Safeguarding Your Health With Your Gynecologist

By Catherine Reynolds


As you look for a gynecologist that has the same worldview as you, it might take some time. If it is important to you, you can look for reviews of various gynecologists to see what people have to say about them. You can ask friends that have a similar worldview to your own who they go to. It might take you consulting with a gynecologist Roanoke and asking them specific questions about their practice. You have every right to be informed before choosing a doctor.

First of all, you should schedule your appointment either a week before or after your menstrual period, since any blood in the area can prohibit the doctor from performing an accurate exam. Also, you should create a list of questions or concerns you have, if any at all. If you have none, you can consider going over answers to common questions that you will likely be asked. Think about the date of your last menstrual period, which will likely be asked about, as well as whether you want to learn more about birth control.

Once you get to the office, after some general questions are asked, you will be weighed and have both your pulse and blood pressure recorded. You will be given a gown to change into, so it is not a good time to wear clothes that are difficult to change out of. In some cases, you will be given a cup to provide the gynecologist with a urine sample. This can test for sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy, if applicable to you. If you are not sexually active, you will likely not get these tests, but you might still be tested for diabetes.

A family doctor is equipped to deal with most everyday concerns regarding your sexual health and well-being. Your primary care physician can perform your internal examination and can offer screenings for sexually transmitted diseases as well as breast exams. A visit with your gynecologist is a confidential matter; however, many young ladies prefer to have their mothers present during the interview and/or exam. The choice is yours. I think it's always best to have a little time with the doctor alone so that any particular issues may be addressed confidentially.

Next, your cervix will be swabbed in what is termed a Pap smear, which is a test to find potentially cancerous cells or other abnormalities. You should receive results back from the laboratory within two weeks.

Before the Exam: Once you schedule your exam, but before you go, it's a good idea to make a list of the things that you want to talk to your gynecologist about. Many times we'll think about things and make a mental note to mention them, but when exam time rolls around, we forget all about them. Try to have a pen and tablet nearby, such as in your purse or in a kitchen drawer when you're home.

One thing that you want to do before you leave the gynecologist office is talk about future appointments. If you are sexually active with more than one partner, if you're planning on having children soon, or if you're past the age of 35 or 40, the doctor may want to schedule exams closer together.

You should choose whichever gender of specialist you feel most comfortable with. Some female patients prefer seeing women for such private exams while others feel perfectly comfortable with male doctors. The choice is yours. If you go to a physician and do not feel comfortable or at ease, find someone new, regardless of the gender of the doctor.




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