What really goes through a woman’s mind when she is in the gynecologist's office? Women's health can be a sensitive subject, but it shouldn't be. Women need to get comfortable asking questions and being honest about revealing information on something that most women find to be embarrassing without being uncomfortable. Holding back asking the right questions only hurts women.
A recent survey called Sentiments from the Stirrups explores women’s actual thoughts and feelings about their GYN exam uncovered several universal truths they experience before, during and after these important visits with a healthcare provider. The survey had some interesting fingings.
Nearly 70 percent of women spend more time bathing/showering before their GYN exam – an average of 7 minutes more than usual
80 percent of women prefer to wear “granny panties” rather than lingerie to their GYN exam
4 in 5 women keep their socks on while in the stirrups
1 in 4 women would rather discuss their favorite TV show than the tests they receive at their GYN exam
A problem is that even if women go to the doctor, they are often afraid to speak up and worry more about the state of their unshaved legs than what they really should be asking, including which tests they should take to avoid cervical cancer and what they are afraid to ask about their sex lives.
Melanie Notkin is the national bestselling author of Savvy Auntie: The Ultimate Guide for Cool Aunts, Great Aunts, Godmothers, and All Women Who Love Kids. In 2009, she established Auntie's Day the first annual day to celebrate and honor aunts. Her 2014 memoir, Otherhood: Modern Women Finding a New Kind of Happiness.
Dr. Aimee Chism Holland is an expert on women’s health. She serves as an assistant professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing. She is a women's health nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner. Her main areas of scholarship and research interests with an emphasis on gynecological cancer prevention, menstrual disorders and office gynecology procedures. She serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH) and was recently elected to the Chair-elect position.
Melanie Notkin and Dr. Aimee Chism Holland spoke with TheCelebrityCafe.com about the questions women should ask their doctors, what tests are important to screen for cervical cancer, funny musings from Sentiments from the Stirrups and talking about the upcoming Auntie’s Day.