5 important things to tell your gynecologist

Many times when you visit your gynecologist there may be some issues that you may be uneasy to talk about. Please feel free to express any concerns. If you don't feel comfortable to talk yo your gynecologist, then that gynecologist probably is not the right one for you! A good gynecologist always tries to reach out to the patient and make her feel comfortable. At times it may the age difference, if she/he is separated from your age by several generations, you might not feel comfortable with that doctor. Some patients feel more comfortable with a male and some more comfortable with a female gynecologist. So choosing your gynecologist is very important.

Here are some important (some are potentially life saving things) to tell your doctor:

1) If you have been sexually molested.
a)A history of sexual molestation puts you at risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) some of which can affect future fertility (eg Chlamydia), or can even be life threatening (HIV, Hepatitis B)
b)The doctor maybe the only person you can confide in and get help to rescue you from the molester. At times patients do not disclose the perpetrator to family members as the molester may BE a family member! your gynecologist can help you to access help, refer you to a safe house and help you to access the police!
c) Sexual molestation puts you at risk of future sexual dysfunction and depression.

2) Sexual dysfunction
These can be divided into 4 types:
i) Lack of sexual desire
ii) Inability to become aroused
iii)Lack of orgasm
iv) Painful intercourse
Some of these may be signs of other conditions eg. endometriosis or menopausal symptoms. Revealing these problems to your doctor is the first step in achieving a cure. Some may feel this problem is taboo or can't be helped, but there is help available for each aspect of sexual dysfunction.

3)Domestic violence
Domestic violence is often a source of shame for the woman being abused. Hence they may not readily reveal this to their doctors. Its essential that doctors are vigilant for tell-tale signs of abuse such as bruises that are inconsistent with the explanation of the type of trauma given! Many times women are afraid of their partner and fearful of revealing the abuse. There is help! There are safe houses where the woman can go. Don't be fearful of the chance of losing your children because often the courts will not award custody to the abusive partner but will give the child to the woman.MOST IMPORTANTLY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COULD TAKE YOUR LIFE, MANY WOMEN ARE MURDERED EACH YEAR BY THEIR PARTNERS! SO TALK OUT SEEK HELP. IF ANYONE KNOWS OF SOMEONE BEING ABUSED DON'T TURN A BLIND EYE, CALL THE POLICE, YOU MAY SAVE SOMEONES LIFE!
Here are links where you can get help
In the USA:

http://www.ndvh.org/
http://www.domesticviolence.org/

In the UK
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime-victims/reducing-crime/domestic-violence/
http://www.womensaid.org.uk/

In Canada
http://www.hotpeachpages.net/canada/canada1.html

In Jamaica
http://www.jis.gov.jm/Bureau%20of%20Womens%20Affairs/index.asp
The Crisis Centre 929-2997 or 929-9038

4) Tell your gynecologist about the drugs that you are taking.
This is important as it may affect the drugs he/she prescribes. Some drugs may have interactions hence are not safe to prescribe, so let him know.
Let your doctor know what illicit drugs eg cocaine, marijuana, heroine. Your gynecologist can assist you in accessing help for drug addictions. Taking of these drugs may also put you at risk of STIs eg. HIV hence this can tell your doctor what drug screens to do.

5) Incontinence
Many women after childbearing or during menopause may experience urinary and fecal incontinence. Many times this may cause sexual dysfunction or disruption of day to day activities. Let your doctor know, there are many forms of treatment for incontinence. These include physiotherapy, medications and surgery. So please dont suffer in silence, your gynecologist can help!