Find An OBGYN Near You Call
(716) 706-2112
Why am I experiencing leakage when I laugh, sneeze, or cough?
Do those Kegels! Symptoms of incontinence can usually be attributed to weakened muscles of the pelvic floor. This causes the involuntary loss of urine, and though it can happen to men, too, it’s especially common for women to have overactive bladders.
Simply mentioning it to your OB/GYN is all you have to do – certain medications can be effective, and pelvic rehab physical therapy can also control these occurrences.
Is it okay that my bleeding is noticeably heavy, or that my period lasts longer than a week?
Consistency is key. Menstrual cycles aren’t the same for every woman – there’s variety to the “normal” length and intensity of a period. Several factors can affect your cycle, including contraceptive use, taking nutritional supplements, and even plain, old stress. Keep a diary and jot down irregularities to see how much your symptoms change from cycle to cycle. It’s time to talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing intense pain or heavy bleeding that’s not normal for you.
“Ladies, there is almost nothing that I haven’t already heard in my 16+ years of treating patients. Nothing you can say or ask will astonish me, so ASK IT! That is why I am here, for YOU! And sometimes, working out a problem together might give me insight that is useful to help another patient down the line… so I welcome your questions and concerns. Like I was always taught in all my years of schooling, There is no such thing as a stupid question.”
What can I do about pain during intercourse?
Definitely don’t squash the idea of talking about your sex life with your doctor. In this scenario it’s especially important, as pain during sex can be indicative of a more serious problem, like endometriosis. In that case, the pain probably won’t go away until you and your OB/GYN decide on a treatment plan for the underlying condition.
However, in many cases, a lack of lubrication can cause pain during intercourse. These troubles can be easily solved by using a lubricant to minimize dryness.
Should I Still Be Performing a Breast Self-Exam?
Are breast self-exams still recommended? In recent years, there’s been some back and forth in the medical community about whether performing a breast exam is still effective. Still, the providers at Catholic Health believe that women should know enough to know their body, and therefore be able to identify what’s abnormal for them.
Familiarizing yourself with the shape and feel of your breasts is still recommended – especially for younger women, who are told to wait until 40 for their first mammogram.
