18 Questions You May Be Too Embarrassed to Ask Your Gynecologist

Gynecologists answer all the embarrassing questions about sexual health, from body odor to bladder problems—that you may be too afraid to ask.

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Embarrassing questions to ask your gynecologist

A visit to the gynecologist is a necessary part of life for most women, but it can be a challenge—and maybe a little awkward—to ask questions and talk frankly about your vaginal health. For example, your mind may be riddled with questions like “Is this discharge color normal?” or “Why do I feel pain during sex?”

Rest assured; these questions are completely normal. Your doctor has likely heard them before, and you shouldn’t feel embarrassed to ask.

So, for those who are a bit shy, we spoke with gynecologists who answer the most common questions many women are afraid to ask them.

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Vulvas vary, and that’s perfectly normal

“Women often come in asking whether they are ‘normal’—are their labia too big, too small, crooked, or different? Women do not understand the large anatomical variation in our bodies, beyond weight, eye color, and hair color. Our genitalia are no different, and there is no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ or abnormal. This has given rise to a number of cosmetic surgical practices that ignore the normal variation and try to create the illusion of an ideal anatomy. I will even share “The Great Wall of Vagina,” a website that shows pictures of many different vaginas so women can understand variation is normal.” —Jeanne A. Conry, MD, PhD, President and CEO of the Environmental Health Leadership Foundation

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The truth about sensitive nipples

“There are thousands of nerve endings in the nipple. Many women find they can be more sensitive just before their period starts, but some women just have ultra sensitive nipples all the time. Either way is completely normal and not a sign anything is wrong.” —Allison Hill, MD, ob-gyn at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles and co-author of  The Mommy Docs’ Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy and Birth.

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Why you leak pee when you sneeze or exercise

It’s important to disclose all important health information to your doctor, even when they involve answering embarrassing questions. “No, urinary incontinence is not normal. Although not usually a serious condition, it can significantly affect your quality of life. The most common reasons include an overactive bladder and anatomical changes that are correctable with minor surgery or use of a pessary.” —Gerardo Bustillo, MD, ob-gyn at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California

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Painful sex

Questions about sex are automatically categorized as embarrassing questions, but talking about your sexual history with your gynecologist will help you have better sexual health and experiences. “Sex is not supposed to hurt at all. But if you experience pain, both physical and emotional factors may play a role. For example, an infection can cause inflammation of your vaginal tissues or dryness resulting in painful intercourse. But it’s also important to understand if the patient is aroused enough. Are they comfortable? Using lube during sex can be very helpful.” —Octavia Cannon, DO, of Arboretum Obstetrics and Gynecology, LLC, in Charlotte, North Carolina

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Messy periods

“Use a menstrual cup (you can leave it in during sex) and place a towel underneath you to help make the process less bloody!” —Sherry Ross, MD, ob/gyn, Santa Monica, California. These are the 8 period problems you should never ignore.

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Vaginal discharge

“Women are especially embarrassed to ask about vaginal discharge because they think it means they have bad hygiene—but it doesn’t! Many things can influence the color, consistency, and smell of your discharge including sexual activity; bowel and bladder habits; use of topical creams, lubricants, or moisturizers; use of condoms; recent antibiotics; soaps or powders; and the time of the month. Most discharge is completely normal and not a sign of disease, infection, or cancer. And abnormal discharge is rarely serious or difficult to treat, so you shouldn’t be afraid to discuss it with your doctor.” —Diana Bitner, MD, of Spectrum Health Medical Group, Women’s Health Network, Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Bad mood or PMS?

“Many women experience mood changes during the week before the menstrual cycle. But when the mood changes become so pronounced that she cannot work or go to school, or if her moods are adversely affecting her personal relationships, this is considered outside the normal range and something should be done. There a number of strategies for addressing this problem, including natural ways to overcome depression and medications.” —Dr. Hill

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Masturbation habits

“The good news is that you cannot over masturbate, unless it starts to disrupt your daily life and responsibilities.” —Dr. Ross. You also can’t have too much sex. (Here’s what therapists want you to know about compulsive masturbation.)

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Orgasm and getting pregnant

“Orgasm is not necessary to conceive. The pumping action of uterine and vaginal contractions associated with orgasm might help the sperm out a bit, but sperm are quite good at propelling themselves where they need to be on their own.” —Philip Chenette, MD, reproductive endocrinologist from Pacific Fertility Center, San Francisco. (Check out these unexpected sex health benefits.)

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Not wanting kids

This shouldn’t even be considered an embarrassing question. “Parenting is one of the most important jobs on the planet; however, it is not for everyone. This is such an important decision, and it’s not anyone’s place to judge your personal choices. Everyone has a different pathway in life. You can still be the best auntie ever. I know that I am the awesome auntie of nine fabulous kids!” —Dr. Cannon

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Need a vibrator to orgasm

“For many women, having an orgasm with a vibrator is a no-brainer, and there is not much work involved. It’s important to communicate what you like in bed and what gets you excited in order to be able to have a sexually satisfying relationship with your partner.” —Dr. Ross. (Here are the health myths gynecologists hear from patients.)

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Sex toys

“When used during consensual love-making, sex toys can enhance the experience. Experimentation can be stimulating and by no means signifies that you are perverted. Of course, the toys should be clean and not potentially dangerous. It is also very important to remove any toys from the vagina after sex. In general, toys inside the anal canal are potentially dangerous, as they can damage the bowel and cause serious complications.” —Dr. Bustillo. Here are some affordable sex toys worth trying.

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Smelling funny down there

“A healthy and clean vagina has a certain natural scent and taste that should not be unpleasant. If you or your partner notice an offensive, fishy, yeasty, or foul odor, see your gynecologist to rule out an infection. Your diet, including garlic, onions, Brussels sprouts, and red meat, can also create a different odor in the vagina. Smoking, alcohol, and caffeine also affect the vagina’s smell and taste.” —Dr. Ross

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Sex later in life

Don’t consider this an embarrassing question—your doctor is here to help. “It may feel differently than it used to. Vaginal dryness during sex often results from the effect of insufficient estrogen on the vaginal wall and is quite common in menopause. There are a variety of potential treatments, including lubricants, local estrogen treatment to the vagina (in the form of creams, vaginal pills, or a vaginal estrogen ring), and an oral estrogen pill which targets primarily the vaginal lining, while not stimulating other tissues such as the breasts.” —Dr. Bustillo. Here’s how sex may help slow aging.

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Lower libido

“As women age, libido may normally diminish. This may not cause a problem in the relationship, if the woman’s partner has a decreased libido as well. If the woman’s partner continues to have a strong sex drive, this may cause tension—in this situation, communication between the partners is key. Discussing this with the gynecologist may offer some solutions.” —Dr. Bustillo

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Bladder problems

“The average women waits between five to seven years to tell her health care provider about sensitive bladder issues because they’re so embarrassed or scared. But most treatment today does not require surgery, though that was the case 20 years ago. Today, there are a variety on non-invasive approaches and even over-the-counter treatments that can be obtained. Medications are a second line of treatment, and if surgery is needed, the procedures are minimally invasive in many instances and done as an out patient.” —Mache Seibel, MD, ob/gyn, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, and author of The Estrogen Window.

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No interest in sex

“The most common sexual problem for women is loss of sexual desire, but it’s one they are often most reluctant to bring up. They are usually otherwise happy with their relationship and have no health issues or psychiatric problems that would be an obvious cause, and so they are scared because if they don’t know what is causing the problem, then they are clueless about how to fix it. Women want to ‘want’—they want their desire back and talking to your doctor is the best thing you can do. Don’t suffer in silence—we have many options to help you.”  —Sheryl A. Kingsberg, PhD, division chief, ob-gyn Behavioral Medicine at University Hospitals Case Medical Center and professor of reproductive biology and psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

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Getting pregnant during your period

“If you have a short interval between each period, meaning you ovulate early in the cycle, you can get pregnant. For example, sperm lives for three days so if you have sex on day six of your period and ovulate on day nine, you could get pregnant.” —Dr. Ross. Don’t miss these 13 things your vagina wants to tell you.

Sources
  • Jeanne A. Conry, MD, PhD, President and CEO of the Environmental Health Leadership Foundation
  • Allison Hill, MD, ob-gyn at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles and co-author of  The Mommy Docs’ Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy and Birth
  • Gerardo Bustillo, MD, ob-gyn at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California
  • Octavia Cannon, DO, of Arboretum Obstetrics and Gynecology, LLC, in Charlotte, North Carolina
  • Sherry Ross, MD, ob/gyn, Santa Monica, California
  • Diana Bitner, MD, of Spectrum Health Medical Group, Women’s Health Network, Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • Philip Chenette, MD, reproductive endocrinologist from Pacific Fertility Center, San Francisco
  • Mache Seibel, MD, ob/gyn, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, and author of The Estrogen Window
  • Sheryl A. Kingsberg, PhD, division chief, ob-gyn Behavioral Medicine at University Hospitals Case Medical Center and professor of reproductive biology and psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

Charlotte Hilton Andersen
Charlotte Hilton Andersen, MS, is an award-winning journalist, author, and ghostwriter who for nearly two decades has covered health, fitness, parenting, relationships, and other wellness and lifestyle topics for major outlets, including Reader’s Digest, O, The Oprah Magazine, Women’s Health, and many more. Charlotte has made appearances with television news outlets such as CBS, NBC, and FOX. She is a certified group fitness instructor in Denver, where she lives with her husband and their five children.