5 Questions You Shouldn’t Be Embarrassed to Ask Your OB/GYN

As OB/GYNs we do what we do because we love women, we love babies, and we love keeping women as healthy as possible. We know that visiting the gynecologist can be embarrassing for many women, especially women who are particularly shy, modest or who are experiencing a sex-related issue that embarrasses them.

The good news is that if there is anyone in your life who you don’t have to be embarrassed around – it’s your OB/GYN. We have heard it all, seen it all and we look forward to putting your mind at ease and finding solutions to your most challenging issues and questions.

Speaking of questions, here are 5 that you should never be embarrassed to ask your OB/GYN.

1.    Can I be put on birth control? This question seems so straightforward for women who have been sexually active for a long time, or who are married. For other women, especially for those who have been raised in a culture or a religion where sex is taboo or frowned upon before marriage, it can be very embarrassing. So embarrassing or shameful, in fact, that they will never ask it at all and risk winding up with an unplanned pregnancy. Always be honest with your OB/GYN if you are sexually active so we can discuss all of your birth control options and make sure that you are adequately protected against STDs.

2.    What’s that smell? Are you noticing an unusual odor coming from your vagina and/or discharge? This is perfectly normal. Women’s bodies and their bodily fluids are very sensitive to a variety of factors including diet, sexual activity, hygiene habits, allergies and infections. Sometimes that odor may mean nothing at all, other times it might be a symptom of a yeast infection, bacterial infection or other condition that should be treated ASAP for your overall comfort and health.

3.    Sex hurts, what can I do? There are all kinds of reasons why sex can be uncomfortable. Sometimes it is simply a  lubrication issue. Did you know that your natural vaginal secretions can be altered by your medication , birth control hormones, or natural hormonal fluctuations? Other causes for discomfort can include anatomical issues or even your frame of mind. If sex is causing you pain or discomfort, let us know. We can work to find a solution and make sure everything is okay.

4.    Is it normal to have no sex drive? Just as your body chemistry can be responsible for sexual discomfort, it can also make you not want to have sex at all. We are so exposed to images of the hyper-sexual female, it’s hard to tell what a “normal” sex drive is anymore. And, to be honest, there really isn’t a “normal”. What’s important is that you are comfortable with your sex drive. By asking us about your lack of libido, we can look a little deeper into finding the cause as well as a solution, if that’s what you want.

5.    Does my    fill-in-the-blank     look funny? No two female parts are alike. Often, women feel like something is wrong with them because their anatomical parts seem bigger, smaller, darker, lighter, mismatched, etc. than what they see in magazines, online or on other females. In most cases, absolutely nothing is wrong. However, there are cases where something might be causing discomfort,  is the result of a genetic abnormality, or may be a symptom of something else. If this is the case, we can work to resolve it.

Never be afraid to ask your gynecologist any questions, even if you have to put your hands over your face or look away from us while you ask it. We are here for you!