7 Things You Should Always Discuss with Your Gynaecologist

7 Things You Should Always Discuss with Your Gynaecologist

Having been in the gynaecology field for the last ten years dealing with different patients, one thing I have found common in all of them is that they're hesitant to open up. 

Talking about your sexual and reproductive health can indeed be challenging, especially in a country like India, where these topics are considered to be taboo. Let's agree that many women find it ‘not normal’ and, therefore, refrain from discussing it with their gynaecologist. 

I have often encouraged my patients to come up and speak about their condition because that helps me treat them better. With me as your gynaecologist, the last thing you'll have to care about is being judged. I may have seen and heard it all since I have been doing it for over ten years. 

If you're still confused about what you can discuss with your gynaecologist, you're in the right place. Today, let's talk about all the potential things you can discuss with your gynaecologist according to Dr. Pankhuri Gautam. 

Things to Discuss With Your Gynaecologist

It may take some time and a lot of courage to discuss your concerns freely with your gynaecologist. Thus, you need to be prepared from the beginning itself. 

Here are a few things you should always discuss with your gynaecologist:

#1. Painful and Irregular Periods

Getting painful and irregular periods is something that most of the women experience from time to time. Around 80% of women complain about painful periods once in their lifetime. Some of the most common symptoms of painful periods include cramps, breast soreness and headaches. 

While the period pain is supposed to vanish after some time, around 5-10% of them experience severe pain beyond cramps. If you're starting to experience painful and irregular periods, it may be a sign of any underlying medical condition like uterine fibroids or endometriosis. 

If the period is painful enough to disturb your daily schedule, you must visit your gynaecologist as soon as possible. Our doctors will examine your condition to help it make it manageable and less severe if possible. 

#2. Infertility Issues

If you are planning to conceive and experiencing any issues, you must consult your doctor. Infertility may be one of the main reasons why you're not able to conceive. 

A study showed that around 8% of married women in India are infertile, whereas 5.8% of them have secondary infertility. There are different reasons why you may be experiencing infertility, and your gynaecologist can help to determine the exact cause after examination. 

Identifying the infertility issues can help you get started with the early stages of the treatment. Therefore, if you fail to conceive after a few tries, you must immediately visit your gynaecologist and express your concern. The professionals would conduct the tests accordingly and begin the treatment. 

#3. Abnormal Vaginal Odour

Vaginal odour should never be overlooked. While I understand that it can be uncomfortable to talk about vaginal odour considering the taboo around it, you should openly discuss it with your gynaecologist. 

Every woman has some vaginal odour ranging from being earthy, ripe or even pungent, and it's not abnormal. It can be challenging to tell what a healthy vagina smells like because it varies depending on the body type. However, if your vagina has a fishy or highly pungent odour, or you think that there's a change from the usual smell, it may be time to see a doctor. 

Having vaginal odour is normal, but a foul smell is not. A foul odour is an indication that you may be suffering from a vaginal infection or bacterial overgrowth. Discussing this openly with your gynaecologist can help you find a cure for the problem sooner. 

#4. Swelling and Bumps around the Vaginal Area

If you notice any unusual growth around your vagina or labia, you should immediately visit your gynaecologist. It can be something normal like a pimple, cut from shaving or ingrown hair. On the other hand, if it's there for a long time, it can be a sign of something more concerning. 

Most of the bumps are benign, but it is always advisable to consult a medical professional. Your gynaecologist can perform the test and examine the area if you notice unusual growth. 

The presence of bumps around your vaginal area can be signs of genital warts or herpes. While genital warts will only be visible for some time, herpes and lesions may take up to 14 days to heal from the day of the outbreak. If these bumps and swellings last longer than expected, your gynaecologist can perform the relevant tests to cure your condition. 

#5. Sexual History

Many women in India refrain from visiting a gynaecologist for fear of being judged. However, it is essential to regularly visit the gynaecologist and address all the questions they may ask related to your sexual health truthfully. 

Having unprotected intercourse can often lead to HPV infection, STD (sexually transmitted diseases) and cervical cancer. Each of these factors can often lead to an increased risk of infertility. 

Visiting your gynaecologist and addressing everything about your sexual history can help you get the proper treatment if any problem occurs. This also plays a vital role in avoiding any potential diseases that you may experience. 

#6. Low Libido/Sexual Discomfort

Low libido can be one of the main reasons for sexual discomfort. If you're experiencing any such challenges, your gynaecologist can help you overcome them. Vaginal dryness during intercourse can lead to painful sex. Many women experience vaginal dryness when they've been on birth control medicines for a long time leading to hormonal changes. 

Women in their postmenopausal age will also experience vaginal dryness because of low oestrogen. A gynaecologist can only help you figure out the main reason for low libido and vaginal dryness after examining you. 

Moreover, don't shy away from visiting the gynaecologist if you're experiencing sexual discomfort. For example, a lot of women complain about vaginal dryness and also bleeding after sex. When the lubricants fail to ease things, a gynaecologist can examine your condition and provide reliable solutions. 

#7. Menstrual Health 

You must never avoid any changes in your menstrual health. While it is common to experience light and heavy periods occasionally due to ovarian cyst or any other reason, it can be pretty challenging if the same thing starts happening frequently. 

You must visit your gynaecologist if there are any unusual changes in your menstrual cycle, such as spotting, painful periods, clotting and even heavy flow. You may keep track of your symptoms and address them with your gynaecologist.

Sometimes, you may experience changes in your menstrual cycle because of slight hormonal changes. In any situation, if you think your menstrual cycle is unusual, contact experienced gynaecologists. 

How Can A Gynaecologist Help to Overcome Challenges?

Your gynaecologist is your experienced partner to help with gynaecological health and diagnosis. Visiting your gynaecologist to address problems like pelvic pain, irregular periods, hormonal imbalance, and vaginal bleeding can help to get accurate treatment. A professional gynaecologist will always run the tests and examine your condition properly before providing the solution. Thus, discussing the seven factors mentioned above with your gynaecologist can help you overcome the problems with appropriate treatment. 

Final Thoughts

It is important to visit your gynaecologist from time to time. Even if you're not undergoing any major challenges, scheduling regular visits helps to ensure that your gynaecological health is doing well. Moreover, if you experience any discomfort, scheduling your visit can help to achieve help sooner potentially. If you're looking for a skilled gynaecologist in Jaipur who maintains privacy and professionalism, I’m here for you. Schedule an appointment today and understand your gynaecological health better!