The criteria for choosing a gynecologist are very important for every woman. For most, this is an important step because you’re about to choose the professional who will be intimately examining you. That’s the first point, the second is that you want the gynecologist you choose to follow certain rules that can improve the doctor-patient relationship. Some of the things your gynecologist doesn’t want you to do are described below.
There are some of the advice a good gynecologist will give you
The following recommendations that could be given by a gynecologist are to a certain extent common sense; however, there are some details that you might have overlooked which might be dangerous for your health.
Believing everything you see on the internet
Five or ten years ago, if a woman was suffering from some type of hormonal problem or problem related to the reproductive system, the first thing she would do was see a doctor or, even better, a gynecologist. But times have changed and this tendency has been reduced, and the reason is advances in technology. The internet has become a source of information that makes life easier.
Nobody will argue with this statement, but there are risks that come with this mishmash of information that we are constantly exposed to. There are hundreds of websites with false information that can be harmful to a person’s health. Gynecologists around the world have seen how hundreds of women self-medicate because of recommendations from online sources, which for the most part have no merit. At all costs, professionals advise that people know how to search for information and above all, where to look and to consult a specialist before implementing any of those “solutions”.
Not mentioning illnesses in your family history
More people are talking with their doctors about genetic tests for certain types of cancer, and this is definitely something you can bring up with your gynecologist. Let them know if one or more relatives was diagnosed with the same disease or type of cancer – especially breast or ovarian. You should also let them know if you have a personal or family history of blood clots, since this can determine which methods of birth control are appropriate for you.
Staying in workout clothes after exercising
This is a very common practice among women who work out and have to do housework. It’s tempting to start to cook or do something else and leave on your workout clothes, but this is not a good idea. Gynecologists say that part of the problem of candidiasis growth (where many infections come from) is because of the heat that is trapped in this type of clothing after working out.
In fact, this is one of the main causes of infections, redness, irritation and itching on the skin. Professionals in this area recommend that you bathe after exercising and use clothing made with fabrics that allow the moisture to be released.
Staying quiet about persistent pain during intercourse
Another thing that your gynecologist doesn’t want you to do is stay quiet about pain you are experiencing during sexual intercourse. Gynecologist Michelle Germanin, head of the Department of Gynecology at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital in Baltimore, confirms that some vaginal infections, endometriosis, ovarian cysts and even constipation happen as a result of not mentioning this problem to a professional in time after the person starts to experience pain.
Staying with a gynecologist you don’t like
Gynecologist appointments can be intimate and sometimes invasive, which is why feeling safe and comfortable with them is crucial. If you feel judged, uncomfortable or simply don’t feel like they are listening to you, it might be time to find a new gynecologist. Recommendations from friends are often the most useful.
Confusing a general practitioner with a gynecologist
This might seem like a harmless mistake, but it isn’t. A general practitioner graduated with standard knowledge in various areas of healthcare. After this step, the next is specialization in different areas, one of which is gynecology, which is why a gynecologist has greater knowledge than a general practitioner. If a woman decides to see a gynecologist, this ensures in large part that her diagnosis, treatment and prognostic will be correct.
Misinterpreting menstrual blood
Menstruation is a process that teenagers, young and adult women go through every month. But there are changes over the years that might seem normal when they actually aren’t. Gynecologist Michelle Germanin gives this advice: “regardless of age or the time left before menopause, if you soak a pad or tampon in just two hours and discover that you need more protection, a visit to the gynecologist might be necessary.”
This expert states that the amount of blood lost during menstruation should be approximately 80 millimeters (equal to 5 teaspoons). More bleeding could be a sign of an internal problem that, even if not severe, should be treated and the patient should know it to take action and avoid embarrassing accidents. You can also find more information about pains during menstruation.
Using very tight or small underwear
Another thing that your gynecologist doesn’t want you to do is wear thongs. Most professionals agree that thongs don’t allow the pubic area to breathe and can cause chafing. Don’t forget that, unlike other areas of the body, this area is very sensitive and it’s easy to develop infections, irritation and other problems. Specifically, seeing a gynecologist to treat diverse feminine problems is highly recommended.
Using too many products to wash your genitals
The vagina cleans itself automatically, so you really don’t need to put anything there. And when it comes to cleaning the rest of the genital area, stay away from anything other than a gentle soap with no fragrance. Some people do very well not putting anything down there, but less is more when it comes to feminine hygiene.
Not talking about your sexual habits if you want a full analysis
When you say, “full analysis”, in general they will give you a test for chlamydia and gonorrhea and, occasionally, syphilis. This is because these are the STI tests that are routinely recommended for the majority of women.
But if you have had sexual relations without protection, have any symptoms, or simply thing that you could be at risk for something else because of your habits, talk with your doctor about that.
There are also some tests that might not be recommended. Based on current guidelines, routine testing for herpes is not recommended unless you have symptoms or thing you have been exposed, and the routine test for HPV is not recommended for women under 30 years of age.
