Being Savvy in the Stirrups

Do you ever leave your GYN's office feeling more confused about your reproductive health than when you went in? Or that you had questions to ask or observations to make but couldn't get a word in edgewise?Well, join the club. It seems that this is a common experience, and not just with GYNs. Studies have shown that when a patient starts talking, it takes doctors an average of only 11 seconds before they interrupt. 11 seconds! That's barely enough time to say, "Doctor, I have a question..."While we're not dissing all doctors (there are many good ones out there!), it does seem like many of them could use a course in active listening (or basic bedside manners).But of all doctors, it seems that GYN visits are the most difficult for making our needs known. After all, we're hardly in a position to feel empowered - on our backs with our legs wide and feet in the stirrups. It's difficult to speak up in this vulnerable pose, even with a doctor who's willing to listen.Savvy suggestionsSo how do we get the information we need from our doctors? It all comes back to us - we are our own best advocates. As women, we have a long legacy of being disempowered and disenfranchised - especially with authority figures. But guess what? Nobody - even a doctor - knows YOUR BODY better than YOU.* It's important to remember that your GYN appointment is YOURS. For that hour, half-hour, or even 15 minutes, the doctor is on your time. This session is all about YOU, baby!* Come prepared with a list of questions and concerns. Be sure to write them down! That way you won't forget them, even if you start feeling nervous or unsure. And if you don't know what sorts of questions to ask, call us right away at 212-581-0001, or email us at info@laughingsagewellness.com - we'll help you formulate your questions based on your current health concerns.* Ask your questions and make your needs known BEFORE you get on the table. Once you're in the stirrups, you're less likely to push a matter if your doctor is inattentive or in disagreement. Also, your doctor will have less attention to spare for conversation, once focused on the ins and outs of your pelvic exam (pun intended).* Write down your doctor's answers to your questions - by the time you've made it out of their office and moved on with your day, you're less likely to clearly remember what was said. This gives you a starting place should you need to look up any more information on your own.* If your doctor seems unwilling to discuss your concerns or answer your questions, don't be afraid to stand your ground. State calmly but clearly that you intend to understand what is happening in your own body, and would like his or her cooperation - and the sooner your questions are answered, the sooner he or she can complete your exam and move on to the next patient!* And if after all of that, you still find your experience unsatisfying, don't be afraid to move on! There are lots and lots of GYNs out there - and your health is far too important to not find the very best doctor for YOU.In the end, it turns out that women are the best primary care physicians for themselves. Learn to listen to your body, and to trust your intuition. Then you will be able to make the best decisions for yourself, while allowing your doctors and other health care practitioners to act as your partners (rather than your authority figures) on your path to vibrant health and wellness.Share your storiesShare your tales of pelvic exam empowerment in our comments section below. Here you can share your experiences and ask questions, and an LSW Counselor will respond!Laughing Sage Wellness is committed to helping women become their own best experts on their bodies and their health. After all, who knows you better than YOU?