5 Mistakes To Avoid When Seeing A Gynecologist
by Tyler Woods
Gynecologists provide a wide range of women's health services, including pap smears, breast exams, prenatal care, and birth control. It's recommended for women of all ages to see a gynecologist on a regular basis. Doing so can help you stay healthy and catch illnesses early.
Here are common mistakes to avoid when seeing a gynecologist.
Avoiding Your Appointments
Women should visit the gynecologist at least once a year for a checkup. However, not all women do. While visiting the gynecologist might not be your favorite thing to do, it is necessary. Your health is very important.
That is why you should never skip your appointments with a gynecologist. If you can't make your appointment because of a scheduling issue, make sure to reschedule it.
Forgetting When Your Last Period Was
When you visit a gynecologist, you will likely be asked when your last period was. Where you are in your menstrual cycle can impact your breast exam, vaginal discharge, and other factors. For example, if you have discharge at the end of your period, it is likely nothing to be concerned about.
Not Asking Questions
During a gynecological visit, your gynecologist is not the only one who should be asking questions. If you have questions of your own, do not be afraid to voice them. For instance, you may wonder if it is safe to have sex during your period or if your smell is normal.
Having Sex
If you have an appointment with a gynecologist coming up, you will want to avoid having sex for at least a couple of days prior to your visit. If you are getting a pap smear, having sex too close to your appointment can skew your results.
Not Telling the Truth About Your Sex Life
It can feel uncomfortable to talk about your sex life with someone you do not know very well. However, you must remember that your gynecologist is a professional and has heard it all before. He or she isn't there to judge you. Being honest about your sex life can help your gynecologist give you the best treatment. For example, if you recently had unprotected sex, your gynecologist may suggest an STD test.
If you avoid making these common mistakes, you will have a better visit with your gynecologist. If it has been more than a year since your last visit with a gynecologist, you should schedule an appointment soon. For more information, contact a gynecologist near you.
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About Me
Do you know when your daughter needs to be introduced to the OBGYN? Discussions such as this can be difficult for both parent and daughter, but it can be ever so more difficult for the single father. A single father raising a teenage daughter comes with many complications. Teenage girls can be a little less likely to discuss woman problems with their father, so they need to have someone that they can talk freely with. My website is full if advice to help single fathers get through these difficult discussions with their teenage daughters and find an OBGYN that their daughters are comfortable with.