As gynecologists, we know that there are certain questions that women really feel awkward asking us.
Even if you’re the most confident person in the world, intimate matters are hard to address. Because of this, we’ve noticed that our patients tend to blurt out the question they wanted to ask most at the end of a visit.
While your hesitation is understandable, you should know that as gynecologists, we’ve pretty much seen it all when it comes to women’s health! Your doctor is there to help you. And he/she is not going to be grossed out, surprised, or judgmental — whatever your issue. Your doctor’s office is a safe place where you should feel encouraged to have honest conversations about your health.
Here are 3 of the most popular “out-the-door” questions that we hear in our practice. So, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor about them!
1. Are my labia normal?
More than a few women have this question, and the answer is almost always, yes. Just as we all look different, so do our vaginas. Varied size, shape and color of labia are all common, as are uneven colors and textures. The best way to ensure optimal health is to become familiar with yourself. Use a hand mirror to observe how your vagina looks. This way, you’ll be able to notice any changes or irregularities that should be brought to your doctor’s attention.
2. What is that bump?
If you notice an unfamiliar bump on your vagina, don’t panic. Women can develop a variety of bumps on their labia and vagina, but most bumps aren’t serious. Some common types of bumps are skin tags, small cysts, or instances of folliculitis — minor skin infections near hair follicles. That said, you should always ask your doctor to take a look at anything new as some STDs, like genital warts or herpes, may also present as small bumps.
3. Is it a yeast infection…or something worse?
Women sometimes confuse the symptoms of a yeast infection with those of an STD, especially if they’ve recently had unprotected sex. While a yeast infection can easily be treated with an over-the-counter option(s), STDs can call for more aggressive treatment and can pose long-term health hazards if left untreated. If you think you could have been exposed to an STD or are experiencing abnormal symptoms, be open and honest with your doctor so you can get to the bottom of the problem.
Additionally, we always recommend that women and their partners should both be tested for STDs before having sex for the first time.
These are just a few of the many questions we find our patients have trouble addressing with us. If you have questions or concerns that aren’t addressed above, we encourage you to talk to your doctor—that’s what she’s there for! You’re also welcome to email us and your question may be answered on our blog!
