It's normal to have questions that are personal and intimate in nature. It's also not unusual to feel a little shy about asking your gynecologist about such things. But it's important to get answers for the sake of your health and your peace of mind.
So push aside any embarrassment, and ask those personal questions anyway. Here are 12 questions that you should ask your gynecologist.
1) Why does having sex hurt?
Genital pain can often be treated. If you're experiencing painful intercourse, your doctor can help with treatment.
2) My vaginal odor smells bad. What’s the reason?
Several factors impact your odor — from hormones, poor hygiene, and what you eat, said Huffington Post. Pay attention to odor changes over time. If it worsens and isn’t due to the reasons above, it could mean high levels of bacteria, yeast, or possibly a sexually transmitted disease.
3) Is vaginal itching normal?
Itching can be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection, a vulvar skin disorder, a bacterial infection, soap sensitivity or, in rare cases, an early sign of vulvar cancer, explained WomensDay.com. Tell your doctor about any vaginal itching.
4) Are my hot flashes from menopause or something else?
Many women assume that hot flashes are normal menopausal symptoms. They are, but they can also signal a thyroid imbalance, so talk to your doctor. Thyroid conditions can easily be treated with medication.
5) Is bleeding after sex normal?
Bleeding after sex could be caused by anything from uterine polyps to endometritis to cervical cancer. If you notice any bleeding after sex, tell your doctor.
6) The skin near my vagina has changed color and texture. Is this normal?
You want to share this with your doctor as it could be an early sign of a benign vulvar skin disorder. Left untreated, the vulvar skin can get thinner, resulting in painful sex.
7) Why am I leaking urine?
Urinary incontinence affects women of all ages. While it may be embarrassing, there are numerous ways to treat incontinence such as weight loss, bladder training, medication, implant devices or surgery, wrote WomansDay.com.
8) Why don't I feel like having sex?
There are many reasons for a low libido. If your sex drive stays low for a few months or more, get tested to see if the cause is biological.
9) Is it a problem that my period is often irregular?
Everyone's menstrual cycle is unique, but everyone has their own general pattern that is normal for them. If you are having periods later than your own pattern, this isn't normal. Nor is spotting between periods or bleeding in large clumps, cautioned WomensHealthMag.com. Describe your period in detail to your doctor, and let her decide if it's irregular.
10) Why are my periods so painful?
If you suffer from severe pain during your period, it could signal several things, including endometriosis. Endometriosis can cause agonizing pain and even infertility.
11) What are the risks of oral sex?
Oral cancer is increasing. More than half of all cases are caused by human papillomavirus which can spread to your mouth through oral sex. Talk to your doctor and watch for stubborn coughs or mouth sores.
12) My partner may be cheating. Should I get an STD test?
Don’t be embarrassed. Talk to your partner. And definitely talk with your gynecologist about this. It is important to get a comprehensive STD test to both ease your mind and possibly save your life.
Remember, there's no such thing as an embarrassing question when it comes to protecting your health.
Sources:
"13 Questions You're Too Embarrassed to Ask Your Ob-Gyn." Shape Magazine. Web. 13 Jan. 2016.
http://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/13-questions-youre-too-embarrassed-ask-your-ob-gyn
Dold, Kristen. "5 Questions You SHOULD Be Asking Your Gyno." Women's Health. Web. 13 Jan. 2016.
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/sex-and-love/ask-your-gyno
Ginsberg, Jill. "8 Questions That Aren't Insane To Ask Your Gynecologist." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com. Web. 13 Jan. 2016.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jill-ginsberg/8-questions-that-arent-insane-to-ask-your-gynecologist_b_7618154.html
Jio, Sarah. "9 Things You Should Ask Your Gynecologist." Woman's Day. 2009. Web. 13 Jan. 2016.
http://www.womansday.com/health-fitness/womens-health/a4411/9-things-you-should-ask-your-gynecologist-101954
Reviewed January 18, 2016
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith