6 Things Your Gynecologist Should Never Do

Many women get stomach aches at the thought of the upcoming medical check-up at the gynaecologist. But you do not have to put up with these things at the appointment!

Once or twice a year, every woman should have a check-up with her gynaecologist in her diary. However, many find this rather unpleasant – after all, you feel a bit left out when the gynaecologist examines the most intimate parts of your body. The thought that as a patient you don’t have to put up with everything can be reassuring. Your gynaecologist should never do these six things – if he does, you should urgently look for a new one!

1. He should never judge you

Unfortunately, it cannot be avoided that you may be asked very personal questions at the gynaecologist – such as whether you currently have a partner. Nobody wants to offend you – the doctor simply wants to find out whether you need to be examined for pregnancy or venereal disease. A good gynaecologist only has your health in mind. In addition, he should never make you feel that you should be ashamed of the answers to his questions.

And you also don’t have to put up with him making strange comments about your explanations. If you’re uncomfortable with that, you’d better get yourself a new doctor.

2. He should never project his personal views on you

It should be completely irrelevant whether your doctor is personally opposed to premarital sex, for example – he is obliged to give you comprehensive advice to the best of his medical knowledge and conscience. If you feel that he wants to push you to make a certain decision or direction, you have every right to terminate the appointment. Your body belongs to you and you are the one who makes the decisions!

3. He should never test you for anything without your knowledge

Openness is essential for a trusting relationship with your gynaecologist. Therefore, it should be self-evident that your doctor will explain all examinations and possible tests to you. If, for example, you suspect that you have an STD such as Chlamydia, you should be given as many details about how to proceed with the treatment as you want – and have the good feeling that you can always ask if something is still unclear.

What doesn’t work at all is that the doctor doesn’t share his suspicion of a disease with you and has the appropriate test done without your knowledge. In such a case you should immediately change gynaecologists!

4. He should never say anything that makes you feel uncomfortable in your body

The skull tattoo on the right hip may have been a youthful sin – but it is not for your doctor to comment on it. Also, he may only comment on your weight if it is medically necessary – and he should do so carefully. After all, many women are already insecure enough, thanks to the advertising, Instagram and the like, especially about their bodies.

5. He should never do anything without explaining it sufficiently

“Well, it’s about to get a little cold” is a typical sentence you hear when you get ultrasound gel spread on your stomach, for example. And that is right and important: At every check-up, the patient should be told what to expect and what the doctor has in mind.

In addition: It is clear that it will be unpleasant if he palpates the vagina from the inside – but it should not hurt. So don’t be afraid to tell the gynaecologist if you are in pain or feel extremely uncomfortable.

6. He should never betray your trust

In the USA, medical confidentiality is obligatory – this means that the doctor may not talk about the things you have entrusted to him without your consent. Of course, there are exceptions, for example if there is a guardian or caregiver. In principle, however, you should be able to assume that your secrets are safe with your gynaecologist – and not become the small talk topic of the doctor’s assistant in the tea kitchen.