Facts to Know Before You See a Gynaecologist

Most women are confused about the ideal time to see a gynaecologist. But once you become active sexually or after 21 years of age, it is important to go for check up with a gynaecologist once a year. Proper gynaecological care is important for overall health.

Some insurance plans cover the expense of gynaecological check up. If you want to know what really happens or why you need gynaecological care, then you are at the right place. Here, in this blog, we will let you the significance of gynaecological care and when you should go for one.

Common gynaecology care types

You can visit a gynaecologist for the following:

• Pap smear for preventing cervical cancer (it looks for the precancerous or abnormal cervical cells)
• Having suitable birth control methods
• Solution for irregular, heavy and painful periods
• Abnormality in vaginal discharge or any warning symptom of vaginal infection (Bacterial vaginosis or yeast infection)
• Sexually transmitted infections test for trichomoniasis, gonorrhoea and Chlamydia
• Uncomfortable or painful sex
• UTIs’ symptoms like burning urination, bloody or cloudy urine, frequent as well as intense urge for urination
• Vulvar irritation along with bumps and rashes
• Menopausal symptoms or premenopause like vaginal dryness, hot flashes and irregular periods

Gynaecologist or primary healthcare provider: whom do you see?

There are many primary healthcare providers who offer gynaecology care. Although they can perform several tests and examinations yet it is better to see a gynaecologist while suspecting any problem. Primary healthcare providers can carry out STI testing, Pap smear, UTIs advice, give medicines, treat vaginal infections. They can assist you to choose the most suitable birth control methods.

On the other hand, gynaecologist apart from these also helps in the following situations:

• Experienced sexual abuse or assault
• Having UTI
• Developed vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections
• Painful sex or severe pelvic pain
• Irregular or painful periods

You can also choose to visit a gynaecologist for birth control in case you are going to use it in long term. They can offer long-term effective methods like birth control implant or IUD or if you have any health conditions including lupus and high blood pressure which make birth controls unsafe.

What to expect at the time of visit a gynaecologist

At the time of appointment, your gynaecologist will interrogate about medical history. They will try to know about your sexual history- from when you are active sexually and want to have kids.

The examination includes pelvic exam, belly exam and breast exam. Pelvic exam checks for labia, vulva (lips of outer genitals), buttocks and inner thighs. Then the doctor uses speculum for examining the vaginal tissues. It can cause discomfort with pressure-like sensation but not painful at all. However, if you do experience any pain must disclose it to the gynaecologist.

For any other symptoms, you need to perform tests for vaginal infections, UTIs and STIs. Sometimes, vulvar skin problems need specimen of bump or lesion for small skin biopsy.

What to discuss during appointment with your gynaecologist

Several important points are there which you should discuss with the gynaecologist during the visit. It is better if you note them beforehand as anxiety can make you forget about them:

• Sexual history (concerns to get STIs and number of sexual partners)
• Difficulty to control the urination urge and having urinary leakage problem
• Degraded sex drive or lust
• Painful and discomfort sex
• Irregular or heavy periods
• Abnormal discharge, vaginal odour and discomfort
• Bumps and rashes in pelvic area
• Plans to have kids in near future

How to stay comfortable at the time of gynaecological appointment

Feeling anxious is absolutely normal. While discussing sensitive topics it is natural to feel uncomfortable and vulnerable. Some ways are here for maximising the comfort during the appointment:

• Say about your nervousness and anxiety to the gynaecology
• Ask the questions you have before physical exam
• Say your gynaecologist if it is going to be your very first pelvic exam
• In case you had experienced sexual trauma or assault in past say about it
• Follow relaxation techniques or mindful breathing at the time of exam

Additional ways for making the gynaecologist visit a good experience

Apart from the above-mentioned questions, you can raise queries about:

• Your expectation from exam so that you can prepare accordingly
• Necessity of each exam and the labs where they will analyse the sample
• The exams which can make you feel uncomfortable

You have full authority to decline any exam part as per your desire. Just contact with your gynaecologist as they know what is best for you. Also you can order for chaperone at the time of exam for additional comfort. However, in case you are suspecting any problem it is better to consult with a private gynaecologist in London. They will diagnose your problem in the early stage offering effective on time to keep you free from conditions and diseases.