Below, we cover tips to overcome anxiety at a gynecologist. A trip to the gynecologist can be very stressful for a lot of women. From feeling anxious about what your pap smear results could reveal about your health to worrying about how painful a pelvic exam would be to simply feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable about having someone see or touch your private parts, these emotions are completely natural and relatable. In fact, a survey revealed that more than half of all women feel anxious about undergoing a pelvic exam. However, a visit to the gynecologist is something that you need to overcome because it is essential to your health and well-being as a woman.
Tips to Overcome Anxiety at the Gynecologist
If you’re struggling with overcoming your anxiety about visiting a gynecologist, here are some tips that could help you:
Find a doctor that you can trust and be comfortable with
Finding the right doctor may not automatically dispel all of your worries and anxiety, but it will certainly make a big difference in how you feel. You can check out doctors in your area by searching the internet and reading patient reviews. Although reviews can be of great help, it is also wise to know that reviews can sometimes be biased. especially negative ones. For more reliable reviews and recommendations, ask your family and friends about their gynecologists. You may also opt for female gynecologists if that would make you feel more comfortable.
Talk to a friend or family member about the procedures you’re about to have
If it is your first time to undergo a specific procedure, you can ask friends or family members who have already undergone that particular procedure. Ask them what to expect and how the procedure made them feel. Also ask them for some advice about how you can prepare for the procedure. Knowing what to expect and what to do will help ease your worries and make you feel more prepared.
Talk to your doctor about any concerns
If you struggle with pelvic exams or pap smear procedures, it would be a good idea to talk to your doctor about it. This awareness will hopefully make your doctor and his staff take extra measures to make the process more comfortable for you.
Ask a family member or a female friend to accompany you
Having a family member or a friend with you for emotional support can make a big difference. Your mom, a sister, or your best friend can provide you with the support and courage you need during this stressful visit.
Practice relaxation techniques
Techniques like deep breathing can help you relax. You can do deep breathing before you go to your appointment and while waiting for your turn. You can also do deep breathing during the procedure. Slow, deep breaths can help regulate your heartbeat and decrease feelings of anxiety.
Assume a more comfortable position during the exam
You will be asked to lie down with your feet on metal stirrups and your knees bent. If your doctor’s staff fails to help you assume a more relaxing lying position, bring your body further down the table and by allowing your knees to relax, your muscles will also relax.
Focus on the good
Remember that gynecologists are trained medical professionals who know what they’re doing and who are trained to take necessary measures to cause the least possible amount of pain and discomfort while performing procedures. Trust them, and do not hesitate to inform them if the pain or discomfort is no longer bearable for you.
Also, keep in mind that whatever pain or discomfort you would be experiencing is a necessary part of the process of keeping yourself healthy and well.
A visit to a gynecologist is an integral part of self-care for women for the following reasons:
Preventive care
A lot of procedures done in a gynecologist’s clinic like pap smear tests and mammograms can lead to early detection of problems. Breast imaging services, for example, can detect cancers at an early stage.
Diseases caught early are easier to treat, and survival rates from dreaded diseases are higher.
Menstrual health
Heavy bleeding, absence of menstruation, painful menstruation, and other painful issues can be addressed by gynecologists.
Sexual health
Gynecologists can help you address your concerns with sexual dysfunctions and sexually transmitted diseases.
Reproductive health
If you’re planning to get pregnant, having difficulty in getting pregnant, or if you’re already pregnant, your gynecologist can address whatever concerns you have, offer counseling, and help you take better care of yourself.
Menopause management
They can also help you manage symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness and address whatever concerns you have about bone health and heart health at this particular stage of your life.
Pelvic health
If you’re having trouble with incontinence, ovarian cysts, or uterine fibroids, your gynecologist is trained to help you address these problems.
Visiting your gynecologist is crucial to your health, well-being, and peace of mind. In addition to routine pelvic exams and pap smears, gynecological imaging also plays an important role in assessing and monitoring your health. So if you think you are well past your scheduled visit to your gynecologist, or if you have reason to go earlier, reach out to your doctor and set that appointment at once.