Things You Should Let Your Patients Know as a Gynecologist
As a gynecologist, you are responsible for providing medical guidance to women through several life-changing events.
However, since you specialize in female reproductive health and there is a bit of shame associated with it, chances are that some or most of your patients feel anxious as soon as they walk into your office.
Of course, you don’t want that as your goal is to help your patients be in the best reproductive health.
Here are some things you need to let them know so that the next time they book an appointment, they will not be under duress.
1. They can Start Early
Most parents don’t know when the best time is for them to start taking their daughters for gynecological visits.
Some will think it is too early but as it turns out, girls should have their first visit as soon as they get into their teenage years.
Of course, it may not be necessary for a teenage girl to be examined when they get to your practice, but it is advisable to introduce them to their body and what it can do.
This works to reduce or even do away with any fears they may have had as well as take the weight off their guardians regarding explaining changes in their body.
This also sets a good foundation so that as the girls grow up, they make gynecology visits a part of their healthcare.
2. They Don’t Have to Groom Before Visits
You know that you do not care about your patients’ grooming tendencies but they don’t. Most of them will spend days trying to decide what to do before visiting your practice which is quite unnecessary.
Most women are often concerned about sweat, discharge, and unpleasant smells which should not be the case.
They can take a bath the night before a visit and wear a panty liner to keep them fresh before an appointment.
No need for going overboard with grooming.
3. Hygiene Should be Kept Basic
A good number of women are misinformed when it comes to the hygiene of their reproductive organs.
The thing is that they do not need to introduce foreign substances or use many products to stay clean.
The vagina is a self-cleaning organ in the first place and introducing foreign substances can change its PH which can then lead to a myriad of problems.
Using just water with mild soap is enough to keep the area clean and avoid infections, rashes, and irritations.
4. Bumps Should be Addressed
It is common to notice bumps in your nether regions and they could be caused by anything from excessive heat to ingrown hairs.
However, a bump in that area could also mean a more serious problem. This is why it is important to visit a gynecologist if you notice any bumps.
5. There is Normal and Abnormal Discharge
We already mentioned that the vagina is a self-cleansing organ. That means that there will be discharged as a result of the cleansing process.
What most women don’t know is that there is normal and abnormal discharge. Normal discharge should be clear or cloudy and not excessive.
If a woman is experiencing anything other than that, they should visit their gynecologist.
6. Your Office is a Safe Space
Women will feel vulnerable when it comes to discussing their reproductive health. However, it is your job as their physician to make them feel comfortable and safe in your presence so that they can open up without feeling judged.
You are there to accord them the best possible care so whether they are talking about multiple sexual partners or risky behavior that could affect their sexual health negatively, the best you can do is listen and give sound judgment.
7. They can Talk to you About Other Health Issues
Granted, patients will come to you with reproductive health concerns but since you develop trust and create a bond with them, it is perfectly fine if they let you know about any other health concerns they may have.
That, way you will be able to steer them in the right direction or even recommend a specialist to help with whatever they may be dealing with.
Final Thoughts
As a reproductive health specialist, it may be hard to treat patients who are afraid of opening up or ashamed of the conditions they are suffering from.
By letting your patients know all the things discussed above, you should have an easier time with them.
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