Sexual and reproductive health issues can be hard to talk about. You put a lot of effort into seeking the best private gynaecologist near me. Yet when the appointment comes, you end up tongue-tied: unable to figure out what to talk about with the doctor. What tends to come in the way here is an embarrassment. But it is not warranted. The gynaecologist has dealt with all manner of things during training and in practice. Whatever the nature of your case, it is in all likelihood something they have previously heard or seen. Therefore whenever you have an appointment with a gynaecologist, here are some key things to talk about:
1. Any abnormal pains experienced during periods
There is some degree of discomfort that pretty much any woman who is going through periods grapples with. It may be in the form of cramps or headaches. Or it may be something like breast soreness. However, in some cases, the discomfort that comes with periods can be abnormally severe. Then it becomes necessary to talk about it with your gynaecologist.
In some cases, the underlying problem may turn out to be endometriosis. Or it may be something else like uterine fibroids. Whatever it is, once you talk to the gynaecologist about it, the journey towards a diagnosis starts. And once the gynaecologist works out what is causing the severe period pain, a solution would be on the way. So don’t assume that suffering such extreme discomfort is ‘your lot in life’. It may be something that can be quite easily managed. You only need to make your gynaecologist aware of it.
2. Unusual vaginal smell
There is a normal vaginal smell. Then there is an unusual vaginal odour. If the smell is fishy, then it is not normal. The same applies to any decidedly foul smell. It is something to talk to your gynaecologist about. It may actually affect you badly enough to get you searching for an NHS or private gynaecologist near me urgently. Alternatively, you may just take note of it, and decide to bring it up the next time you have a routine gynaecologist appointment. However, the latter approach is not ideal. That is because the smell may be a sign of an infection. And the sooner an infection is treated, the better. Either way, don’t keep the vaginal odour issue under the carpet. And don’t feel embarrassed talking to the gynaecologist about it. This is an issue the doctor probably deals with almost every day.
3. Growths or bumps within the genital region
Much depends on how the growth or bump looks, and where exactly it is present. It may be something as simple as a pimple. It could also be an ingrown hair. However, it can be a genital wart or something that warrants more concern. Even herpes lesions often manifest in this manner. Whatever its nature, you really need to talk to your gynaecologist about it. That way, in case it is something requiring medical attention, it can be dealt with in good time.
4. Discomfort while having sex
This is one of the things you should really talk about with your gynaecologist. Don’t feel embarrassed bringing it up. It is a medical problem. And the gynaecologist is a medic, trained to view these matters scientifically.
The discomfort may be in the form of vaginal dryness. Or it may specifically be pain while having sex.
If it is sexual dryness, it may be due to hormonal reasons. Or it may simply be due to a lack of foreplay/arousal.
In case it is pain, the underlying cause may be physiological. Thus the solution may be as simple as changing the positions in which you have sex.
In all cases though, persistent discomfort while having sex shouldn’t be ignored. It is definitely one of the key things to address the gynaecologist about.
5. Your sexual history
Often, it is the gynaecologist who asks you questions that probe into your sexual history. This is something you should be able to talk about with the doctor without feeling embarrassed. Don’t assume that the doctor is being judgmental in asking certain sexual history questions. The goal is simply to know how to best take care of you.
So the gynaecologist may ask you how many sexual partners you have had. Another potentially awkward question may be when you first had sexual intercourse. There can even be a question about any previous STIs you may have suffered. And the gynaecologist may want to know your sexual orientation.
Once you understand the reasoning behind asking these questions, you won’t find them awkward. Take for instance the question of when you first had sex. This has a bearing on your HPV exposure. The one about any previous STDs can have an impact on fertility. So these are well-intentioned questions. Answering them honestly makes it possible for you to get the required care.
6. Matters to do with incontinence (either urinal or faecal)
These problems tend to affect women following childbirth. They are particularly common in those whose deliveries required the use of vacuums or forceps. Those who had bigger babies also tend to struggle with these issues. Definitely, if you are having any of these forms of incontinence, you should talk to your gynaecologist about it. Talking about it may feel embarrassing. Yet if your gynaecologist knows about it then only you can get help.
7. Libido problems
Low libido is a problem that lots of women struggle with. Luckily, it is one of the issues that the gynaecologist has specialist training to deal with. Therefore, if it is something you are struggling with, let your gynaecologist know. Remember, the underlying cause for it may be one or another medical condition. But it could also be due to the medications you are taking. Or it could be a sign of another medical problem that has already been identified. In all cases, it is something worth talking to your gynaecologist about.
Your appointment with the gynaecologist shouldn’t go to waste. Ensure that all issues that warrant the gynaecologist’s attention are raised. You may also visit a Private GP London clinic to get a referral to a private gynaecologist.
