Patients need to be honest with their doctors about their sexual history and practices, including precautions they've taken on a consistent basis. It's best to tell your gynecologist everything - even something that you may think is unimportant can be relevant to your doctor. It's best to let your doctor decide, since one misstep can follow you for the rest of your life if it remains hidden.
There are four main areas that women should address with their physician when they enter into a new relationship:
- Annual Gynecological exam and discussion of sexual activity/history: While you should have an annual gynecological exam that includes a discussion of sexual activity/practices, this is especially important prior to involving a new partner. However, the VWHC survey found that 53 percent of women report that they were not asked about their sexual activity as part of their gynecologist/doctor's appointment. Women need to be proactive regarding their feminine health, and sexuality is so much a part of that. Bottom line is that if you doctor doesn't ask, you must bring up issues or questions you may have. This is true regardless of your age since many women are sexually active throughout their lives.
If you discuss your questions or symptoms, a gynecologist can tailor your exam appropriately. A regular "check-up" may not have any specific testing unless you ask. If you do have an infection, your doctor will be able to supply you with a prescription to treat the infection, in most cases. If you have an infection that is causing vaginal itching and irritation, you can treat the itch with Vagisil® Anti-itch Crème or the new Vagisil Anti-itch Medicated Wipes for a day or two, while the medication is taking effect.
- STD Testing
: Just because you don't feel any different doesn't mean that you don't have a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Many STDs, including chlamydia, which is on the rise among young women, are frequently asymptomatic in the early stages. However, most STDs can be treated effectively in the early stages, before they do permanent damage. Many women are unaware that they may have been exposed to an STD, as all it takes is one partner. Many are simply unaware of the several STDs that are not only common, but can wreak serious damage on not only their reproductive, but overall health. An example is the human papillomavirus (HPV), which we now know is the cause of most cervical cancer. Women who are entering a new relationship should ask their doctor to perform a series of STD tests, which now includes a new blood test that checks for the herpes virus. - Contraception Consultation: If you don't plan on having children in the immediate future, discuss birth control options with your doctor. There are a number of new options now available, from barrier methods to hormones and new intrauterine devices or IUDs. Discuss the option that is right for you and your lifestyle with your doctor. For couples planning to get pregnant right away or in the near future, discuss steps to get your body prepared, such as vitamins and exercise.
- Genetic Screening/Testing: Genetic screening or testing is sometimes recommended for some couples who may have a family history of certain genetic diseases and are contemplating having children. Health professionals can determine if testing should be done.
Elizabeth Gunther Stewart, MD is a Board Certified Gynecologist and Fellow of the American College of Gynecologists FACOG. She is also Director of the Stewart-Forbes Vulvovaginal Specialty Service and author of The V Book - A Doctor's Guide to Complete Vulvovaginal Health.
