Addressing Those “Embarrassing” Questions Before Your OB/GYN Visit
Many young women are trepidatious about their first trip to the OB/GYN. Even women who have had an annual checkup previously might feel shy or embarrassed about broaching certain topics.
Dr. Kara Geoghegan, OB-GYN at Deaconess-The Women's Hospital, wants women to know that no question is off limits—and that they should feel absolutely confident in bringing up any concerns. “When I hear the word ‘embarrassing,’ I'm always wondering what that means to somebody, because to me it's not embarrassing at all,” she notes.
When Should a Young Woman Visit the OB/GYN?
Every young woman is unique, but Dr. Geoghegan advises any adolescent who starts to have issues with her cycle to come in for a visit—especially if those issues are affecting her daily life.
“If you are playing basketball, I want you busting your butt on the floor to get that ball and not worry about your periods. Or, if you're a cheerleader and you want to be thrown up in the air, I don't want you to worry about your bleeding ever affecting your goals in life,” she shares.
A woman who has a seemingly normal cycle may not have to make an OB/GYN appointment until later in her high school years. The most important factor, no matter what age a visit is initiated, is that young women feel completely comfortable with the exam.
Specific to PAP tests, Dr. Geoghegan wants to set clear expectations that it’s not the most enjoyable experience. However, while women may feel pressure, a pelvic exam should never be truly painful.
More Pressing Questions…
One question Dr. Geoghegan repeatedly encounters is if women can undergo a pelvic exam while they’re menstruating. Typically, it’s best not to come in on days during a heavy flow, but a light flow or spotting is really “no big deal.”
Another concern, especially over the last couple of decades, is if it’s better to wax or shave the pubic area—or leave it as is. According to Dr. Geoghegan, it’s not about cosmetics. Rather, it’s about vulvar health.
“My best advice is that shaving is not the best thing to do, because it can nick your skin. We have bacteria down there, and it gets into your skin. You can get all kinds of folliculitis and infections and abscesses and problems like that. I recommend waxing or laser hair removal. Actually, your best option is a beard trimmer, which is not going to cut as close as a shave, but it doesn't nick your skin as much. It's typically better for your vulvar health.”
Understanding What’s “Normal”
No woman wants to have a “smell down there,” but Dr. Geoghegan says that’s completely normal. “I think people get obsessed with their vagina smells. The vagina is like a self-cleaning oven. It takes care of itself. You don't have to worry about anything,” she assures.
Vaginal discharge is also a normal occurrence. The key is understanding when it may be an issue, such as with bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection. “We see these all the time. I always say that if you feel like something's not right, we're more than happy to take a look and check it out for you,” adds Dr. Geoghegan.
Considering STIs and HPV Prevention
Additional services young women might consider at their OB/GYN visit might include a sexually transmitted infection (STI) test or the HPV vaccine. According to Dr. Geoghegan, the HPV vaccine has dramatically changed outcomes in respect to cervical cancer.
“Since, that came out, I think right around 2000, I have not seen a cervical cancer patient in my practice. It really has drastically changed the outcomes,” she shares.
Building Life-Long Relationships
Young women aren’t the only ones who should be seeing their OB/GYN on a yearly basis. Even women who have gone through menopause need to check in. Issues such as urinary incontinence or reduced libido can be addressed with an OB/GYN’s help.
Ultimately, Dr. Geoghegan encourages patients to have a life-long relationship with their provider. Truth be told, she delights in it.
“I tell you what, I really love my job. And the best part of it is that I sometimes get to start seeing patients when they're teenagers, follow them through college, they get married, they have a baby. I get to deliver that baby. Have another baby, I get to deliver that baby. And then continue on to take care of them until menopause. I think the reason I do this job is relationships. I like being a part of their life in some of the most intimate moments. I mean, delivering a baby is the crème de la crème. I get to do that day after day.”