Visiting a gynecologist can often be an uncomfortable and embarrassing experience for many women, and so it’s common for them to feel hesitant about asking personal questions.

Despite this anxiety, it’s important to ask any questions we may have so that we can maintain our gynecological health. Here are 30 of the most common questions women feel too embarrassed to ask their gynecologist:.

1. What Should I Be Doing to Keep Myself Clean?

This can feel like a delicate question, as it’s difficult to know by what degree we should be cleansing our intimate areas. Yet, it’s very important to maintain good hygiene in our vaginal area.

Be sure to clean the external areas of your vagina with mild soaps and warm water, making sure to dry the area off completely once finished. Never clean inside the vagina with soap or perfumes, and avoid douching as well.

2. How Often Should I Schedule My Gynecology Visits?

It’s recommended that you visit your gynecologist at least once a year for your annual exam. During this exam, your overall reproductive health will be assessed, and any screenings or tests may be conducted to maintain your long-term health.

3. Can I Have Sex Whilst on My Period?

Although it’s messy, having sex during menstruation is completely safe.

Nonetheless, it’s important to take active steps to avoid the possibility of unwanted pregnancy, such as using a condom, and be aware that this can increase the risk of infections.

4. Is Bleeding After Sex Normal?

Light spotting after sexual activities is normal, but if vaginal bleeding is heavier, it’s important to see a doctor, as it may be a symptom of a serious problem.

5. Is Painful Sex Normal?

Experiencing pain during sex – medically called dyspareunia – isn’t normal and can often be associated with numerous underlying gynecological conditions.

6. How Can I Improve My Libido?

Several factors affect a woman’s libido, including birth control, medications, psychological issues and physical changes.

One can try relaxing, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and using sex toys or lubricants, among many other things to help boost their libido.

7. How Safe are Condoms?

Condoms are one of the most effective and safest methods of preventing sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV. They’re also very effective as a birth control method when used correctly.

8. When Can I Have Sexual Intercourse After Pregnancy?

Following pregnancy and delivery, a new mother’s body undergoes many hormonal and physical changes. Normally, it’s recommended that mothers wait around six weeks post-partum before having penetrative sex.

It’s important to discuss with your doctor if you’ve had a C-section or any complications during childbirth.

9. Can a Tampon Get Lost Inside Me?

Tampons can’t get lost inside your body, however, it’s not uncommon for them to travel further into the vagina, which can become uncomfortable and difficult to remove, and it’s important to see your doctor if this happens.

10. Should I Be Worried If My Labia Are Uneven?

Just like facial features can be asymmetric, so can labia. It’s completely normal for a woman to have varying size labia as there is no ‘normal’ shape or size for labia.

Over time, women can develop a distorted body image as a result of pornography or media, which can make the fear of criticism or judgment worse.

11. What are the Most Common Causes of Vaginal Discharge?

Generally, it’s not uncommon for women to experience some form of vaginal discharge.

Healthy discharge is often clear or white, but any change in color or odor can indicate an underlying issue, such as a vaginal yeast infection, STI, or bacterial vaginosis.

12. What Causes Vaginal Itching?

Vaginal itching may be caused by several underlying conditions, including STIs, yeast infections, or bacterial vaginosis. In more severe cases, it could be a sign of vulvar cancer.

13. What Can I Do About Menstrual Cramps?

Period pain can be debilitating, however, there are a variety of ways to manage the pain.

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help soothe menstrual cramps, and using heat, staying active, and taking a warm bath can also have a comforting effect.

14. Is It Normal to Experience Breast Pain and Swelling?

Breast pain and swelling could be due to hormonal imbalances or tissue changes in the breast area.

If there’s a possibility of a lump, it’s important to have an examination done by your doctor, but otherwise, breast pain and swelling are generally common symptoms around your period.

15. Are Hormonal Changes Common During Menopause?

Menopause can cause a variety of hormonal changes, leading to conditions such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.

16. Can I Get Pregnant During Menopause?

Pregnancy is still possible during menopause, particularly in the early stages, and so using birth control is recommended until your doctor confirms you’ve reached premature ovarian failure.

17. Can I Do Anything to Alleviate Menopause Symptoms?

By implementing simple lifestyle changes, such as staying active, eating healthily and avoiding common triggers such as caffeine or alcohol, it’s possible to reduce the severity of menopausal symptoms.

Hormone therapy or other medications can also be effective to alleviate menopause symptoms.

18. What Should I Do If I’ve Missed a Birth Control Pill?

If you miss one birth control pill, simply take it as soon as possible followed by the next pill.

However, missing more than one pill could potentially reduce the effectiveness of the birth control, and so it’s best to use another method of contraception during this time.

19. What Are the Best Birth Control Methods Available?

There’s a wide range of birth control methods available on the market, including hormonal-based methods, such as nuvaring or the contraceptive pill, and physical methods, such as condoms or diaphragms.

The best method depends on your individual needs, such as medical history and lifestyle factors.

20. Is It Safe to Use Hormonal Birth Controls?

Although rare, there’s still a possibility of side effects with hormonal birth control. These side effects include nausea, weight change, and headaches. Nevertheless, the risks are generally very low, while the benefits can be life-changing.

21. What Can I Do About Chronic Pelvic Pain?

If you experience chronic pelvic pain, it’s often a complicated issue to diagnose and treat. Causes could range from menstrual cramps to endometriosis, and so it’s important to seek medical advice.

22. Is It Normal to Bleed During Pregnancy?

Heavy bleeding during pregnancy likely signifies a serious issue with the pregnancy and the mother’s health, and so immediate medical attention should be sought.

However, it’s not unusual to have occasional spotting or light bleeding during the first two trimesters, which can simply be as a result of hormonal changes.

23. How Can I Avoid UTIs?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common gynecological issues, frequently caused by bacteria entering the urethra.

To reduce the risk, urinating after sexual activity, wearing cotton underwear and wiping from front to back after using the toilet can help.

24. What Causes Painful PMS?

Alongside the emotional responses, PMS can also cause pain in the breast, lower stomach, and back. Over-the-counter pain relievers and heat packs can help, but if the pain is severe, it’s important to seek medical help.

25. How Can I Check My Own Breasts for Lumps?

It’s important that all women check their breasts regularly for any noticeable lumps. The best time to perform a self-examination is after your period, as this is when your breasts are less likely to be swollen or tender.

Simply use a circular massaging motion across your breast tissue and the surrounding area.

26. What Causes Irregular Menstrual Cycles?

A menstrual cycle irregularity can be due to a myriad of causes including hormonal imbalances or underlying illnesses such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

27. Can Stress Cause Menstrual Irregularities?

Stress can often lead to hormonal imbalances, which in turn, can cause menstrual irregularities. Reducing stress levels through relaxation techniques and self-care can, therefore, be a helpful way to regulate your menstrual cycle.

28. Can My Sexual Partner Suffer from a Yeast Infection?

Although uncommon, it is possible for a man’s genital organs to develop a yeast infection. One of the most common causes is when an uncircumcised male has sexual intercourse with a woman who has a yeast infection.