I do not enjoy going to the gynecologist. It’s awkward, uncomfortable at times, personal, and invasive. But it is something that must be done at least once a year to make sure that everything is okay with my body. The check-up is my opportunity to share any concerns I have with my doctor, discuss the goings on with my body, and make sure that all is right physically speaking. It is also the doctor’s duty to share with me current medical treatments and preventative measures. How can I do this without feeling weird and uneasy?
Here are a few tips to that I use that will help you make the most of your next gynecological doctor visit:
Write down questions
I used to make mental notes of the questions I needed to ask my doctor but I would often forget them when I went to the examination room. I would kick myself later because I would think of the questions I wanted to ask after I left the appointment. Make a list of questions and bring them with you to the doctor’s office. That way, you are sure to get the answers you need.
Know your body
Knowing your body is key to helping your doctor help you. A question that most gynecologists will ask is when was your last menstrual period? Was your period irregular? What types of medications you are on? Have you been sore or tender in any places? Being able to answer these questions with accuracy will be to your benefit. Know your body and be able to answer the doctor’s questions confidently.
Dress for an appointment
Unless you have to make your appointment during the workday, make sure you dress comfortably and in clothes than can easily be removed. Of course you will need to disrobe during your appointment, so being able to remove the clothing speedily and then put them back on quickly will assist in keeping you relaxed during this process. You don’t want to be stressed out worrying about how long its taking you to unhook your dress in the back.
Know your doctor’s work ethic and quality
When you have a doctor that you respect and trust, it can make your woman well visit comfortable. Do the homework on your doctor. Find out how long have they been practicing, what is their care plan, what do their other patients say about them, and what licenses do they hold? All of these questions are important in knowing, so that you can trust your physician with your health and well being, and be sure they are experienced enough for the job of being your health care provider. You don’t want to trust your body to just anyone.
Listen carefully
When your doctor speaks, you should listen. As your trusted healthcare provider, they have a duty to give you complete and professional medicinal care. What your doctor recommends you do is vital. Listen and take note. If you feel that a second opinion is necessary, then consult another physician. Pay attention to the information and care instructions given during your exam and follow them to a “T”.
I hope that the five tips above will help you make the most of your next gynecological visit. Visits to the doctor are not fun but following these tips may give you a peace of mind.
You forgot one very important thing…Make sure you smell fresh!
Did you go from conferences to … (O_O) … ok … great list! 😐
girl, I just went to the gyno today & I dreaded going O_o. Meanwhile some woman took a nasty dump in the bathroom prior to her appointment – who does that eeekkkkkk
I always try to get the earliest appointment of the day so I’m as fresh as possible. This post reminded me that I’m due for my 3,000 mile checkup too /sigh
“Meanwhile some woman took a nasty dump in the bathroom prior to her appointment”….eeewwwwwwww…Her poor doctor
Good post!! I alway’s make a list when I go to any Dr.appt. I have a terrible memory so the list helps me alot.
Not to get off topic but I wonder if anyone else has a list as long as my list and feels like your Dr.gets impatient? I have gone to a few different Drs with a million questions (ok maybe 7 or so)just to be rushed out with 1/2 questions barely answered.I sometimes wonder if it has something to do with my insurance or is really a burden on the Dr.?? TCC I would love to know what you think about this.Should I just schedule like 5 visits to get 2 questions answered each visit? lol
Thanks for sharing these tips! I agree that it is good to write down questions, especially if you are visiting a doctor for a prenatal examination. You need to make sure you are completely informed about everything. It is better to be safe rather than sorry when it comes to your health!
I wish I had read this before my first gynecology appointment! I, too, always forgot what questions I wanted to ask once I got in the office, only to remember them once it was too late. I like your advice to know your body; it kind of goes with the writing down questions to ask. If you know what problems you’ve been having, you can write them down and let your gynecologist know so they can better give you the treatment you need. I need to be better about doing that so my gynecologist can know exactly what’s going on with me!
This is some really great information for anyone who’s as uncomfortable at the gynecologist as I am. Writing down questions is a great way to make sure that you don’t end up forgetting everything you wanted to ask and remembering as soon as you leave the office. And I somehow never thought about dressing in comfortable clothes that can be easily removed. Thanks so much for writing!
I just moved to a new city, and I’m looking for a new gynecologist. This list gave me some great ideas on what to ask and look for to ensure a quality visit and doctor. I appreciated the advice to wear comfortable clothes that are easy to disrobe; this will make the visit go much faster. Thanks also for the advice to write down questions beforehand. I will definitely try that method.
It is so common to forget the questions you needed to ask, so writing them down is so smart. Thank you for sharing this awesome list of tips for the yearly visit!