Going to get your annual gynae exam is, at best, a necessary evil. And the last thing you want to do is prolong your visit by shooting the breeze with the person whose head is between your legs. But shockingly, if you don't take a proactive role and become your own advocate by engaging your doctor, there are crucial health issues he or she may not voluntarily discuss with you. The reason: Doctors aren't perfect. Some are drowning in paperwork brought on by insurance companies, making their notoriously tight schedules even more frenzied. Others are just plain negligent. Some are even reluctant to bring up touchy topics like STDs or their patients' sexual habits unless the patient raises the issue first.
'Lots of my colleagues are happy to talk about it once someone brings it up, but can be uncomfortable initiating the conversation,' says Dr Carolyn Clancy. 'This is why it's absolutely essential for patients to play a very hands-on role in their health care. You can never communicate too clearly. You need to view yourself as a partner with your doctor - and be prepared to discuss what's important to you.' To help you get grip on your gynaecological exam, we've pulled together five things your gynae may not be sharing with you... but should.
| You're Not Being Checked For STDs |
With all the sexually transmitted diseases running rampant, you'd assume that doctors would be extremely cautious about screening their patients. But a study of more than 4000 physicians published in the American Journal of Public Health revealed that less than one third actually do regularly administer tests for STDs. In addition, the survey found that only 37% of doctors test for chlamydia - despite the fact that it affects millions of people, and is a highly recommended test.
Bottom Line: Ask For an STD workup. But you can't just walk in, be tested for antibodies (your body's defence against infections), and get busy without a condom that night. It can take weeks or even months for the antibodies to show up. In addition, you can't be tested for every disease at once. So, to be sure you have a clean bill of health, set up an STD testing timeline for you and your partner. You have to wait at least one week after having unprotected sex to be checked for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, and you have to wait at least three months to be tested for HIV. |
| You Won't Necessarily Be Called About Abnormal Test Results |
| You Should Have a Breast Lump Tested By Ultrasou |
| Killer Cramps Aren't Normal |