Things you should know before visiting your OBGYN?

Let us first understand, what is OBGYN?

An OBGYN or obstetrician-gynecologist is a physician who provides expert medical and surgical care to women and has particular expertise in pregnancy, childbirth, and disorders of the reproductive system. The female body experiences several biological changes, including, menstruation, childbirth and menopause.

What is obstetrics?

Obstetrics or obstetrician is the branch of health science related to medical and surgical care before, during, and after a woman gives birth. Obstetrics focuses on caring and maintaining a woman’s overall health during maternity. This includes: pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

What is gynecology?

Gynecology or gynecologist is the branch of health science that focuses on women’s body and their reproductive organ. It includes the diagnosing, treatment, and care of women’s genital system. This includes the: vagina, uterus, ovaries, and Fallopian tubes

An OBGYNs will provide care for all of this and more. Since an OBGYN deals with such personal and sensitive health issues, the thought of seeing one, especially for the first time may sound troublesome for some women. One may get uneasy or embarrassed at having a doctor seeing the most private parts of your body, or discuss about the most intimate issues.
Some OB-GYNs offer an extensive range of general health services similar to your general physician. While some focus on the medical care of the female reproductive system.

Read on to find out what you need to know before seeing an OBGYN.

·         Make sure you are comfortable and openly discuss the topic with your doctor.
Being nervous is normal, but ensure that you are comfortable with your doctor while asking or discussing anything.

·         You can ask about anything, sex, periods or whatever you want to know about your reproductive health.

·         Before you go for your first visit to the gynecologist, you should know as much as you can about the medical history of other females in your family.

·         You don’t need to wax or shave before your appointment, simply be clean using vaginal hygiene.

·         Be prepared for all the answer all the question rightly and truthfully, without any discomfort

·         Its ok, to reschedule your appointment if you have your periods.

·         Try avoiding sex within 24 hours of your appointment. Sexual activity could irritate the tissue of the vagina and affect your Pap test results.

·         After listening you, your OBGYN will probably ask you some general questions about your personal and family health history

·         The appointment will usually start with a general health checkup. The nurse will weight you and take your blood pressure.

·         By the end of the session, if you have any doubts ask.

Why is it important to visit your OBGYN regularly?

Regular OBGYN visits serve three main purposes:

Information - You can get exact information and confidential replies to any queries you may have concerning sex, sexuality, your changing body, and menstruation.

Prevention - You can learn effective ways to prevent unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, and tips to lead healthy lifestyles.

Treatment - For irregular or missed periods, pain, or other reproductive problems, after examination your doctor will offer you with appropriate treatment.

Things You Should Know Before Visiting Your OBGYN by Health Care on Scribd