Things to Always Bring Up with Your Gynecologist

You may be uncomfortable bringing up your sexual and reproductive issues with your gynecologist. But can you really tell another person you don’t know well about the women’s health problem you think you might have?

Like any other medical issue, you can only get help for your sexual or reproductive issue if you open up to your gynecologist with your concern – even if it’s hard for you to talk about it.

The following are some things you should bring up with your gynecologist, particularly if they are bothering you.

SEXUAL DISCOMFORT

Though it may be hard for you to speak to your gynecologist about sexual discomfort, a gynecologist can help explain and treat your sexual discomfort.

Many things can contribute to sexual discomfort, including pain during sex and vaginal dryness.

Gynecologists understand the causes – such as low estrogen levels in the body resulting from menopause or long-term use of birth controls – that contribute to vaginal dryness and can offer treatments like vaginal estrogen. They may also advise you to try different positions or lubricants to eliminate pain during sex.

PAINFUL PERIODS

Periods do not bother some women at all. But for others, menstruation is an unpleasant time. Headaches, cramps, and breast soreness are common signs of menstruation; however, if your period pain and cramps are incredibly severe, discuss it with your gynecologist in your next appointment.

Endometriosis (a condition in which the tissue that lines the female uterus grows outside the uterus) and uterine fibroids (formation of solid tumors in the uterus) are the most common conditions that lead to painful periods.

Thankfully, there are many solutions that your gynecologist can offer to make your condition more manageable.

VAGINAL ODOR

It may be uncomfortable for you to discuss your vaginal odor, but if there is a foul or fishy smell or if your “not so normal” smell seems to be lasting for a few days, it’s important to talk to your gynecologist.

Having vaginal odor is normal, but a foul smell may be a sign of vaginal infection, which a gynecologist can treat effectively.

LOW LIBIDO

Surprisingly, low libido is much more common in women than many women realize. So if you have low libido, you must discuss it with your gynecologist to determine the root cause of your concern.

Many things, including medications, underlying medical conditions, stress, and work, can lead to low libido. After determining the root cause of your low libido, your gynecologist can make recommendations to increase your libido naturally.

SEXUAL HISTORY

Bringing up your sexual history with your gynecologist, such as how many partners you have had, how old you were when you first had intercourse, if you have had any sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and your sexual orientation, can be uncomfortable. But remember that your gynecologist needs to know about your sexual history to provide you with personalized and comprehensive care.

GYNECOLOGIST IN GREATER CLEVELAND

If you are looking for a women’s health specialist or would just like a gynecologist to check something that is bothering you, visit us at Wooster Community Hospital. At our two women’s centers, Bloomington Women’s Care and The Women’s Specialty Center, we have a team of highly trained and skilled gynecologists and obstetricians committed to providing comprehensive and personalized care for your women’s health issues.

If you would like to arrange a consultation with us, call us today at (330) 263-8144 or fill out our convenient online appointment request form.