The Important Questions to Ask Your OBGYN, Answered

Girls usually have so much occurring BTS that we don’t take into consideration until one thing feels off. Many people give you excuses to place off going to see the physician, whether or not it’s as a result of we’re uncomfortable laying all the pieces on the market (actually) or afraid of the solutions we’d get. Lengthy story quick, going to the gyno isn’t precisely a stroll within the park (anybody else shudder at simply the considered the scary-looking—to not point out, chilly—speculum?). However we’re right here to normalize frequently seeing your OBGYN in case you have a vagina, in addition to creating dialogue round all of the matters associated to feminine wellness.

Enter: Dr. Alyssa Dweck, a working towards gynecologist in Westchester County, NY and advisor to Tru Niagen. From vaginal odor to contraception and all the pieces in between, I probed (pun supposed) Dr. Dweck on an important inquiries to ask your OBGYN, and we left nothing off the desk. Learn on for her solutions to questions you could be embarrassed to ask your individual physician.

1. What’s my vagina imagined to seem like? 

Whereas each vagina is exclusive (identical to the one who it is part of), Dr. Dweck defined what you’ll be able to typically anticipate: “A wholesome vagina, the interior canal, is often a shade of pink, lush, typically glistening with regular clear fluid and with many folds known as ‘rugae.’ The vaginal opening may need darker pigment and variable pores and skin folds relying on historical past of childbirth, earlier surgical procedure, and/or sexual exercise, for instance.” Take a cue from Charlotte in Intercourse and the Metropolis and seize your trusty handheld mirror to rise up shut and private together with your vulva. 

2. Is it regular to have vaginal discharge and odor? What causes them?

Earlier than you go down the Google rabbit gap, gradual your roll. Dr. Dweck assured us vaginal discharge and odor are sometimes not causes for concern: “Most vaginas have a pure physiologic discharge made up of mucus from the cervix, vaginal fluid and cells, and cells/fluid from the uterus.” Nonetheless, there are situations through which vaginal discharge and odor can elevate pink flags. “An infection with viruses, micro organism, and different microbes, together with STIs (sexual transmitted infections), hormone modifications, and/or exterior irritants, can disrupt the conventional vaginal pH and microbiome and trigger an infection. In these circumstances, an atypical vaginal discharge or foul odor can happen.” The principle takeaway? In the event you’re undecided and might’t decipher what’s what, it’s finest to seek the advice of your physician.

3. Why do I’ve urinary or fecal incontinence, and what can I do to resolve it?

In the event you expertise lack of bladder or bowel management (AKA leaking urine or poop), you’re not alone (it’s extra frequent than you could suppose). “Each can happen because of weak or relaxed pelvic ground muscle tissue,” stated Dr. Dweck. “Genetics, prior childbirth (particularly for large infants or instrumented deliveries), and weight problems could play a task.” So how do you handle urinary incontinence? Dr. Dweck inspired considering treating any underlying UTI (urinary tract an infection), minimizing or eliminating caffeine (which may create urgency and frequency), working towards Kegel ground workouts, participating with a pelvic ground bodily therapist, and consulting with a urologist/urogynecologist for extra intensive testing. “Equally, for fecal incontinence, one could contemplate rising fiber consumption to bulk up stool, Kegel workouts, pelvic ground bodily remedy, or seeing a colorectal or gastrointestinal specialist.”

4. What number of yeast infections or UTIs are too many? When ought to I see a health care provider?

One yeast an infection or UTI is sufficient to ship anybody right into a frenzy. So how have you learnt when an OTC treatment will do the trick or it’s time to pay your doc a go to? “Recurrent UTI sometimes refers to higher than or equal to 2 infections in six months or three infections in a yr,” Dr. Dweck clarified. “Recurrent yeast an infection implies greater than 4 infections per yr. Each situations are finest addressed by a HCP [health care provider]. Severity of an infection can be a cause to test in with a HCP.”

5. Why is it painful to have intercourse?

PSA: Intercourse ought to solely be pleasurable. So in the event you’re experiencing any discomfort between the sheets, search assist out of your gyno or a pelvic ground therapist. As for what’s the offender behind painful intercourse? “Painful intercourse might happen for quite a lot of causes, together with vaginal dryness, an infection, hormonal modifications, and mechanical or anatomic points, reminiscent of fibroids, cysts, endometriosis, scar tissue, vaginal muscle tightness, and/or traumatic intercourse,” Dr. Dweck elaborated. 

6. Can I’ve intercourse whereas I’m on my interval? And is it potential to get pregnant throughout my interval?

When you could not really feel the sexiest throughout that point of the month (there are methods to flip the script, BTW), if the temper strikes, Dr. Dweck gave the inexperienced mild: “One can interact sexually whereas menstruating if comfy and, in reality, interval intercourse could relieve cramps or improve pleasure for some. Precaution needs to be taken since blood-borne an infection, together with HIV, will be transmitted. It’s potential, though unlikely, to get pregnant from intercourse whereas bleeding since some have irregular menses and unpredictable ovulation.”

7. How do I decide what kind of contraception is finest for me?

It goes with out saying that contraception is a private alternative. It may be overwhelming and complicated to decide on a contraception technique that checks all of the bins to your wants and life-style. When deciding one of the best technique for you, discuss it out together with your doctor “[Determining the right birth control] is a shared resolution made between affected person and HCP primarily based on menstrual habits, desired permanence of contraception or future fertility, medical historical past, and drugs, life-style, and insurance coverage protection,” said Dr. Dweck. “Be mindful, condoms forestall towards STIs whereas most different types of contraception don’t.”

8. If my state outlaws abortion, what are my choices for unintended being pregnant?

In mild of the reversal of Roe v. Wade, it’s no shock there’s loads of confusion and concern round reproductive well being and abortion (it’s OK to really feel all of the feels, BTW). Whether or not or not you’re pregnant, arming your self with info and sources from a trusted supply (learn: your OBGYN) isn’t a foul concept. But when you end up at a loss as to what protected recourse you’ve got within the case of an unplanned being pregnant, Dr. Dweck pointed us in the suitable route: “There are a number of on-line websites that may present providers, although journey could also be required. Hey Jane is one instance of a digital clinic.” 

9. Why can’t I’ve an orgasm?

In response to the Cleveland Clinic, solely 10 % of ladies simply climax. So in the event you’re a part of the opposite 90 %, Dr. Dweck shed some mild: “This may be complicated, however some causes embrace not sufficient direct clitoral stimulation, ache throughout intercourse, drugs (most notably antidepressants), medical circumstances, prior surgical procedure, or psychological elements.” Regardless of the root trigger could also be, you’ll be able to relaxation assured your OBGYN may also help you discover the answer that works finest for you. As a result of all of us deserve orgasms. 

10. How do I discuss to my associate about STIs/STDs?

Positive, we are able to checklist 100 issues we’d slightly do than get examined for STIs/STDs—not to mention speak about them—however consider it as a type of self-care. And as awkward as it might be, Dr. Dweck emphasised that having a direct dialog about STIs/STDs together with your associate is important. In any case, you’ll be able to’t go incorrect making a protected house for open and sincere dialogue surrounding sexual well being. It could simply convey you and your SO nearer and make the intercourse even higher (speak about a win-win). 

11. I really feel lumps in my breast. How do I do know if it’s one thing extra?

In the event you’ve ever performed a breast self-exam, pat your self on the again. Familiarizing your self with “your women”—from their look to how they really feel—is a wholesome behavior so as to add to your wellness routine. Whereas breast lumps are frequent and most frequently non-cancerous, it’s nonetheless unnerving to seek out one (or extra). So figuring out what to look out for may also help calm a bout of the jitters: “Lumps which can be roughly 1 centimeter or bigger are palpable,” Dr. Dweck identified. “A medical breast examination with a HCP and imaging, together with mammogram, sonogram, or MRI, are potential subsequent steps.” Throughout your subsequent check-up, don’t hesitate to get some tips about at-home protocols to take care of out of your physician. 

Please seek the advice of a health care provider earlier than starting any remedies. At all times search the recommendation of your doctor or different certified well being supplier with any questions you’ll have relating to a medical or psychological well being situation. By no means disregard skilled medical recommendation or delay in looking for it due to one thing you’ve got learn on this article.