Help Im Reading This In The Waiting Room
Breathe, baby!
Theres no reason to sweat the fact that youre bleeding will N-O-T interfere with any of the common reasons someone is at the gynecologist.
Including:
- breast exam
- maternal healthcare
You arent the first bleeding person to step foot into a gynecologists office, nor will you be the last.
Your gynecologist wont be frustrated, grossed out, upset, or whatever other emotion youre worried about confronting.
Q: Doctors Used To Tell Women To Reschedule The Appointment Whats Changed
A. Gynecologists often told women to reschedule their pelvic exams because of the way Pap tests work. Before now, the presence of blood could make it harder to interpret Pap results. But technology has improved so much that its rarely a concern anymore. Because of the sophisticated tests we have, I rarely recommend someone skips this lifesaving appointment.
You Sometimes Miss A Few Birth Control Pills
If youre taking birth control pills, chances are good that your doc will ask about how consistent you are about taking them. Be honest! Everyone always worries about this, but its totally normal to forget to take a pill once in a while, says Dr. Dweck.
The point in telling your doctor you’re having issues with your pills isn’t so they can reprimand you, but so they can help you determine if it’s really the best method for you. For example, if you’re forgetting to take the progestin-only birth control pill within the same three-hour window every day, you’re really messing with its level of protection. Talking that over with your doctor can help you decide if another type of contraception will be easier to incorporate into your life. Remember, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Gynecologists truly have seen all of this before!
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At What Age Can I See A Gynecologist
A gynecologist can treat a girl or a woman at any age. ACOG recommend starting to visit a gynecologist from the age of 13 to 15 years.
Building up a relationship with the doctor enables a girl or woman to be more comfortable asking questions about menstruation, sexuality and so on, and provides a point of contact if symptoms occur in future.
It also gives the doctor a chance to guide a womans overall welfare in the long term, through counseling on important health and lifestyle issues.
Put A Condom On Your Toys Or Keep Toy Cleansing Wipes Or Spray Nearby
Bringing your buzzy buddy into bed? Cover it with a condom or finger condom if its a small toy like a bullet vibrator for easy-peasy cleanup.
Or, keep a toy cleaner like the Babeland Toy Cleaner and a box of tissues on hand.
There is something really powerful and intimate about embracing the mess of period sex, says Luna. Ready to embrace the bodily fluid?
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If Youre With A Partner
Having your period doesnt protect you from transmitting or contracting an STI. In fact, according to Ross, theres a slightly higher risk for both.
STIs like HIV and hepatitis are transmitted through blood, so contact with the menstrual blood of someone who has one of these viruses may transmit the STI.
Further, your vagina is less acidic during your period than it is when you arent on your period. This makes it easier for infectious microbes to survive and thrive in your reproductive tract.
You and your partners move: Make sure you both know your current STI status, share that information, then use protection as necessary.
Your Pms Is Out Of Control
While some women experience more intense cramping, others have extreme PMS symptoms.
If your emotions before or during your period seem more heavily impacted than others you know, you might have premenstrual dysmorphic disorder .
PMDD can negatively impact your life as symptoms can include increased conflict with others, depression, anxiety, and fatigue.
A gynecologist can discern if youre suffering from PMDD and give you the help you need.
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Being Nervous Is Normalbut You Dont Need To Be
According to Dr. Pizarro, its all going to be okay. It is normal to be nervous about going to the doctor, especially to address an issue as private and personal as reproductive health. Patients should not let this overwhelm them. There will be a female chaperone if a pelvic exam is needed, even if the clinician is a woman. He continues, Pelvic examination can cause patients to experience pressure, but it should not cause pain. You are in control of your health care, so if at any time during a visit to a doctor you are not comfortable, you should ask for the encounter to end.
What To Expect At The First Obgyn Appointment
Your teens first appointment wont be like an adults gynecology exam. In fact, most gynecologists wont conduct a pelvic exam or Pap smear for teens who arent sexually active.
Usually, the first few appointments are more for creating a baseline with our patients, says Dr. Young. We want to create an open line of communication, so theyre comfortable speaking freely if there ever is cause for concern.
Conversations like these also can go a long way in debunking schoolyard myths about sexual activity.
During the appointment, the gynecologist will check your teens vitals and open the conversation for questions before conducting a quick external genital exam.
They may ask you to be in the exam room at the beginning of the appointment to provide support, but may ask you to leave when its time for exams or more personal questions.
Finally, your daughters gynecologist will likely speak to her about maintaining a healthy weight, as teens are at the greatest risk for developing eating disorders or unhealthy relationships with food.
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Is It Normal For Your Boobs To Feel Really Sore When You Are On Your Period Mine Always Get Really Sore When Im On It And Im Not Sure If This Is Normal Or Notdoglover23
“It’s very common to have fibrocystic breast changes. One thing that contributes to this is caffeine. Try and decaffeinate yourself a bit and it will probably help. One thing I recommend to my patients is this: vitamin B6 , vitamin E , and evening primrose oil per day. 6070% of my patients feel better when taking this.”
What Happens At A Gynecology Appointment
So, is it ok to go to the gynecologist while on your period? We understand these feelings and concerns. This uneasiness may cause some women to consider rescheduling or even canceling their appointment. Our doctors would rather you keep your appointment, however, and we will explain why.
It is common and completely normal to feel nervous about your visit, especially when the date coincides with your period. Remember, though, that we will still be able to perform most, if not all, of the same tests and procedures that we would normally perform if you were not actively having your period. Also, realize that our doctors often see patients while they are having vaginal bleeding. But you may still be wondering, Is it ok to go to the gynecologist while on your period?
We hope that after you learn the details of what happens at a gynecology appointment, you will feel more comfortable. And we hope this answers the question, Can I go to the gynecologist on my period? Whether this is your very first visit to a gynecologist, or you have made it a priority to keep your annual exam at your gynecologist for many years, it helps to be reminded of what to expect at your visit.
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Urinary Or Fecal Leakage
Experiencing urinary or fecal incontinence can be very stressful and take a toll on your quality of life. Many women will experience these symptoms after childbirth, particularly if they had a large baby or a vaginal delivery requiring forceps or a vacuum. When women enter menopause, these symptoms may worsen. Lawson says: “Depending on the nature of the incontinence, there may be medical or surgical management options available. By talking with your gynecologist, she or he can determine the proper treatment protocols and refer you to a pelvic floor disorder specialist if necessary.”
Heres What You Need To Know About Booking Your Daughters First Obgyn Appointment
If you have a teenage daughter, you both probably have questions about the changes her bodys going through. Maybe shes had her first menstrual period. And she might have questions about sex, too.
While its recommended that women start seeing a gynecologist at age 21 for routine Pap smears and pelvic exams, issues like irregular periods can pop up long before then.
Its important to not put off a gynecology appointment as a girl matures, says Dr. James Young, obstetrician-gynecologist at Geisinger. Were here to make sure she stays healthy as she grows older.
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You Want Different Birth Control
Different types of birth control work for different people. This can be due to general preference, such as preferring to take a pill every day versus only thinking about it every 5-10 years in exchange for having an IUD implant.
Another reason to try something new is if youre experiencing changes in your body or mood. Some birth controls are hormone-based and might not be right for everyone.
Certain birth controls also risk making your period heavier or stopping it altogether.
Talking to a gynecologist can help you decide on which birth control method is right for you.
There are plenty of options between patches, implants, shots, pills, NuvaRings, and IUDs. Each type has its own variants as well.
To Go With The Flow Or Not To Go With The Flow
That is the question your health practitioner must answer. Your annual exam may be scheduled months in advance but as the date looms near, so can your period.
Most doctors agree that the best time to undergo an exam is mid-cycle, a week or two after your period. Your breasts aren’t as swollen then, making exams and mammograms a little easier for your providers .
Moreover, the absence of blood makes it easier for a Pap smear to detect the possibilities of cancer, precancerous cells, infections or sexually transmitted diseases. If you’re seeing a doctor because of a vaginal discharge problem, the presence of blood can also interfere with tests.
On the other hand, if your problem is irregular or heavy bleeding, your doctor may prefer to see you while you’re on your period.
When it’s time for your appointment and that time of the month hits, call your doctor’s office to determine the best course of action.
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Why Exactly Do My Poop Habits Change Around And During My Periodcaitlinef
“I have a scientific answer for that. The uterus makes something called prostaglandins during the period. They are chemicals that are responsible for our menstrual cramps. They squeeze smooth muscles of uterus and intestines, which contracts muscles and changes your bowel habits. Some women are more sensitive to the prostaglandins they make. It also can cause nausea. Some people have sort of a trifecta: diarrhea, nausea, and cramps. The things that can help with prostaglandins are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are NSAIDs which block the making of more prostaglandins. If you’re getting a lot of cramps, use NSAIDs. The key thing about managing cramps is taking it early. Also, women who take birth control pills make less prostaglandins. When you ovulate, you make more prostaglandins.”
With All The Various And Seemingly Conflicting Recommendations Out There Its No Wonder Theres Confusion Over How Often You Should See Your Gynecologist
You go to your dentist twice a year, your general practitioner annually, make it to your dermatologist for your yearly skin checkup and you were equally diligent about making it to your gynecologist. But now, various new recommendations have left you confused about whether an annual appointment is a necessity or not. And, the truth is, theres not one right answer for all women.
First things first you should see your gynecologist regularly, if:
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Something Doesnt Smell Right
A healthy and properly functioning vagina will release a small amount of discharge on occasion. You may have noticed this on your underwear or at any other time, and its completely normal.
This bit of discharge, however, is usually odorless.
If you notice a significant change in quantity, color, or a foul smell, its probably time to schedule an appointment with your gyno.
These changes can be signs of an STI or yeast infection.
Lately I Have Been Getting Migraine Headaches At The Beginning Of Each Cycle They Knock Me Out Worse Than Cramps Do Is This Just A Part Of Getting Older Or Is This Not Normalemmag48a366955
“It’s not uncommon. Some women notice it when they get older. There are several different kinds of migraines. Some are hormonally related and some aren’t. Peri-menstrual migraines happen when there is a drop in your estrogen level. When you start your period, your estrogen level is low, and that drop can trigger migraine headaches. I treat patients with a little bit of estrogen. Also, women sometimes get migraines when they go off the pill.”
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Lets get one thing straight: Menstrual blood does not make your ob-gyn queasy, so if you calculated your dates wrong and wound up with your period on check-in day, dont reschedule. Births, particularly C-sections, are quite bloody, so I can assure you that you having your period while Im examining you is not a problem in the slightest, says Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., a clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at Yale University. Just be sure to call your doctors office ahead of time if youre due for a Pap smearsome offices use an updated test that can separate menstrual blood from cervical cells, but others dont, so youll need to know your offices capabilities.
Brush up on these vagina do’s and don’ts before your next visit to the doctor:
It’s Harder For Male Gynecologists To Find Jobs
Men may have the upper hand in certain fields, but that’s not the case when it comes to being an OB-GYN. In addition to many patients feeling uncomfortable with receiving care from a male doctor, it can often be harder to land a placement as a man.
“How long did it take me to find a job? It took me much longer than my female colleagues, that’s certain,” says one male OB-GYN.
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