10 Things Your Gynecologist Wishes You’d Quit Doing

Skipping Your Annual Appointment

No matter how uncomfortable it may be to go to a gynecologist appointment, your annual appointments with your OBGYN are an important part of your health. There are many reasons why women get nervous before appointments, but it’s still important to keep these appointments whenever possible.

If you have to skip an appointment or cancel for some reason, try to reschedule right away so you don’t forget. It’s also common for women to cancel their OBGYN appointments if they’re on their period, but most doctors say you shouldn’t cancel for that reason. If you’re concerned, you can always call the office and let you know before your appointment.

Being Afraid to Ask Questions

Asking questions about the most intimate areas of your body or things that might seem embarrassing isn’t always easy. However, if you have a concern about something that’s going on with your health, it’s important to bring it up with your doctor.

Rest assured, your gynecologist has heard it all. No matter what you bring up to them, remember that it’s their job to take care of these issues and you’re unlikely to bring up anything that would shock them. It makes sense why you might be afraid to ask certain questions but don’t let that stop you from asking them anyway.

Worrying About Sweating

There are many things women worry about before going to the OBGYN. One of the most common causes of embarrassment is sweating. When you know you’re going to get a pelvic exam during your appointment, you might feel self-conscious if you’re feeling sweaty — and you’re likely sweating even more if you’re nervous.

It’s important to remember that your doctor isn’t there to judge you. Whether you just took a shower before your appointment or you came straight from work, your gynecologist isn’t going to think anything of it either way.

Hiding Your Underwear

It may seem silly considering your doctor is likely going to perform a pelvic exam during your appointment, but women tend to hide their undergarments when they’re told to undress before the doctor comes in. If it makes you feel less nervous or self-conscious before your appointment, by all means, tuck your underwear out of sight, but there’s really no reason to worry about it.

Regardless of where you choose to place your clothes during your appointment, keep in mind that your doctor isn’t there to inspect your clothing or underwear. There’s no reason to be embarrassed about what you wear to your appointment.

Using Certain Feminine Hygiene Products

Many women choose to use a variety of hygiene products to keep things fresh down there. For some women, this includes feminine deodorant sprays and douches. However, there’s a reason why most OBGYNs will tell you to stay far away from these products.

The advice of gynecologists is to avoid most products that are supposed to help keep your feminine areas clean. Douching specifically has been shown to increase your risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease, bacterial vaginosis, and cervical cancer.

Feeling Embarrassed About Your Body

You might be thinking to yourself — how can I not be embarrassed at my OBGYN appointment? It’s not the most comfortable type of appointment to go to and puts you in a pretty vulnerable position. Even still, your gynecologist wants you to know that there’s no reason to feel embarrassed about your body.

Whether it’s related to your hygiene or the fact that you haven’t shaved your legs, your doctor wants you to know that these things don’t matter to them. They aren’t going to judge you for not shaving or for the color of your underwear — they’re just glad you’re keeping up with your appointments.

Turning Down Important Tests

There are numerous reasons why women turn down some of the most important tests at their OBGYN appointments. Whether you’re due for a PAP test or your gynecologist wants to schedule you for a transvaginal ultrasound, there’s a reason for these tests.

While most of the tests done at the OBGYN are not fun, they’re a vital part of detecting and preventing serious diseases later in life. Next time you think about canceling your PAP test, remember that temporary discomfort is better than detecting cervical cancer too late.

Keeping Your Symptoms to Yourself

You might have a list of concerns or questions to share with your OBGYN, but then you freeze once you’re actually at the appointment. There also may be some symptoms you’re concerned about but you’re too nervous to bring them up to your doctor.

Even if one of your symptoms isn’t anything to be concerned about, it’s best to bring it up to your doctor. There are many things, like painful and heavy periods, that many women think are completely normal. However, they can be a sign of something more serious like endometriosis. When in doubt, bring up your concerns during your appointment.

Bringing Your Children with You

If you have a postpartum appointment with your OB, it makes sense that you would bring your new baby with you. However, most OBGYNs would prefer you don’t bring toddlers or older children with you to your annual appointment if possible.

Not everyone has support or childcare, and if you have to bring your child with you, that’s better than skipping a necessary appointment. If there’s a way to schedule your appointment at a time when you have help or childcare, this will make your appointment go much smoother and will allow your doctor to focus on you during the appointment.

Being Dishonest About Your Lifestyle

Whether you’re embarrassed about your current lifestyle or you’re afraid that your doctor will judge you, there are many reasons why women might keep their choices to themselves at the gynecologist. When you go to the OBGYN, there’s a good chance your doctor will ask you questions about your sexual history. 

The reason they ask you these questions is so they can understand what types of tests you may need, such as tests for STIs, or what kind of exam might benefit you. Your provider doesn’t ask these questions to judge you — instead, they want to ensure you’re getting the care you need based on your current lifestyle.