10 Questions You Should Ask Your Gynecologist

The sheer discomfort associated with the examination and detailed discussion of your private parts is reason enough to keep you away from the gynecologist’s office unless absolutely necessary. However, voicing your concerns will not only help you and your gynecologist understand how your body functions, but can also aid her in making an early diagnosis of any number of diseases and possibly saving you a lot of discomfort. While everyone’s concerns may vary, here is a list of questions that you should ask your gynecologist:

1- Do I Have A Vaginal Infection?

Vaginal discharge is a normal mechanism to cleanse old cells from the body-with the color and consistency changing throughout the month. So, while a white, milky discharge in your underwear shouldn’t be stress-inducing, a sudden increase in quantity, change in color (green, dark yellow, brown, etc.), or odor (foul or fishy) could indicate an infection, and must be reported immediately. However, certain vaginal odors can also result from a diet rich in certain foods like red meat, onions and garlic, or habitual smoking.

2- Why Do My Breasts Hurt?

Sore nipples or breasts are a common pre-period symptom-due to a sudden decrease in progesterone levels or due to the presence thousands of nerve endings in the nipples. However, if you’re experiencing it for the first time or the pain becomes intense, contact your doctor, as it could be due to any number of reasons: hormonal changes, new birth control medication, menopause, or an indicator of pregnancy.

3- Why do I Leak Urine When I Laugh, Cough, or Sneeze?

This is a sign of Urinary Incontinence (UI); a common problem that unfortunately goes undiscussed. However, it is entirely treatable via weight-loss, bladder training exercises like Kegels, medication, implant devices or even surgery. Consult with your doctor to find a treatment that is appropriate for you.

4- I Always Get PMS. Is That A Problem?

While mood swings, aka Pre-Menstrual Stress, before a period is normal and common, experiencing depression, anxiety, extreme irritability or bouts of hopelessness and crying could indicate Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), which can easily be treated by your doctor through lifestyle changes, medication and therapy.

5- Why Is There Hair Around My Nipples?

Depending on the stage of life you’re in, the hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy and menopause can sometimes manifest in hair growth around the nipples in some people. However, increase in nipple hair, along with excess hair growth on the chin and face, could indicate Hirsutism (male pattern hair growth in females), which might require medical treatment.

6- Is Period Pain Normal?

While the levels vary from person to person, unmanageable pain that disrupts your daily life could indicate a case of Endometriosis, a severe condition which, if left untreated can cause infertility. However, open discussions with your gynecologist can lead to an early detection and cure for this disease, as well as others.

7- Why Do I Feel Pressure In My Vagina And Pelvis?

This might indicate Pelvic Organ Prolapse, i.e. the dropping of an organ, like the bladder, from the pelvis to the vagina, which can be a result of childbirth or excessive, strenuous exercise. While serious cases require surgery, mild cases can be corrected through regular Kegel exercises, making an immediate consultation necessary. This is one of the most important questions that you should ask your gynecologist.

8- What Are My Birth Control Options?

Although considered a social taboo, using birth control is every woman’s right. Moreover, using birth control medication can provide relief for women with heavy, painful and long-lasting periods. Discuss possible options with your doctor instead of trying them out yourself.

9- Why Am I Experiencing Hot Flashes?

While a common sign of menopause, sudden feelings of feverish heat-even in women close to menopause-are also a lesser known symptom of thyroid problem, making open discussions with your gynecologist necessary to evaluate whether or not you suffer from such a condition.

10- Can Estrogen Cause Breast Cancer?

On the contrary, this hormone-replacement medication-taken due to the natural halting or reduction of estrogen production after menopause-has actually lowered the risk of cancer and heart disease by 23 and 32% in menopausal women, respectively. Cancer risk only increases if estrogen treatment begins between 60-65.

Remember to be open with your gynecologist about your body issues, even if it’s uncomfortable at first, to ensure the best possible care and treatment. There are a large number of questions you should as your gynecologist, and these were just some of the more common ones. Book an appointment with a top Gynecologist in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad through oladoc.com. Or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT Doctor for your womanly needs.