There are plenty of topics to discuss with your doctor, whether you’re sexually active, married, or none of the above, and we’re here to help you organize your thoughts and concerns before your first visit.
There’s an assumption in our societies that a woman's first visit to a gynecologist should only be after marriage. Arab women are also reluctant to get medical help due to fear of judgment or concerns over whether or not the gynecologist may perform an intrusive examination.
But there is no shame in seeing a doctor, and you’re never too young to start. We should be curious about our bodies and attentive to signs that could tell us that something might be wrong. There are plenty of topics to discuss with your doctor, whether you’re sexually active, married, or none of the above, and we’re here to help you organize your thoughts and concerns before your first visit to a gynecologist.
1. Ask questions about your period.
Your cycle is as important a health indicator as your body temperature or heart rate. A great place to start discussing your health during your first visit to a gynecologist is to start asking questions about your period, whether they’re about the flow, frequency, or color of your period blood.
It’s especially important that you talk to your gyno if you’ve been experiencing intense, debilitating pain or strong PMS symptoms.
2. Get a check-up and ask questions about your breasts’ health.
It’s never too early to learn about breast cancer and how to conduct a self-examination. Your gyno is the right person to explain how it works and what you should look for.
3. Get more information about HPV and cervical cancer.
If you’ve never taken the HPV vaccine, ask your gyno about it. If you’re not sexually active yet, and in some cases even if you are, you may be eligible for it.
Your gyno will also be able to explain the link between HPV and cervical cancer, potential side effects, what to expect from pap smears, and so on.
4. Ask your gyno to share tips for a healthy vulva.
You’ve probably noticed how discharge can differ throughout the month. Ask your gyno to explain the meanings of the different discharge colors, signs to look for, and how to care for your vulva and vagina.
5. Get pre-marriage advice.
If you’re getting married soon, you’ll have plenty to talk about. If you’re not sexually active yet, your gyno will be able to answer many of your questions around first-time sex. If you’re planning to start a family (or not), ask about family planning, fertility, and the different kinds of contraceptives.
6. Compare between the different contraception and protection methods.
If you’re sexually active, it’s crucial that you’re well-informed about your contraception and protection options. Your doctor can explain each one of them to you in detail, and give you more information about the advantages and disadvantages of each one.
7. Ask questions about mental health.
Your mental and physical health are inextricably linked. If you’ve been struggling with mood swings, depression, or anxiety, bring that up during your visit.
A final note
Regular gynecological visits, just like your annual doctor’s checkup, are crucial for your health. Now that you’re better equipped for your first visit, start looking for a doctor you feel comfortable with and work on building a long-lasting relationship.
