The Top Five Questions Women Wish They Could Ask Their Gynecologist

In a perfect world, every woman would meet with her gynecologist and ask every private question about topics like pelvic pain or stress incontinence that had her troubled. But in reality, embarrassment and anxiety often prevent women from asking certain questions. We've developed our list of the top five questions women wish they could ask their gynecologists. Can you identify?

Question #1: What's Causing My Pelvic Pain?
Pain in the pelvic area has many possible causes, but many women assume it's simply bad cramps. Many women seem to be trained not to complain about menstrual pain. Even more embarrassing, it may only occur during sex. Being embarrassed about the reason for pelvic painmay keep women from asking their doctors to investigate.

If you're feeling unusual pain in the pelvic region, by all means, write down when it occurs, how severe it becomes and any thoughts you have about its cause. Then take your list of questions and symptoms to your doctor and relieve the anxiety you've been feeling.

Question #2: Can Anything Be Done About My Stress Incontinence?
This is a big one, especially after childbirth or menopause. Women don't always talk to each other, much less their doctors, about why their bladders leak. That's sad, because so much can be done to relieve stress incontinence! If this is your private question, find a way to ask your doctor to help you.

Question #3: What's Causing This Heavy Flow?
What an embarrassing thing flowing heavily can be! Although having periods is the most natural thing possible for women, they still sometimes have trouble talking to a doctor when things don't seem right. Whether it is fibroids, anemia or any number of other reasons causing the problem, as soon as you start asking your doctor questions, healing can begin.

Question #4: Why Can't I Get Pregnant?
Infertility questions can be tied up with all sorts of guilt and anxiety. Is it my fault? Won't I ever have children? Getting to the root cause of infertility takes a lot of thoughtful discussion with your doctor. Start that discussion by asking the questions that are on your mind.

Question #5: Will I Change After a Hysterectomy?
You may have already made the decision, along with your doctor, to have a hysterectomy, but have lingering questions about what changes to expect. Arm yourself with a list of questions before the surgery, to save yourself anxiety afterward. Each woman's body is different, but there are several things that are consistent after hysterectomy that might seem puzzling if you don't have the answers you need.

Learning to talk frankly with your gynecologist and having the freedom to ask any questions you may have is a wonderfully empowering experience. Break the sound barrier and start asking! That's when health and vitality really become possible.