Visiting a gynecologist regularly is essential, but it is unsurprising why it is not always something most women look up to. A gynecological examination could be uncomfortable, so selecting a physician you trust and are comfortable around is critical. After all, your New York board certified OBGYN is the one with whom you will have to discuss personal issues. If you are not pleased with your current OBGYN, request a different one. Once you get a specialist you are comfortable around, here are some questions you should not hesitate to ask.
- How Can One Conduct a Breast Self-Examination?
Numerous women do not often check their breasts and neighboring tissues for lumps, assuming they will wait till their next well-woman exam. Unfortunately, the recommended frequency for pap smear testing has recently increased from once every year to as little as once every three to five years, according to the woman’s age.
Five years, or even one, is quite long to go without a breast inspection; thus, understanding how to conduct a breast self-examination is critical. A skilled physician will show you how to perform a self-exam, discuss any specific difficulties you may have, including fibrocystic breast lumps), and instruct you on what to look out for.
- Why Is Intercourse Occasionally (Or Always) Uncomfortable?
Numerous factors can contribute to discomfort or pain during intercourse, such as infections, endometriosis, and vaginal wall weakening caused by hormonal changes throughout menopause. Moreover, uncomfortable intercourse could result from inadequate lubrication because of specific drugs or the absence of foreplay. If you experience uncomfortable or painful intercourse, question your gynecologist about what triggers the issue and what solutions are available.
- Why Do You Leak Urine Whenever You Cough, Sneeze, Or Laugh?
Leaking urine whenever you cough, sneeze, or laugh indicates urinary incontinence, a frequent but under-reported condition in women. There are numerous varieties of UI, including stress incontinence, which occurs when you strain.
Another kind of UI is urge incontinence, which manifests as the urge to urinate accompanied by bladder spasms and unexpected urine leaks. Although urinary incontinence is prevalent, it is not normal. Inquire with your physician about UI treatments, like at-home pelvic floor exercises.
- What Is “Normal” Vaginal Discharge?
Milky or clear-looking discharge is perfectly natural and usually causes no concern. It is a normal self-cleansing procedure in your body that helps remove aged cells. Changes in vaginal discharge that do not appear normal, like an abnormally high volume or changes in odor or color, may indicate vaginal infections. If you experience any of these changes, consult your doctor.
- Why Do You Experience Pressure In Your Vaginal And Pelvis?
Feeling pressure or a bulge in your vagina or pelvis may indicate pelvic organ prolapse. Prolapse happens whenever a pelvic organ, like the bladder, moves from its usual position and presses against the vaginal walls.
If you recently gave birth or frequently do strenuous exercises like CrossFit and weightlifting, you could suffer from prolapse without knowing it. Consult your physician immediately if you identify prolapse symptoms. Luckily, mild and moderate prolapse cases do not need surgery and could be rectified with Kegel exercises.
The female body necessitates attentive and skilled care, and women are fortunate to have physicians in the OBGYN practice to help them with whatever they may want in this field. Always arrange a visit at least once every year for a regular checkup. Keep a record of any bladder, breast, bleeding, and intercourse issues, and discuss them during these visits.
