As a woman, your Ob/Gyn is an important part of your healthcare team. To ensure that you receive the best possible care, it’s essential to ask the right questions during your appointments. Here are some critical questions every woman should ask her Ob/Gyn to stay informed and empowered about her health.
- What do I do about vaginal itch?
One of the most disgusting feels is vaginal itch. Ordinarily, you should not feel itchiness around your groin.
An itch, whether mild or intense, is an indication of an infection. Thus you should contact your gynecologist for treatment.
As per the report published Verywell Health, persistent vaginal itching can be indicative of an infection or potentially a more serious issue beneath the surface. If these symptoms persist despite maintaining proper hygiene measures, it is essential to seek medical attention and schedule an appointment with your doctor. Prompt evaluation and appropriate treatment can help identify the underlying cause and address the issue effectively
An infection can be a mild one without any severe impact. Some even go away without any medical intervention. Still, it’s prudent to investigate any occurrence out of the ordinary.
Why? You may be handling your velvety part in the wrong way. Even seemingly harmless actions like douching could cause infection.
So you should know which cosmetics and body ointments to use. Certain fabrics can also abrase your soft spot, resulting in vaginal irritation.
Still, even a mild infection could become something foul when left untreated. Yeasts, fungal and bacterial infections all have unwanted consequences.
Seek medical help and take the required tests to establish the potential trigger of vaginal ailments. Your physician should prescribe the right medication to treat such occurrences.
- Why is sex painful?
Painful sex isn’t something to hide, thus you shouldn’t suffer in silence. Perhaps, the first place to get help is seeing your Ob/Gyn specialist.
Pain during intercourse is called dyspareunia. Several factors cause it, including infections, hormonal issues, and even organs complication.
As reported by the Evelywell website, pain and discomfort during sex can stem from various reasons, and it’s essential to identify the cause. Some of the factors contributing to this issue may include vaginal infections, inadequate lubrication, menopause-related effects, and endometriosis. Understanding the underlying reasons can aid in finding suitable solutions and improving sexual well-being and comfort.
It’s not possible to pinpoint the exact cause of dyspareunia. Your reproductive doctor would investigate further and advise on the triggers and treatment.
Yeast infestation in the vagina may inflame the sensitive vaginal lining, resulting in pain during intercourse. Besides, common muscular spasms called vaginismus can also result in discomfort during lovemaking sessions.
Yet the inadequate supply of progesterone and estrogen causes the vaginal lining to thin and prevents sufficient lubrication. Hence pain is evident during sex.
Menopause aggravates this ache. A study shows that about 45% of postmenopausal women suffer varying degrees of agony during lovemaking.
Consulting your reproductive health expert should help you resolve painful sex.
- What’s the ideal weight?
Several factors influence your weight as a woman. Besides the environmental factors, hormonal issues also play a role.
Defining your ideal weight requires several factors. Your perfect mass spans a range, not one magical number.
To learn more about your weight, you need to understand how your body and mass equate. The body-mass index is a factor that you deduce from weight and height.
The BMI itself is also subdivided into four distinct categories. The first one denotes that you are light, the second measure indicates that your weight is ideal, while the third and fourth segments show that you are overweight.
The BMI plays a crucial role during pregnancy. Only the second category is suitable in such a condition.
Your doctor would usually confirm your perfect weight range. But broadly speaking, a BMI of less than 18.5 is dangerous as you are too skinny. On the other hand, a measure beyond 30 is also unsuitable for your health.
- How do I examine my breasts?
Breast cancer is the leading cancer in the world, with one in every eight women likely to contact this malady. So prevention is crucial.
But how do you prevent breast cancer if you don’t know how to identify it? Well, it’s impossible. Yet identification starts with a simple routine breast examination.
First, you must know what to look for during a breast inspection. You are more at risk when you hit 50 years. So you should conduct this chore frequently.
Next, you may already know that breast cancer symptoms are lumps on the breast. You should, therefore, be on the lookout for these moles during the examination.
Thus your gynecologist will probably tell you to follow the following process. Start making a visual inspection of your breast using a mirror. You can also feel each breast by rolling your hands and fingers around them.
Be slow and methodological in your examination to include under your armpits.
- What’s the cause of heavy periods?
An important question that you should ask your gynecologist relates to vaginal discharge. You may already know that you have various kinds of discharges.
There is a clear and milky discharge that occurs when your body cleanses itself. Hence you don’t have to worry when you see such incidences.
When you are sexually active or stimulated, the discharge could thicken. This is another fluid primarily to lubricate your vagina in readiness for penetration.
The last discharge relates to menstruation. Here, blood oozes during your typical ovulation days. But the volume and texture usually remain more or less the same.
Sometimes, peculiar circumstances may change these parameters. You may notice a heavy flow during your periods. Sometimes also, you could experience changes in the color and smell of the discharge.
Based on the research published by Pristyn Care, heavy bleeding during periods can be a challenging experience for women. Besides needing to use extra pads, it may warrant a visit to the gynecologist to address the issue. Heavy bleeding could be a sign of an underlying health concern, the onset of menopause, or a more significant issue developing. It’s crucial to speak up and seek medical advice promptly to understand the cause and find appropriate solutions for your well-being.
You should be concerned about these changes. The best solution is to enquire from your physician why you are undergoing such changes.
Lastly, it can be concluded that having a list of questions is mandatory when going to an Ob/Gyn for an appointment. We hope that the list of questions we provided can help you sort out your visit.
Questions To Ask An Obstetrician Before Choosing One
Choosing an obstetrician is an important decision for any expectant mother. The doctor you choose will play a crucial role in your prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. It is essential to choose a doctor who you feel comfortable with and trust to provide the best care for you and your baby.
Before making a decision, it is important to ask your potential obstetrician a series of questions to ensure that they are the right fit for you and your needs. Here are some questions to consider asking before choosing an obstetrician.
1. What is your experience and qualifications?
It is important to know the obstetrician’s qualifications and experience in the field of obstetrics. You can ask about their education, training, and experience in handling pregnancies and deliveries. This will give you an idea of their expertise and whether they are the right fit for you.
2. What is your philosophy on childbirth?
Every obstetrician has their own approach and philosophy towards childbirth. Some may lean towards a more natural approach, while others may have a more medicalized approach. It is crucial to find an obstetrician whose philosophy aligns with your own preferences and beliefs.
3. What are your views on pain management during labor?
It is essential to discuss pain management options with your obstetrician. Ask about their approach to pain management during labor and what options they offer, such as epidurals or other pain relief methods. This will help you understand if their views align with your own preferences.
4. How do you handle high-risk pregnancies?
If you have a high-risk pregnancy due to medical conditions or previous complications, it is important to know how your obstetrician will handle it. Ask about their experience in managing high-risk pregnancies and what procedures they have in place to ensure the safety of you and your baby.
5. What is your policy on inductions and cesarean sections?
It is important to know your obstetrician’s stance on inductions and cesarean sections. These procedures can greatly impact your birth experience, and it is crucial to have a doctor who will consider your wishes and preferences before making any decisions.
6. How do you handle emergencies during labor and delivery?
Childbirth is unpredictable, and emergencies can arise during labor and delivery. It is important to know how your obstetrician handles emergencies and what procedures they have in place to ensure the safety of you and your baby.
7. Can I meet the other doctors in your practice?
In case your primary obstetrician is unavailable during your delivery, it is essential to meet the other doctors in the practice. This will ensure that you are comfortable with the other doctors and know who will be delivering your baby in case of an emergency.
8. How does your practice handle after-hours and weekend calls?
Pregnancy comes with its own set of worries and questions, and it is important to know how your obstetrician’s practice handles after-hours and weekend calls. Ask about their policy for contacting them outside of office hours and who to contact in case of an emergency.
9. What is your stance on birth plans?
If you have a birth plan in mind, it is important to discuss it with your obstetrician. Ask about their views on birth plans and if they are willing to work with you to make your birth experience as close to your plan as possible.
10. What is the postpartum care like?
Pregnancy does not end with childbirth, and it is crucial to know what postpartum care your obstetrician provides. Ask about their follow-up appointments and any support they offer for postpartum recovery.
In conclusion, choosing an obstetrician is a personal decision, and it is essential to find a doctor who is the right fit for you and your needs. Asking these questions can help you make an informed decision and ensure that you have a positive and comfortable birth experience. Remember to trust your gut and choose a doctor who makes you feel confident and at ease during this special time in your life.
