Surely not a business meeting or a lunch with a childhood friend, let alone a night out with your partner. Equally important should be to you the annual commitment to visit your gynecologist. Make the most of that time with the specialist to ask all you worry about your health.
Probably consulting your gynecologist is not the place you want to go more often, but still, this is one event you should not miss ever: here the doctor will do a pelvic exam and breast, take a sample for the Pap test and discuss with you the contraceptive method that suits you.
In addition to these routine procedures, uses the event to ask any questions that you worry about your health. Keep in mind that there are no stupid questions, only stupid they are not made. For example:
1. Why is my period so irregular? There could be several reasons, and to go to find the precise cause. Occasionally, the menstrual cycle may fluctuate due to:
- Increase or significant weight loss over-exertion
- Increased stress
- Breastfeeding
- Give birth or have a spontaneous abortion
- Abuse of caffeine
- Although these factors are common and can be treated, always check with your doctor if you skip one or more cycles to be sure of the cause in your case.
2. Why I have pain during sex? You must be specific in explaining how and when it hurts. Do you feel pressure or pain at the time of penetration, at the entrance to the vagina? Then may be due to lack of vaginal lubrication, an inflammation or infection of the vulva, vaginal involuntary spasms (known as vaginismus), a reaction to any medicines or as a result of injuries or pelvic surgery. If the pain is deeper, the causes ranging from endometriosis to fibroids, uterine prolapse or ovarian cysts. If no physical cause is found, may also come into play psychological factors as anxiety, depression, stress or trauma that they have left abusive relationships sexual or emotional. Do not be ashamed. The gynecologist or help you find and resolve the cause of that pain for so you can enjoy your sexual relationship in a pleasant way.
3. Why do I have hot flashes and hot flashes? Many women experience at some point and need not always be due to perimenopause or menopause. May be due to other conditions such as a thyroid condition.
4. When should I have my first mammogram? This is one of the key questions every woman should do. Generally, we recommend that women 40 and older have a mammogram every one to two years. But if your family has been a history of breast cancer, you should start earlier to chequearte or more often. Each case is different. Follow the advice of your gynecologist (a).
5. Is it normal to have vaginal discharge? Of course I do. Vaginal discharge drag outside the cells that are dying in the walls of the vagina and is the body’s natural way to keep it clean and healthy. When normal is clear or whitish in color and odorless. If increases in intensity, changes color, smells bad or out bloody, consult your doctor. It is possible that in the case of an infection, either by fungi or bacteria. Also be caused by a sexually transmitted disease. In these cases, there are effective treatments, but you must attend to as soon as possible.
6. What is human papillomavirus? This is the virus that has been linked to cancer of the cervix or cervical cancer (HPV called by its acronym in English). It can also cause genital warts. It is transmitted from one person to another when you have unprotected sex with an infected person. Many people have the virus and do not have cervical cancer, but many others do. It is considered that each year 11,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cancer of the cervix (or cervical) and 4,000 die each year from the disease in this country alone. According to the National Epidemiology Center (INE) in 2002 the cervix was the second leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide with 450,000 new diagnoses each year worldwide. And 93% of women who suffer were infected with human papillomavirus (HPV abbreviated in Spanish. If you have a daughter between 13 and 26 years old, is a good candidate to be vaccinated against the virus as recommended the CDC (Centers for Disease Control). Ask the doctor to give you more information about the HPV vaccine and its benefits.
7. I have one and a half trying to conceive without success. What I can do? There are many reasons why the couple can not conceive, and not always because of women. It will be necessary to start a series of fertility tests, both yours and your husband. Maybe it’s just a matter of time, or perhaps some other physical problem. But the best thing is as soon as possible to consult a fertility specialist.
Sure you have other questions, according to your health and your circumstances. It’s a good idea to write down what worries you not to forget or pass you by because of nerves. In addition to these notes should you carry other data: the start date of your last period, as well as information about your medical history and your family.
Remember, your doctor will not bother to ask, instead, will help him to do a better job. So do not worry and ask away!