There is a concerning amount of misinformation on the internet, but it’s impossible to speak directly to an OB/Gyn to answer every question. We’ve answered some of the most common questions we hear from patients to save you an appointment (or a Google search). To learn more about preventative care or pre-appointment preparation, keep reading!

What types of birth control are available? 

In our day and age, there’s a wide variety of temporary birth control options available to most individuals. Ready to meet with your OB/Gyn to start? Here are some of the most popular options to consider beforehand: 

  • Condoms: Though condoms are the easiest to find in any gas station or supermarket, and are great for one-time use, they aren’t foolproof. Condoms are a type of barrier contraceptive and are only effective if they remain intact throughout intercourse and are properly disposed of. Male condoms are most commonly used and are 98% effective, but there are also female condoms available. Condoms are a great option for anyone looking for a low-commitment option with zero side effects. 
  • The Pill: When taken correctly, the hormonal birth control pill can be up to 99.99% effective. But if the pill is not taken around the same time every day, it could allow pregnancy to occur, causing it to be 91% effective on average. This method can also cause side effects, though there are many different brands and types that may work differently for each individual. To learn more about the side effects of hormonal birth control, check out our other blog post.
  • IUD: Looking for a low-maintenance option? IUDs are over 99% effective once inserted and last for years. There is even a copper IUD option that does not involve releasing new hormones into your system. IUDs are not right for everyone but are incredibly effective and dependable.
  • Implant: Hormonal implants are often used for long-term birth control and, similarly to the IUD, can often be inserted and forgotten about. This option is low-maintenance, simple to insert, and is 99% effective for up to 3 years. 

Now that you’ve seen some of the options, are you ready to try one of these methods? There are other options available such as fertility awareness methods, emergency contraception, contraceptive gel, contraceptive patch, contraceptive ring, contraceptive injection, permanent contraception, and other barrier methods such as the diaphragm, spermicide, and sponge. Contact us today and schedule an appointment with a provider at one of our locations to discuss your options.

When should I schedule my first gynecologist appointment? 

A first gynecologic visit can start as early as age 13 to 15. On occasion, an earlier visit is needed. It is reasonable to start at a later age if a woman is not sexually active and not having any gynecologic concerns. Once a woman begins having sex, we recommend scheduling a visit to the OB/Gyn to get tested for STDs and, depending on age, get screened for cervical cancer. Care should not be delayed indefinitely and should be started by age 21, even if a woman has never been sexually active.

Younger women who aren’t sexually active may want to visit the OB/Gyn if they’re having difficult periods, including severe cramps and/or excessive bleeding. If this is the case, your doctor can provide treatment methods that aren’t available over the counter, or may be able to identify any underlying issues that could be causing these symptoms. 

We recommend building a relationship with your OB/Gyn and sticking with a doctor you trust as long as it’s feasible. Building this trust with your OB/Gyn is crucial for young women who may have questions that aren’t easily answered by parents or the internet.

To learn what to expect from your first gynecologist appointment, read our blog post today.

How often should you have a pap smear? 

Once a woman is age 21 and above, we recommend scheduling an appointment for a pap smear to screen for cervical cancer. Before OB/Gyns began performing regular screenings, cervical cancer was the number one type of lethal cancer that affected women in America. 

Catching precancerous tissue early on in development has led to a significant decrease in deaths caused by cervical cancer, and regular pap smears have saved hundreds of thousands of lives. 

Keeping that in mind, we recommend that women get a pap smear test every three to five years, unless your doctor finds a cause for concern that would instigate more frequent testing. 

Schedule an appointment with one of our providers to get tested and protect your future health by calling our office 203-562-5181. 

How to prevent a urinary tract infection? 

Urinary tract infections (UTI) can be incredibly painful and may even cause long term damage if not treated. Female bodies are more prone to develop UTIs and should take preventative methods to keep their systems healthy. Here are a few ways to protect your body from infection: 

  1. Stay hydrated: though it’s important to drink enough water to keep all of your bodily functions healthy, it can be especially effective in flushing out bacteria and preventing UTIs.
  2. Always urinate after intercourse: potentially harmful bacteria lingers after sex and should be flushed our by urinating soon after having intercourse.
  3. Avoid potentially irritating feminine products: using feminine products such as deodorants, douches, powders, and other substances can upset the balance of good bacteria and irritate your urethra. We recommend only using water and a small amount of unscented soap in the shower to clean.

Are you concerned you may have contracted a UTI? If you’re experiencing pain while urinating, schedule an appointment at one of our locations to speak to a provider about a possible diagnosis and treatment plan. 

If you have a question we haven’t answered, or would like to learn more about our services, contact us at 203-562-5181 and schedule an appointment to speak one-on-one with a provider. 

Sources: 

https://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/default.htm

https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/your-first-gynecologic-visit

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/screening.htm

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447