To make the visit more pleasant for you, you should avoid this when visiting a gynecologist 
âŠ.See below in the comments
Most women will likely visit a gynecologist from time to time to ensure their health is in check and to help prevent any potential health issues.
And while we women know just how important this appointment is, we still tend to put it off. For most of us, itâs uncomfortable to undress in front of someone in that setting.
To make your visit a little more pleasant, here are some things you should avoid when going to the gynecologistâŠ
1. Donât panic
Do you feel nervous about your gynecologist visit because the thought of exposing yourself to your doctor feels totally uncomfortable? Youâre definitely not aloneâmany women feel the same way. Honestly, there are few things more awkward than sitting in a gynecological exam chair, legs spread wide, while someone examines you. But hereâs the thing: these exams are crucial because theyâre the best way to detect and treat sexually transmitted diseases or cancers like breast and cervical cancer at an early stage.
Thatâs why you need to push past your fear. Remember, your doctor sees plenty of naked women every dayâitâs just part of their job. They arenât focusing on things like toned thighs, painted toenails, or whether or not youâve shaved. Theyâre focused on your health. And thatâs something you can remind yourself of the moment you start feeling self-conscious. Your doctor isnât worried about how you look â theyâre just there to make sure youâre healthy.
2. Showing up without showering?
Even though your doctor doesnât care if you shave or have hair down there, they obviously donât want to examine someone who hasnât taken care of themselves.
Not only will this make your doctorâs job easier, but it will also make you feel better. So, put on fresh underwear that makes you feel comfortable. Itâs all about ensuring you feel good during the appointment.
However, many gynecologists donât recommend douching at all, as it can disrupt the natural balance of vaginal flora and its acidity. Instead, it is advised to rinse or wash the vagina with just warm water before a pelvic exam. Additionally, itâs best to avoid using any vaginal creams or foams for 48 hours prior to the exam.
3. Hiding symptoms
Have you been feeling like somethingâs off down there for a while? Maybe youâve been experiencing constant itching but donât want to bring it up because it feels too uncomfortable? In this case, you need to step out of your comfort zone because your doctor can only help you if youâre honest with them.
Thereâs no point in hiding symptoms. If something feels wrong, talk to your doctor about it. Theyâre there to help, not judge.
4. Avoid sex
Some experts suggests refraining from sex for up to 24 hours before a gynecological appointment. Sex can sometimes cause skin irritation, which could interfere with the ability to accurately diagnose certain conditions.
While condoms can protect against infections, some types contain spermicide, which may affect the vaginal pH levels. Additionally, itâs best to avoid using personal lubricants before the appointment, as this helps ensure the accuracy of cervical screening tests.
4. Donât Google
Youâve already spent hours online, searching for answers to your symptoms, and now youâre ready to launch into a long explanation to your doctor about everything youâve read and all the diseases you think you might have.
But hereâs the thing: your doctor is the expert, not Google. While itâs natural to want to understand whatâs going on with your body, your doctor is trained to make the diagnoses. He doesnât need you to walk him through your findings from the internet. Trust him to do his job. Let him guide the conversation and tell you what he thinks is going on. After all, thatâs what heâs there for.
5. Having questions but not asking them
Itâs natural to have questions, but holding them back can leave you feeling unsure. Donât be afraid to ask your gynecologist anything thatâs on your mind.
Do you have a lot of questions about your body, birth control, or future pregnancy, but feel too embarrassed to ask? Thereâs no need to worry! Your doctor is the perfect person to talk to about these things. Be brave and discuss what matters to you. Remember, every doctor is bound by confidentiality, so you donât have to worry about them sharing your questions or concerns with anyone else.
6. The chair
Do you find the sight of the gynecological chair a bit intimidating? At first glance, especially during your very first visit, it can seem pretty daunting. But hey, itâs just a chair, so donât let it scare you. When youâre positioned correctly, it allows your abdomen to be examined thoroughly. Thatâs why itâs important to stay relaxed and not tense up.
The exam shouldnât hurt, so thereâs no need to be anxious. However, your doctor will let you know if youâre too tense or not sitting properly.
Here are a few tips to help you stay comfortable during the examâŠ
7. Slide forward
Gynecologists often have to remind patients several times to move further forward in the chair.
To make things easier for your doctor, make sure youâre sitting far enough forward so they can perform the examination properly. Simply shift your hips toward the doctor and slide forward a little. This will ensure a smoother and more effective exam.
8. First-time gynecologist visit
For a young woman who has never been to a gynecologist, scheduling an appointment could be a good idea â but that doesnât mean you have to undergo a gynecological exam right away.
You could simply have an initial consultation with the gynecologist instead. Itâs not assumed that an exam would take place during the first visit, so itâs important for younger women to understand this. Additionally, itâs recommended to bring a partner or a friend for support during the first appointment.
9. Write down your questions
For women who have been to the gynecologist before, thereâs a helpful tip that some gynecologists recommend: prepare by writing down the questions you want answered, so you donât forget to ask them due to stress.
Also, donât choose your gynecologist based on their gender, unless you have specific reasons for doing so.
10. Remove your tampon
Itâs important to remember to always remove your tampon after use.
âOne rare situation that can happen is when someone forgets a tampon for several days. This can cause bacteria to grow, leading to a strong, unpleasant odor. But itâs not the bodyâs fault â itâs the tampon. Once you remove it, the issue is easily resolved. A forgotten tampon can smell pretty bad, but itâs a simple problem to fix. I donât think itâs anything to be ashamed of either,â one gynecologist shares.
Do you dread going to the gynecologist? What are your biggest fears?
Are you worried about having to undress, or maybe concerned about the possibility of discovering a health issue?
Do you still go for regular checkups despite your fears? If youâd like, share your thoughts with us in the comments on Facebook!
