21 Questions Every Woman Should Ask Her Gynecologist

Going to the gynecologist for your annual exam is just as important as seeing your regular doctor for routine checkups, yet, for some reason, there is a sense of awkwardness and discomfort many women experience when it comes time to see their gyno. These feelings can often lead to not discussing any actual issues or concerns, resulting in leaving their appointment feeling frustrated and potentially more worried than before they arrived.

Many women often discount their medical concerns, dismissing any unusual bleeding or pain they're experiencing because they want to avoid going to the gynecologist or they've historically been made to feel that these issues are just part of being a woman. Others are simply unaware of how important an annual gynecologist visit is, especially if they're sexually active. According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, women should see the gynecologist annually at the age of 21 as a means of assessing their reproductive health. They should also not hesitate to make an appointment any time they experience anything out of the ordinary.

Women should begin seeing a gynecologist between the ages of 11 and 15 years old, per the Mayo Clinic, whether they are sexually active or not. While many adults assume a visit to the gynecologist is simply to get a pap smear, there are countless other reasons for a visit to this specialist. It can be overwhelming to discuss many of the very personal health issues that may have brought you to make an appointment with your gynecologist, but it's important to be open and honest. However, if your doctor makes you feel uncomfortable, it's time to find a new gynecologist. In fact, here are 21 questions every woman should feel confident in asking her gynecologist.

"Normal" is a subjective term when it comes to a menstrual cycle because every woman is different, but the average menstrual cycle for women in their 20s and 30s is typically 28 days. That means that 28 days will elapse from the first day of your cycle until the first day of your following cycle. 

As a general rule, your period can last anywhere from two to seven days, according to Allina Health. If you've noticed that your period is coming earlier or longer than 28 days, that doesn't necessarily mean there's cause for concern. Per the Cleveland Clinic, while 28 days is a typical cycle, it's not uncommon for a woman's cycle to be anywhere from 21 to 35 days long. But if that timing is irregular and different every month, you should mention it to your gynecologist.

Age can also affect your menstrual cycle. Once a woman reaches her late 30s and early 40s, she may begin to experience signs of perimenopause or early menopause which can greatly affect how often she menstruates, the flow of her period, and the length of her period. It can be frustrating to have to deal with irregular or heavy periods, especially after years of having a consistent cycle, so if you're concerned or feel that something just isn't right, don't hesitate to reach out to your gynecologist.

Just because you're younger or have no history of breast cancer in your family doesn't mean you shouldn't be performing monthly breast self-exams. Speaking to your gynecologist about your breast health is important and they can confirm early detection is crucial for women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. One study published in the Journal of Women's Health found that 64% of women self-detected their breast cancer. 

You should be doing your breast self-exam monthly, after your period, according to the Cleveland Clinic. If your period is irregular or you've stopped menstruating, you should pick a set day each month to do the exam so that it's easy to remember. Your gynecologist can instruct you on how to properly conduct a self-exam as well as what is normal or what may necessitate a call to your doctor. 

The more you do your own self-exam, the more in tune you will become with your body and the more aware you are when you detect something that may be out of the norm. According to the American Cancer Society, there is a five-year 99% survival rate when breast cancer is found in the early, localized stage.

Every woman's flow is different, but a heavy flow can be caused by a few factors including hormones, fibroids, or a thicker uterine lining. If you've been experiencing a heavier flow than you think is normal, it's worth discussing it with your gynecologist. According to Dr. Cindy Basinski, a board-certified urogynecologist who discussed period health with Women's Health, a heavy period is when a woman loses about 5 tablespoons of blood per cycle, not including any clots. She goes on to explain that bleeding for more than seven days also indicates you're probably a heavy bleeder or that you need to change your tampon or pad every two hours. 

While heavy periods aren't necessarily uncommon, they can really be disruptive to your daily activities and ruin your clothes and bedding. Some women may even suffer from menorrhagia which is, as defined by the Mayo Clinic, when a woman suffers from abnormally heavy or prolonged bleeding. The good news is that women do have options when it comes to dealing with a heavy period, which is why it's important to let your gynecologist know if this is something you're dealing with. Together, you can discuss the safest options available to help give you some relief as well as determine whether your heavy flow is the result of an underlying issue.

Many women aren't aware of the multitude of birth control methods that are available to them because they don't ask their doctor about their options. Not everyone can or wants to use a hormonal birth control method like the pill, which is why it's important to ask about the varieties of options available to you.

Together with your doctor, you can discuss any concerns you may have and whether you want to use the pill or an alternative like an IUD, condoms, a diaphragm, sponge, implant, or shot, just to name a few options. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the only method of birth control that is 100% effective is abstinence, which is why it's sometimes best to double up on your birth control method, like using the pill and condoms together. Not only do condoms help protect against unwanted pregnancy but they also help to prevent sexually transmitted infections. Your doctor can help advise you on the most effective means of birth control for your health and lifestyle, including whether you're looking for a longer-term or shorter-term solution and if taking a daily pill is convenient for you.

Women are conditioned to think that they should be odorless when, in fact, this is not the case. Because what you eat, what you wear, and whether you're participating in any sort of activity can all impact how your vagina smells, it's completely normal to wonder if you should be concerned about any odor that you may smell.

As per Ochsner Heath, your vagina is "a complex ecosystem with various bacteria, as well as different secretions," so a mild odor is perfectly normal. If you've noticed a concerning change in how you smell or a stronger odor than usual, that may be time to talk to your doctor. According to Healthline, although changes in how your vagina smells is common, if you're alarmed by the smell and you are also experiencing symptoms such as itching or burning, pain, pain during sex, thick, cottage cheese discharge, or vaginal bleeding unrelated to your period, the smell could definitely be a sign that you need to see your doctor. Causes can range from a forgotten tampon to bacterial vaginosis. Your doctor will be able to address your concerns and, if necessary, provide treatment.

Often when you schedule your pap smear it's so far in advance that you're not exactly sure when your period will be, and you just hope that you won't have it on the day of your appointment. But if you do have your period on the day of your pap smear, you may be wondering if that means you should reschedule. While technically yes, you can get a pap smear while having your period, there is the chance that the blood can alter your results, according to Healthline.

Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., a clinical professor of obstetrics at the Yale University School of Medicine, told Health that it's probably best to wait until you're no longer on your period to get your pap done, especially if you have heavy periods. "A lot of blood might obscure some of the details of the cells, which may make it hard to read," she noted. This is often a matter of personal comfort as well. Your doctor will probably conduct a pelvic exam at the same time as your pap smear, which could be affected if you're on your period. If you do end up having your period during your appointment time, check with your doctor first to see if they would rather you reschedule.

It can be incredibly distracting and sometimes embarrassing if you're dealing with an itchy vagina and vulva, but it's a very common issue many women deal with. Katharine O'Connell White, M.D., an OBGYN and associate professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Boston University, explained to Women's Health that the cause of itching is often as simple as your skin being irritated by laundry detergent residue, wearing clothing that is too tight, a menstrual pad irritating your skin, or a lubricant irritating you.

However, if the itching persists, it may be time to reach out to your doctor to see if there is a health issue causing the discomfort, like an STI or UTI. Skin conditions like eczema can cause your vulva to itch, as can using a new soap or detergent or even a new feminine hygiene product. Yeast infections can cause itchiness as can bacterial vaginosis, but as Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., a clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at Yale University, noted to Women's Health, this tends to also result in other symptoms, like a change in discharge and strong odor. 

Experts advise that if the itching persists or if it's accompanied by an abnormal vaginal discharge, any sort of rash or lumps, burning or pain, changes in the appearance of the vulvar skin, or swelling of the labia minora, you should make an appointment with your doctor.

Douching has been around for a very long time. It was the most popular form of birth control from 1940 to 1960, per Mother Jones, with Lysol being the most popular brand at the time. Before the pill and condoms were commonplace as forms of birth control, women thought that using a douche after sex was an effective means of preventing pregnancy. 

By the 1980s, according to The Atlantic, doctors finally began to realize just how bad douching was for a woman's body. According to the Office on Women's Health, douches today are typically made of water and vinegar, baking soda, and iodine. Although doctors don't recommend douching, it is estimated that one in five women between the ages of 15 and 44 do. 

Gynecologist Dr. Jen Gunter, who has waged a social media war with "wellness experts" like Gwyneth Paltrow who promote douching, has been an outspoken advocate against the practice. "Douching, no matter what you're douching with, is like cigarettes for your vagina — that's how you should think of it," she explained to HuffPost U.K. "It offers absolutely no health benefits, yet people are adopting it as a lifestyle practice." In fact, douching can be detrimental to your vaginal health. "We know that women who douche have a much higher risk of contracting HIV or gonorrhea if they're exposed because it's damaging your first line of defenses," Gunter added. "If you douche — even if you douche with water — you also have a higher risk of bacterial vaginosis."

Everyone's sex drive is different, but if you've noticed that yours has tanked recently, or you've never really had a high libido you should talk to your doctor about it, especially if it's bothering you or having an adverse effect on your relationship or mental health. "Low sex drive in women is common and can be caused by many things," Dr. Sabrina Whitehurst, an OBGYN at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, explained. "But finding the root cause can lead to effective treatment — often, it's as simple as changing a medication you're taking." 

In fact, there are many reasons your sex drive may be low including hormonal birth control, age, anxiety, depression, or issues in your relationship. Thankfully there are a number of ways to help treat your low sex drive, and your gynecologist is the right person to help pinpoint the cause and the subsequent treatment. "If your low libido is bothering you, it's worth talking to your doctor about," Dr. Whitehurst added.

Anxiety, bloating, depression, and mood swings are common experiences for women prior to getting their period. Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, most commonly occurs about a week or two before your period is due, according to Everyday Health. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists estimates that 85% of women experience at least one symptom of PMS, thanks to these hormone fluctuations. However, if your mood swings are extreme, if you find yourself easily depressed, or if you have trouble eating or sleeping, you may be experiencing something more than typical PMS, per Pacific Gynecology. 

The good news is that you're not alone and you can find ways to get through these symptoms. The bad news is that it can get worse. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a form of severe PMS. Fortunately, these symptoms should go away as your cycle ends, but if they don't, you should be speaking with your gynecologist because there may be other issues, like undiagnosed depression, causing your mood swings.