10 Things You Should Always Discuss with Your Gynecologist

Sometimes, women may feel uncomfortable talking about their sexual habits, physical changes, periods, and health issues with their gynecologist. However, it is important to provide complete information about yourself to your gynecologist to get the required care and treatment. If symptoms and conditions are detected early, they can be prevented or treated before they become worse.

Here are some essential things that you should always discuss with your gynecologist:

1. Your Family's Medical History

You should inform your gynecologist about your family’s medical history of diseases, including high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, cancer, heart problems, diabetes, and more. This will allow your provider to create a proper plan of care.

2. Your Medical History

Your gynecologist needs to know everything about your health to treat you properly. They want to know:

• First day of last menstrual period
• The date of your previous pap smear test and its result
• If you have an allergy to latex or medications
• If you have ever experienced abnormal pap smear results
• Diseases and conditions you have or have experienced including mental, physical, and sexually transmitted diseases.
• Any medications you are currently taking

3. Menstrual Cycle

Make sure to inform your gynecologist if you have been experiencing any changes in your menstrual cycle, including:

• Unusual flow
• Clotting
• Spotting
• Irregular or painful periods
• Cramping
• Or any other changes you are concerned with

These changes can be normal, but sometimes, they could be a sign of other conditions, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids. Your gynecologist will help you determine whether these changes are normal or abnormal and provide the required treatment.

4. Unusual Symptoms

Inform your gynecologist if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms like pain, weight gain or loss, spotting, breast tenderness, nausea, and more. You should also inform them about how long you have been experiencing these symptoms, the degree of your pain if the symptom is constant or sporadic, and what causes or worsens the symptom. Inform your gynecologist if you are taking any over-the-counter, prescription, homeopathic, or herbal medications for managing your symptoms.

5. Lifestyle

Inform your gynecologist about your lifestyle, including exercising, diet, and smoking, or drinking habits. They need to know about these details to provide the best possible healthcare treatment.

6. Sexual History

Talking about your sexual history with your gynecologist can be uncomfortable, but they need to know about any previous conditions or sexually transmitted diseases you have had. Your gynecologist can determine why you may have pain during intercourse and help answer your questions concerning other sexual problems.

You should inform your gynecologist if you experience pain or bleeding during intercourse, as it can be caused by infections, dryness, or any other underlying medical problems.

7. Contraception

You should inform your gynecologist whether you are currently taking birth control pills or any form of contraception. If you are experiencing any types of side effects, please inform your gynecologist.

8. Pregnancy and Fertility

Inform your gynecologist if you are pregnant or trying to conceive. They can provide valuable advice on pregnancy tests, early signs of infertility and pregnancy, and ovulation kits. They can also offer genetic carrier screening before pregnancy.

9. Low Libido

While having a low libido is common, it is essential to discuss it with your gynecologist to determine the cause of your condition. Sometimes, certain medications or stress can cause low libido, or it can also be a sign of another underlying medical condition. In such circumstances, your gynecologist will establish the cause and recommend a treatment plan to increase your libido.

10. Self-Breast Exams

You should be familiar with your breasts. Examining your breasts once a month will help you understand the symptoms or changes that are not usual. Examine your breasts for any color or texture change and make sure they do not have any spots. Inform your gynecologist if you notice soreness, lumps, or hardened tissue. Your gynecologist will determine the cause of these changes and recommend the required treatment.

Remember, your gynecologist is a great resource to talk to and can help you effectively in getting the care you need. If you are looking for medical care based on mutual trust and communication, schedule an appointment with your gynecologist in Suwanee, GA today for timely diagnosis and treatment.