5 Things Every Woman Should Tell Her Gynecologist

From the easy-to-forget details to the hard-to-talk-about problems, your doctor needs to know it all

Nobody really likes to own up that they have multiple sexual partners or that the unprotected sex left them with an itch. But seriously, when you see a gyno, it’s time to speak up (Photo: iStock)

Going to see the gynecologist for a regular check-up is the most awkward thing there is. And the only thing worse than saddling up into those stirrups is the small-talk that happens during these encounters. And while it maybe really tempting to lie to your gyno,(or lie by omission), remember that your doctor has heard it and seen it all. Plus there are some things, even though, embarrassing, could be really vital when it comes to taking care of your sexual and reproductive health. And let’s admit it, your feet are up in the air, your private parts are exposed, how much more awkward can it get?

Here, 5 things you should definitely tell your gynecologist, even if you’d barely consider telling your best friend:

1. Pain During Sex

One of life’s greatest pleasures shouldn’t be painful. Pain during sex can be felt as deep pelvic pain or soreness in your genital area (Photo: iStock)

You have an active sex life and it still pains during sex? Anatomical quirks are difficult to talk about but don’t merely pin the pain to being too tight down there.

Intercourse pain is mostly due to vaginal dryness, or a condition like vulvodinia, or vaginismus; all these are fairly common problems and are easily treated by medication and pelvic floor exercises. Sometimes all you need is a medicated lube. Yes, that’s why you need to discuss.

2. Your Period Is Wonky Lately

With pelvic pain and skipped periods, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Your body could be trying to tell you something (Photo: iStock)

You’re sure you’re not preggers, but sudden changes in your period are bothering you. If your period situation reminds you of the red wedding scene in Game of Thrones, or it’s unusually light, it could be a sign of disease, like hypo/hyperthyroid, fibroids or endometriosis.

But it’s important to know what’s normal for you before getting all worked up. If you have had heavy periods for 15 years, you don’t have to call the doctor about it now. But if you’re soaking through a sanitary pad every hour for two to three hours, or your bleeding has lasted longer than a week, your gynecologist needs to know.

Very sharp pelvic pain may be a warning sign that you have an infection or a ruptured cyst. More constant pain or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen are suggestive of fibroids, which are non-cancerous tumors.

But don’t freak out, already. Sometimes, a light flow one month means a tsunami the next, but your doctor needs to be sure you’re not losing much blood- or it might lead to anemia.

3. Pink Discharge Or a Speck of Blood After Sex

Changes in discharge as well as itching and burning around your vagina could indicate some type of vaginitis (Photo: iStock)

If it’s just once after rough sex, then you probably don’t need to run to your doctor. But if it’s more than once, you should let your gyno know. Bleeding after sex can signify anything from an infection or dryness problem to a pre-cancerous cervical issue. It’s better to be safe than embarrassed.

4. If You Drink Smoke or Do Drugs

Your gyno is treating the whole person. They aren’t judging you but it is essential to know. (Photo: iStock)

Smoking is one of the main factors that affect whether HPV (Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted virus) will progress to a form of cancer or not. And smoking is also associated with high risks for blood clots, heart attacks and strokes for women taking hormonal contraception, especially above the age of 35.

The World Health Organization has estimated that women who smoke cigarettes while taking the pill are 20 times more likely to develop heart disease than non-smokers.

5. Your V Smells Funny!

Minor changes around your period are okay, but if you smell something super-off, see your doc (Photo: iStock)

Please Note: There’s no such thing as a “perfect”-smelling vagina. Pineapple…sweetness…blah, blah, shut up!

Certain foods can affect the odor down there (asparagus, broccoli and garlic, in particular make you smell acidic), but that should disappear in a day or so. However, if you notice an unusual odor for an extended period of time, it could be a sign of an infection.

Remember there are 40 different types of sexually transmitted infections and if you clear the annual “pap smear” test, it does not mean you can’t have another infection. There is no single test to catch-it-all, and your gynecologist needs to examine if you need a blood or a urine test for further analysis. A yeast or a bacterial infection gets cleared with regular antibiotics. And sometimes, all you need is 8 - 10 glasses of water and practice better hygiene, but let your doctor be the judge.