5 Most Common Questions Gynecologists Hear from Their Patients

You're familiar with the gyno checkup procedure: Undress put on a paper robe, scoot down on the exam table with your feet in stirrups, hold your breath for the speculum to be inserted, then focus on a point along the ceiling to distract yourself from what your doctor is doing between your legs. Then, if your gynecologist is good, she will make time to answer your questions and concerns.

That's when your gyno's checkup becomes routine because patients frequently ask the same questions, reflecting how many women are anxious or confused about the same topics. While nothing can replace a consultation with your doctor, this article can provide reassurance that you are not alone in your concerns about these medical mysteries.

1. How normal is my period?

Unfortunately, the answer is not simple. Normal menstruation does not exist. And there's this great myth about the 28-day cycle, despite the fact that few women actually have that perfect 28-day cycle.

Rather than focusing on the mythical cycle, determine what is normal for you. Any changes in your usual experience, such as skipping periods that you have never skipped before, or your period becoming heavier and lasting longer than usual, can indicate that something is wrong. Then you can talk to your doctor about it and get treated.

2. What can I do if my period is really heavy?

A heavy period is generally defined as soaking through a pad or tampon in an hour or less. However, the gynos we spoke with added to this guideline: your heavy flow reduces your quality of life.

When a woman gets her period, she may experience cramping and heavy bleeding that necessitates multiple tampons or pad changes per day. Menstrual flow is a normal reproductive function that only becomes abnormal when it interferes with a woman's life. Heavy menstrual bleeding can result in anemia, weakness, and exhaustion, but it is treatable with hormonal birth control.

A very heavy flow can also be caused by a thyroid problem, and far too few women have their thyroids checked.

3. Could I have endometriosis? 

A heavy period is generally defined as soaking through a pad or tampon in an hour or less. However, the gynos we spoke with added to this guideline: your heavy flow reduces your quality of life.

When a woman gets her period, she may experience cramping and heavy bleeding that necessitates multiple tampons or pad changes per day. Menstrual flow is a normal reproductive function that only becomes abnormal when it interferes with a woman's life. Heavy menstrual bleeding can result in anemia, weakness, and exhaustion, but it is treatable with hormonal birth control.

A very heavy flow can also be caused by a thyroid problem, and far too few women have their thyroids checked.

4. How can I 100% guarantee that I won’t get Pregnant or have an STI? 

Contraception is fairly effective these days, but even when condoms are used religiously, it does not completely protect you from STIs. Condoms can rupture, exposing you to bacterial STIs like gonorrhea and chlamydia. Meanwhile, STIs such as herpes and HPV is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, and condoms do not protect the entire male package.

An IUD is more than 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. They are becoming more popular because they are safe, effective, and do not rely on the user.

5. How can I 100% guarantee that I will get pregnant? 

While there are some factors that you cannot change when it comes to fertility, such as your age or a preexisting condition that may make conception more difficult, your doctor can advise you on lifestyle habits that can increase your chances of pregnancy, such as eating well and not smoking.

There are tests available to help women determine their fertility status and their options for assisted reproduction. Today's woman is well-equipped to visit a gynecologist or endocrinologist's office and request a reproductive check-up, as well as a blood test or ultrasound.