The Importance of Annual GYN Checkups

Ah, the Annual Checkup. Probably one of my least favorite things to do. Right between cutting my left arm off and going on Fear Factor to eat some donkey privates. Yeah- I dread it that much. I've come to realize that I have a "white jacket" phobia of sorts. Every visit starts the same way. I'm panicked in the morning before I go, so I usually don't eat anything. I procrastinate until the last minute and then I'm running really late. Of course I hit every traffic light and end up stuck behind some Driver's Ed student. By the time I get to the office, I'm sweating, aggravated and a little light headed from not eating. Not the best state of mind, I'd say. The nurse calls me in and tells me to take my clothes off. Oh, ok. No problem. I'll just get naked and read a newspaper. Nothing weird about that. Forgot those stirrups at the end of the table. I won't even look that way. When the doctor comes in and sits down, game over. I always find myself scooting WAY the heck up and away if he even glances in my direction. Pretty embarrassing at the third "You need to scoot back down here please!" During the actual checkup, I end up hyperventilating, seeing stars and have to close my eyes for a good 5 minutes before I can sit up. Total wimp. I know. After the checkup is over, I always realize 3 things. 1. It didn't hurt. 2. It went by super fast. 3. The doctor was great. So, what's my problem?! Obviously it's all in my head and I need to pull it together, man! I decided to ask a specialist if I was the only person on Planet Freak Out and seek advice for making my next visit (and yours!) less traumatic.

I met with Dr. Joseph S. Ferroni, a board-certified Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and was surprised to learn how many women out there have similar quirks. "There are people that I see who haven't had an annual checkup or a doctor's visit in 10, 15 or 20 years. You ask them why and they just hate coming. But they know they should. Many patients have a "white coat" type phobia with gynecology. But annual checkups are extremely important. In a woman who is in child bearing years, it's important to make sure that her cycles are normal. It's important to be sure she doesn't have some sort of an infection or an STD. Women need to get a pap smear regularly b/c there are so many preventable, treatable things that if caught early… you can alleviate problems later on. As women age, it becomes even more important b/c of things like breast cancer, uterine cancer and ovarian cancer. When women come in here to see me, they are also getting their blood pressure checked, a weight check, a slip to go get a mammogram, a pap smear. So, it's very important at every stage in life for the annual checkup."

Dr. Ferroni admits he's even had patients come in who've been drinking or have taken an anti-anxiety pill. Apparently the population on Plant Freak Out is heavily populated, but annual checkups are a MUST. So, how do we get rid of our fear and move forward?

Dr. Ferroni offers up 5 TIPS TO RELAX:

1. Talk about it! Find a doctor who you can talk to about your phobia. You should have a good relationship with your doctor and if you don't feel comfortable discussing your feelings… find another doctor.
2. A lot of offices have nurse practitioners or physician assistants, who are less threatening to the patient. Very often women feel more comfortable talking to someone who doesn't have that title "doctor."
3. Self relaxation techniques -deep breathing, thinking happy thoughts.
4. Don't stress yourself out before the appointment. Ex: Cut the time so close that you're rushing all the way to the doctor. If you're anxious to begin with, don't add to that anxiety by pushing the envelope and having to speed in order to get to the doctor's office.
5. Eat something that has a calming effect. In the morning, a light breakfast with some warm tea or warm milk. If it's an afternoon appointment, go after lunch. Sometimes after you eat, you get a little sleepy and you are calmer that way.

COMMON GYNECOLOGICAL PROBLEMS FOR WOMEN
IN THEIR 20-40's

1. Irregularities with the menstrual cycle
2. Abnormal pap smear, which may or may not be due to an STD
3. Growths, ovarian cysts, etc.

PREVENTION

1. Diet and exercise. Obesity is the leading health problem confronting women today. It's never too early to start thinking about things like watching your cholesterol and your fat intake. It's never too early to make sure you're getting enough aerobic exercise. 30 minutes, 3 times a week at a minimum. Make sure it is good, challenging exercise.
2. Watch your caffeine. A lot of times caffeine can lead to cystic and sore breasts. Sources of caffeine to keep an eye out for are coffee, sodas, tea and chocolate.
3. Prevention of STD's. Always use a condom and be very careful about partner selection. It's important not only to get yourself checked, but HIM as well.
4. Birth control pills help with irregularity of periods. Women can go on birth control pills and it doesn't have to be for a long period of time. A 3 to 6 month course of the pill can regulate their cycles. There are dozens of brands of birth control pills. Common side effects include: acne, headaches, breast tenderness or moodiness. It's important for the woman to let the doctor know what the specific symptom is and this way the doctor can pick the right pill.