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Visiting The OBGyn (Part 3)

© Nancy Coulter

This is one part of a continuing series of articles about Women and Sex that began on September 8 with the introductory article and has continued with this article and others about topics like birth control, virginity, and women's sexuality.

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There are many responsibilities that come along with making the choice to be sexually active. We've already looked into the world of birth control for women, and there's much more to it than just knowing how to use those devices. Many of those devices (like the diaphragm or oral contraceptives) can only be used if you see an OBGyn and get a specific perscription for birth control.

For many women, visiting the OBGyn is not something that they look forward to. However, it needs to be done on a regular basis as part of a woman's normal health care. Most health care experts agree that if you are sexually active, or over the age of 18, you should have an annual gynecological exam. This exam is vital for women to keep a healthy lifestyle and important for the prevention of deadly diseases like breast cancer or cervical cancer.

If you are nervous about visiting the OBGyn, first keep in mind that you aren't alone. The yearly gynecological exam isn't something that most women look forward to. It can be uncomfortable, both physically and emotionally. Always remember that your good health is worth a few minutes of being uncomfortable. Here are a few tips to make your OBGyn visit better than you expected.

• Research your doctor. Before chosing your OBGyn, take the time to find someone you will be comfortable with. For many women, this means deciding if you would rather see a male or female doctor. Also, HMO's now offer brief biological sketches about their doctors. If your HMO offers that service, then it's another way to find out about your OBGyn ahead of time. All of this knowledge can help you feel more comfortable when you first see your OBGyn.
• Ask questions! If your doctor is doing something that you don't understand, don't be afraid to ask questions. Ignorance does not mean bliss in this situation. If something feels funny, tell your doctor and ask why you would feel that way. It could be nothing, or it could be something very important in your diagnosis.
• Keep track of your menstrual cycle! Your doctor will most likely tell you this when you make your appointment, but you shouldn't visit the OBGyn while you are having your period. This is because a Pap smear is best obtained when you're not menstruating. Also, you shouldn't use vaginal creams or douche 72 hours before the exam.

The copyright of the article Visiting The OBGyn (Part 3) in Women's Issues is owned by Nancy Coulter. Permission to republish Visiting The OBGyn (Part 3) in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.