Tips For Overcoming Anxiety About Visiting The Gynecologist
If you are worried about your personal health and are a woman, there is a good chance that you know that you ought to see a gynecologist in order to make sure that everything is working around your nether regions and that you are fully healthy. This can be a struggle for many people because they are embarrassed to have a doctor examine them in these private locations, because they are worried about the pelvic examination, or are because they are simply ashamed to ask questions that they think they should already have the answers to. All of these problems can cause many women to experience a high level of anxiety around seeing a gynecologist, when in reality, it can be a very stress-free appointment. Here are some tips for reducing your anxiety surrounding your visit to the gynecologist.
1. Ask for Your Gynecologist to Explain Everything During the Exam
One thing that can make you feel more relaxed is if the gynecologist explains everything to you before he or she takes any new action during the pelvic exam. This can allow you to prepare yourself for what is coming. You can even ask your gynecologist to not take additional steps without your explicit go-ahead. For example, if your gynecologist needs to feel around the inside of your vaginal canal, he or she should tell you that he or she needs to do that and then not do it until you say that it is okay. Having this type of power over the direction of the appointment can help you feel more confident.
2. Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Your Preferred Gender
When you are making the appointment, don't be afraid to ask for the preferred gender of doctor that would make you feel the most comfortable. This is a minor factor that can make a major difference in the level of anxiety that you feel. You might feel a lot more comfortable and therefore more relaxed, which will make the physical examination go more smoothly.
3. Set Goals for the Appointment
Finally, be sure that you set goals for your appointment. Come with two or three questions that you want to have answered and promise yourself some sort of reward, such as a fancy coffee or a new set of pens, if you meet your goal. This will turn the appointment into something of a treasure hunt, where you work to get the answers that you need. It essentially gamifies your appointment, which can make it easier for you to get through with a lower level of anxiety. This works best if you take solace in playing a lot of video games.
For more information, talk to a company that specializes in gynecological exams, such as Naples OBGYN.