12 Things Your Ob/Gyn Wants You to Know

Doctor William C Lloyd Healthgrades Medical Reviewer
Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Written By Healthgrades Editorial Staff on July 21, 2021
  • doctor-comforting-patient
    From the Experts
    Obstetricians and gynecologists care for women throughout every stage of their lives—from adolescence and childbearing years through menopause. And no matter what your issue or concern, they’ve probably dealt with it before. Ever wonder what your Ob/Gyn is thinking when you come into the office? Read on for some straight talk from the docs themselves.
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    1. "Please focus on good hygiene.”
    Taking a shower right before your appointment isn’t necessary, but do try to bathe that day. You might think about using a panty liner and changing it frequently if your appointment is later in the day. And don’t forget to change your socks. Stinky feet aren’t fun.
  • American doctor talking to woman in surgery
    2. “It’s OK to talk about other health issues.”
    Ob/Gyns know that many women use them as a primary care physician, and most of them don’t mind. “We see our job as treating the whole woman,” says Ob/Gyn Jessica Shepherd, MD. If you have health concerns, speak up. We’ll send you to a specialist if you need one.”
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    3. “Excess weight could affect your reproductive health.”
    “We know it’s difficult to lose weight. But doing so can reduce your risk for fertility problems, childbirth complications, urinary incontinence, and a host of other health issues,” says Ob/Gyn Kimberly Napolitano, MD.
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    4. “Take your birth control correctly.”
    For birth control to be effective, you must understand and follow the prescription directions  exactly. Dr. Napolitano adds, “If we prescribe birth control or any other medication, consult with us before you stop taking it. If there’s something about it that you don’t like, there’s probably a simple solution.”
  • Worried Woman Waiting
    5. “Don’t wait to get symptoms checked out.”
    When you first experience symptoms that could signal a sexually transmitted infection or other problem, take the time to make an appointment. “Don’t call your doctor about vaginal itching or discharge right before a big date or the night you meet someone at a party,” says Ob/Gyn Michael Woods. “Deal with it during regular office hours.”
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    6. “You’re not the only one who’s lost something ‘down there’.”
    Whatever you’ve lost—chances are, your doctor has seen something stranger. Just come in and let him or her help. You want to take care of the problem rather than risk your health and safety. Try not to be embarrassed.
  • Woman Smiling in Prep Gown
    7. “We may not be testing you for STDs.”
    Just because you have a Pap test doesn’t mean you’re also being tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). “STD screenings aren’t always performed at the same time as a Pap test, especially in women older than age 30 or in monogamous relationships,” says Dr. Shepherd. “Ask your doctor if you’re being screened, and for which diseases.”
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    8. “Don’t wait too long to get pregnant.”
    If you’re waiting to have a child, understand that conceiving won’t get any easier with time. “Our society tells us that everything must be perfect before having a baby. But that pressure can be a real disservice,” explains Dr. Napolitano. “Fertility problems and pregnancy complications greatly increase with age. Understand the facts when planning your family."
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    9. “See your doctor before trying.”
    If you do decide to try to get pregnant, see your doctor a few months in advance. “There are many ways we can help you prepare for a healthy pregnancy—from ensuring other medical conditions are being managed to changing medications that may not be safe for the fetus,” says Dr. Woods.
  • Close-up of woman's feet on bathmat on bathroom floor
    10. “We can stop problems with leaking urine.”
    Ob/Gyns treat bladder issues every day. “Many women of all ages have urine problems,” says Dr. Woods. “But it’s not a natural part of aging, and you don’t need to live with it. There are lots of treatment options that can help.”
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    11. “When it comes to surgery, you have options.”
    If you need a hysterectomy, your doctor most likely can perform it with minimally invasive techniques. This dramatically reduces recovery time and results in less discomfort. “Minimally invasive surgery still isn’t offered for women’s issues as often as it should be,” explains Dr. Shepherd. “If your doctor doesn’t provide that option, consider a surgeon who does.”
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    12. “Intimacy doesn’t end at menopause.”
    Some symptoms of menopause can get in the way of sexual relations. These include vaginal dryness and low sex drive. Tell your doctor if sex isn’t enjoyable. He or she can provide options to help you preserve the romance and intimacy in your relationship.
12 Things Your Ob/Gyn Wants You to Know
Contributors
  • Dr. Shepherd is with a well-established practice in Dallas, lecturing around the world on women's health issues including sexual intimacy and dysfunction.
  • Dr. Wood is an obstetrician/gynecologist with Shenandoah Medical Center in Shenandoah, Iowa.
  • Dr. Napolitano is an obstetrician/gynecologist with DuPage Medical Group in La Grange, Ill.
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Last Review Date: 2021 Jul 21
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.