8 Questions You Should Be Asking Your Gynaecologist

Believe us, it is time you pay a visit to your gynaecologist and ask her those so-called feminine questions that you're too shy to speak out loud. Whether it is a small zit which is causing you irritation down there or you've been dreading a breast exam - one should always, we repeat, always, consult a gynaecologist before jumping to conclusions and worrying yourself sick. It might be uncomfortable at first, but there is no such thing as a stupid or shocking question when it comes to the health of your lady parts. It's time to stop suffering in silence - if you've been thinking about any of these following topics, it's time to just come out and ask your gynaecologist about them.

1. "How do I perform a proper breast self-exam?"

With breast cancer in mind (especially if there's family history there), it is important to know your breasts well, starting at an early age. Visit your doctor if you haven't already, and they will show you how to do a self-breast exam and guide you in what to feel for, specifically. Once you are completely familiar with how your breasts feel, even a slight change will catch your attention.

2. "Why is sex painful for me?"

A lot of women who experience discomfort or pain during intercourse, do not bring it up with their gynaecologists. Believe us, you will not be able to do anything about it, until you start communicating. There are many medical things that could cause pain during sex, such as an infection, hormonal changes, consumption of certain medications, thinning of vaginal walls due to menopause etc. Genital pain can be treated only if you speak up and ask your gyno to figure out the cause and find a treatment for the same.

3. "Why does it itch...down there?"

Occasional itching is perfectly normal. Sometimes, razor burns can cause an itch or it might be an allergic reaction to your laundry soap (if your skin is very sensitive) or even wearing too up-tight clothes could be the cause. Some hormonal changes could also lead to thinning of the vaginal skin, which can make it drier and potentially itchy. But next level inflammation down there could be a sign that there is something wrong, like a bacterial or yeast infection or maybe an STD. Visit your gynaecologist immediately if that's the case.

4. "How often should I be tested for an STD?"

There are a lot of concerns which arise when one is sexually active. Whether it's him or you who might multiple partners, it is not at all embarrassing to discuss the same with your gynaec. If an STD is left untreated, it could cause serious health problems. Discuss your sexual activity with your doctor and ask her how frequently you should be tested for sexually transmitted infections and diseases.

5. "Why do I have such painful periods?"

Accept it, no woman wants the 'leak week' to last for more time than absolutely necessary. Since every woman's period is different, it can be hard to know what is normal and what is not. If your cramps are severe and have emotional symptoms like - anxiety or anger added to them, you can discuss them with your doctor. Often extreme pain during periods can be the symptom of an underlying problem.

6. "What's normal when it comes to vaginal discharge?"

All women have vaginal discharge. It's just how the vagina cleans itself. But there are always some variations in the consistency, colour, texture, and smell which might get you worried after some time. Clear or milky-looking discharge is usually fine but if you have the slightest doubt in your mind, you must see your gynaecologist to help you rule out other serious issues.

7. "Should I groom or go all natural down there?"

With all these grooming treatments in the market, such as - Vaginal bleach, Brazilian wax, Vajacial and what not, a woman is bound to get confused over what is legit and what is not. Deciding whether to shave, wax, trim or let it go wild is one's own preference but there are still pros and cons to consider. Consult your doctor before trying something new, just to be on the safer side.

8. "What are my birth control options?"

There have never been more birth control options than there are today, including IUDs, pills, patches, female condoms, and so on. In the beginning, It may take some time to find the right kind for you, but you shouldn't settle for one that is causing you pain or any other discomfort. Gynecologists are trained in their knowledge of contraceptives and can be extremely helpful in finding the one that works best for you.

Disclaimer: Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.