We all dread these doctors appointments we are supposed to go to each year. Yes, our yearly checkups are seriously a pain in the ass, especially when someone is shoving a whole hand up inside of you. It’s so much fun being a girl…right? Going to the gyno is something we all have to do at least once a year. It’s important to check up on your vaginal health and make sure everything is where it should be. But, there are a lot of things we’re too shy or afraid to ask our gyno about. Like, sex positions, new lubes, vaginal health (we all have those days where we…smell). But, there are some basic things your gyno doesn’t want you to do at all, and you should probably pay attention.
1. Waiting until you have sex to get it checked out.
Most of us, I’m sure, have already had sex and have visited our gynecologists, but some might feel like they don’t have to until they have had sex. This is a huge misconception. You need to go as soon as you start menstruating, really. Your first visit should have been around the age between 13 and 15-years-old according to The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Most likely you won’t be checked at that age but they would like to know your medical history and about your monthly periods.
2. Going to a doctor that makes you uncomfortable when they touch you.
You just gotta pick up that phone and call them. You want to make sure you have a gynecologist you can trust and feel comfortable seeing each time you go. If you aren’t happy with your gyno, try someone new. They will be going inside you, literally, you don’t want to feel awkward or uncomfortable.
3. Holding back on serious questions you have.
Don’t be afraid to talk about anything.Your breasts, vagina, sex – anything. Yes, it can be awkward but it’s your health and you want to be healthy so it’s important you talk to them about anything. Just think, your gynecologist has heard it all, so its okay. This isn’t like opening up to someone who will judge you, they are a doctor, and they want to help you.
4. Getting a wax before your appointment.
Do not get a Brazilian wax right before your appointment. Your gyno doesn’t care if you shave every day, week, month, or year. But, you have to pay attention to certain situations like pubic lice or any rashes. Also getting that Brazilian wax will cause you to have red and swollen areas down there. That makes it harder to do an accurate and thorough exam on you because your doctor won’t know if its an infection or inflammation or from that wax you just had done.
5. Pretending UTI’s are no big deal.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) are not something fun to have so don’t wait to see your doctor. Call and schedule an appointment so you can get it taken care of. If you aren’t sure what a UTI is, well. its pretty much peeing constantly and it hurts and burns every time you do. Fun right? If you aren’t able to get in for an appointment see if a nurse can prescribe you some medicine to take care of it or go to a walk-in clinic to get it checked out. The longer you wait the worse it’ll feel and get.