How to Talk Comfortably with Your Doctor

Medically reviewed by Sophia Yen, MD, MPH – Written by Pandia Health Editorial Team

There are times when everyone feels shy about their bodies and the concerns that come with knowing what is healthy versus unhealthy. Our bodies and health are extremely complex and sometimes it’s hard to know what is normal for our individual standards. If we suspect that something is wrong with ourselves we tend to turn to Google first before scheduling an appointment, especially when the concern is related to something we might feel self-conscious talking about.

We’d like to think we know the basics of our body but there’s always something new to learn; at Pandia Health, our CEO and Co-Founder, Dr. Sophia Yen, covers TMI questions you might be too afraid to ask your doctor so be sure to check it out- know before you go as they say!

Although you know your body best, there are some instances where it’s best to seek an in-person appointment for best results. Going to the doctor’s can be scary, especially when you need to ask them something you find embarrassing or awkward. Fear not, in this blog we will provide tips on how to approach your doctor more confidently!

Before we get started, there’s one thing you don’t have to do in person — pick up your birth control! #SkipTheTrip to the pharmacy and have Pandia Health deliver your birth control for FREE! It’s time to join the brand that people with uteri trust most for their birth control delivery 🙂

Now, let’s begin to work on opening ourselves up to our doctors so we can approach those in-person appointments with confidence!

Doctors are Trained Professionals 

Ever had a leakage during your period or another medical issue in school and had to go to the nurse’s office? The chances of the nurse being medically trained isn’t as high as we expect them to be; and, because they aren’t, we feel as if we can’t fully ask them the questions we really want to ask. This won’t be the case when you see a doctor who has had years of training and experience helping their patients.

Remember, doctors see a wide spectrum of medical instances that they know are often normal (or at least non-fatal) for people to experience. When a doctor is working with a patient, they should be non-judgemental because they know that the body works in ways that may seem abnormal to us. Concerns that may seem “gross” to us are what doctors see as another natural occurrence people will experience in their life.

For example, issues like a urinary tract infection, chlamydia, or rashes on our private areas may seem embarrassing for us to mention. However, these are common medical issues doctors see quite often. They may sound scary at first, but if you see a doctor right away and tell them the problem honestly, they are able to help prescribe medication to get rid of the issue quickly.

Choosing a Female Doctor

Now that you know that the best doctors out there are professionals and non-judgemental, let’s talk about finding the right doctor for you. Not every doctor will click with you, as there has to be some sort of bond between the two of you that will allow you to open up. As a female, it makes more sense to have a female doctor as she is more likely to understand the female body better. Having a female doctor will reassure you and help ease the awkwardness of asking questions regarding private areas or anything more exclusive to what people with female anatomy tend to experience. 

Be Honest and Brave

The best way a doctor can help you is if you are both as honest as possible. As mentioned earlier, they are trained professionals who must abide by confidentiality standards as well. No matter your age, you should answer their questions honestly and clearly; it’s easy to feel the need to lie if you are having sex at a younger age in fear that your doctor will be disappointed. But, by being truthful, you are building a trusting relationship between the two of you so you can move forward more confidently with future appointments.

Hiding the truth will only prohibit you from being comfortable at the doctor’s and could actually hinder proper results. It can be hard answering the truth, but just know that it’s in all good health and that your doctor will be glad to know that you can trust them to help you.

Now, putting trust in your doctor is great, but it doesn’t mean you have to agree with everything they suggest. Never feel pressured into taking medicine or vaccines that you don’t feel is necessary to take at the moment; if anything, it never hurts to get a second or third opinion on the matter. If you feel like you need more testing on the issue you’re visiting for, don’t hesitate to ask them to see if you can get it done the same day so you don’t have to revisit. There’s no harm in extending your visit to ensure that your results are accurate.

Pandia Health is Here For You

Don’t forget that Pandia Health is always here for you too; as a female-led, female-founded and doctor-led company, we strive to build a trusting relationship with our users. Our mission is not only to make birth control accessible and affordable for everyone, but to spread knowledge about women’s health, reproductive justice, and body positivity!

Check out our resources to learn more about your body that you may forget or be scared to ask your doctor about! There are many questions answered on our FAQ page about birth control and how it may affect your body, among other reproductive health related questions. When you’re ready, sign up to join the Pandia community and get access to our expert doctors who can help you choose the birth control that is best for you! If you wish to find out more about reproductive health and female empowerment content, check out our YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook! 

Disclaimer: The above information is for general informational purposes only and is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor/primary care provider before starting or changing treatment.