How to Overcome Your OBGYN Appointment Anxiety

Visiting your gynecologist’s office might be nerve-wracking if you dislike physicians or the thought of someone scrutinizing your private parts. In fact, a significant proportion of women between 18- and 71 years report anxiety upon visiting their OBGYN clinic. If you are anxious about your yearly OBGYN exam, this post is for you! Dr. David Foulk outlines some tips for calming your anxieties before meeting with your OBGYN. Read on to learn more.

Educate Yourself

If you are concerned about the specifics of what occurs throughout an annual OBGYN checkup, educate yourself. Before your appointment, familiarize yourself with your doctor’s office and practice. Visit the clinic’s website to learn about their history and review the biography of the individual who will do your yearly test. Besides, visiting the clinic beforehand ensures you learn the route to take to avoid delays during your scheduled appointment time.

Additionally, do not be scared to undertake a self-examination so that you can become accustomed to what the physicians will do. Regardless of how insignificant you believe something is, if doing it would provide you with peace of mind, it is worthwhile to do it.

Rehearse Your Speech

Just as preparing a public speech before delivering is helpful, it is good to rehearse what you need to say to your gynecologist. If you have particular concerns, pen them down and practice how you will question your doctor about them.

If you prepare in advance, you will probably communicate well throughout this crucial assessment. Thus, you are less likely to miss to say something or depart the clinic unsatisfied. Furthermore, inform your OBGYN about your anxiety as they can help you calm your nerves.

Focus On Psychological Confidence

Spending time on yourself and your mental health is vital and appropriate, particularly if it interferes with your physical health. You may utilize several helpful methods to feel more confident and calmer. Perform a calming yoga sequence the night before, and you will sleep more soundly. Focus primarily on deep breathing while you engage in meditation and introspection several hours prior.

If you want to enhance your morale, perform postures in front of the bathroom mirror while standing. Alternatively, you could share your concerns with friends or take time to note them in your diary before your meeting. Do whatever is most effective for you.

Seek Professional Help

All anxiety and fear are justified, but sometimes they stem from something you cannot conquer by yourself. If you need assistance dealing with prior trauma or other challenges, there is no shame in seeking out a professional for assistance. Particularly when you realize that about 20% of women in the U.S. encounter mental health concerns, understand you are not alone, and there is somebody who can help. Find a psychiatrist in your neighborhood and meet with them before your scheduled meeting.

Additionally, consider why you are anxious regarding your yearly test. Is it simply natural nervousness, or do you dislike the clinic and gynecologist you meet? If so, consider switching to another clinic or changing your OBGYN.

Your OBGYN appointment does not have to be unsettling. At Marion Ob/Gyn Inc., Dr. David W. Foulk and his expert staff are delighted to assist you with any concerns on how to overcome anxiety before seeing your OBGYN. Schedule an initial consultation today through mobile or request online.