A Gynaecologist or OB/GYN are those with whom you should be able to discuss the most intimate details about yourself. It definitely could be awkward at first however sharing such information is crucial for your health. A great rapport between you and your Gynaecologist will go a long way in ensuring your overall well-being.

So, if you are having second thoughts about visiting a Gynaecologist, here’s a quick checklist of things you should know/do:

 

Choose the right gynaecologist

Since they are going to be the one to know your personal details, they need to be trusted. Hence, the ideal way to go about with the process is through references. Check with your friends & relatives while you do your background research on the Gynaecologist. Choosing the right one is important because it would be easier to share stuff with someone whom you trust. Besides, you wouldn’t want to repeat those first awkward visits again. Also, choosing a male or female Gynaecologist is totally up to you.

 

You can bring someone along on your visit

The first visit can be made slightly less awkward if you get a company. Now, whether you want them to patiently wait outside or be a part of your check-up is completely your call. For many women, the presence of a support system helps them be more vocal and descriptive about their problems. A good companion helps you ease out into sharing your intimate details.

 

Be honest about everything with your gynaecologist

Inside a Gynaecologist’s clinic, honesty is a healthy policy. You can be nervous but you MUST share all the details about your privates. A good doctor will make you feel comfortable while asking you a lot of questions. It’s their job to address all your problems, be it about vaginal odour, a weird discharge, menstruation or reproductive health. It’s okay to ask questions and there’s absolutely no reason to be embarrassed about them. All information shared with your Gynaecologist is kept private & confidential.

 

There’s no need to wax/shave your pubic hair

You don’t have to be conscious about your privates or bother beautifying them for your visit. The Gynaecologists have seen it all and know how to work their way around them. However, one thing that you must be mindful of is being clean down there. A simple vaginal wipe is all you need to do prior to your visit. Especially if you have any tests due then DO NOT wax or shave since it may cause inflammation.

 

When you’re going to get some tests done

If the reason for your visit is a few tests, here are a few things that will stop you from going into a panic mode. First of all, relax. Try to relax your butt, stomach, and vaginal muscles so you’re more comfortable throughout the procedure.

Now, during some tests, you are likely to feel a little uncomfortable but it must not cause you any pain. If it does, you should immediately inform the doctor.

Unless the problem is about periods, it is advised to not schedule any tests with your Gynaecologist during your menstrual cycle. The blood can make the test results inaccurate while the changing hormones can make you feel uncomfortable.

Also, if you’re going in for a pelvic test, do not have intercourse before the two days to your appointment as it may hamper your accurate results.

 

You don’t need to have a reason to see your gynaecologist

Like we mentioned right at the beginning, a gynaecologist is like your best friend and you don’t need an excuse to meet them. So if you want to discuss the smallest of problems or just want to drop by for a quick chat or consult them for tests, go for it. Be it a conversation about sex, reproductive health or even as small as skin darkening, keep all your inhibitions aside and get them clarified.

Regular menstrual periods tell you that your hormones are in balance — critical when you realize about 80% of the women experience symptoms relating to hormonal imbalance. If not addressed, it can lead to worsening PMS, fatigue and weight gain, as well as increased risk for more serious health issues. In missing early signs of hormonal imbalance, you may also miss the opportunity to find relief.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most important health benefits of your period:

Why your period is important?

Paying attention to menstruation and the regularity of your menstrual cycle helps you know when your hormones are in or out of balance. It also helps you learn more about your bones, thyroid and metabolic health. When you understand your cycle, you can identify your best days for sexual arousal and enjoyment and leverage days of increased energy for exercise and fitness. Your period is a key tool for helping you make informed health decisions and creating emotional wellness.

 

Is a regular period a sign of good health?

If your period runs like clockwork each month — same time and similar flow right around Day 28 of your cycle — it’s a good indicator that your reproductive health and hormonal balance of estrogen-progesterone-testosterone is in good shape. If you are trying to conceive, you are able to better track your fertility cycles when your period is regular.

 

Our period highlights our best “time of the month”

Timing is everything — and this certainly is true with our individual menstrual cycles as we experience fluctuating levels of our main sex hormones, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, as well as “behind the scenes” players FSH, LH, and GnRH.

Each of our cycles is unique, as are its effects on our emotions and energy levels. By being “in-tune” with our individual cycles we can better know what to expect of ourselves on certain days and prioritize how we want to use our energy levels for positive results.

What is menstrual health?

Menstrual health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. Often people directly associate menstrual health to one’s menstrual cycle. While most women and girls experience menstrual cycles, it also can be associated with menstrual health for all individuals who experience a menstrual cycle, regardless of their gender. 

 

What is menstrual hygiene?

Menstrual hygiene is the practice of keeping your body clean during menstruation which can prevent a person from infection in their reproductive and urinary tract. It refers to the proper sanitary steps one must take while they are on their period to ensure their health is never compromised due to lack of hygiene and provides access to the best hygiene-based routine.

 

Why is menstrual health & hygiene important?

Hygiene-related practices of women during menstruation are incredibly important, as they may increase vulnerability to infections that could be dangerous. Poor menstrual hygiene is one of the biggest reasons for the high prevalence of Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs) in India and contributes significantly to female morbidity. This is due to a lack of knowledge regarding menstruation and menstrual hygiene leading to poor attitude and practice.

Though menstruation is a normal physiological process, it is still surrounded with social taboos, supernatural beliefs, misconceptions, and malpractices, which is very challenging for girls in developing countries. Due to these social stigmatic, cultural, and religious restrictions, menstrual practices are regarded as big limitation for menstrual hygiene management. Menstrual hygiene is very important; however it is still a neglected area of concern in many parts of the world. Despite the fact that menstruation is a normal physiological process in females, it is not easy for every adolescent girl to maintain good hygiene. Due to the lack of prior information about menstruation, girls experience different feelings such as fear, embarrassment, and guiltiness during their vaginal bleeding. Adolescent girls particularly in developing countries still lack information about good menstrual hygiene practices.*

Here are 5 easy tips for a menstrual hygiene:

Some common consequences of neglecting menstrual health & hygiene are:

• Irritation of the skin that can swell turns red, and at times becomes sore with blisters.
• The introduction of bacteria into the urethra may cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). It can be fatal as it could damage the kidneys if left untreated.
• Alteration of the pH of vaginal flora. This can lead to a higher possibility of bacterial vaginosis and impacts the body negatively when a woman is trying to conceive.

We have always emphasized the importance of menstrual hygiene in a woman’s life and the potential risks of poor menstrual hygiene, maintaining your menstrual health & hygiene routines are an essential part of any woman’s life. Make sure that your health is never compromised during your vulnerable time of the month.