Every once in a while, there’s a question that even the most outgoing of individuals find uncomfortable discussing with a gynecologist. While it’s normal to feel that way out of fear of judgment, most gynecologists will tell you that these topics come up regularly and are vital to ensure that you are in good reproductive and vaginal health. Here are some of the most frequently asked “uncomfortable” questions at the gynecologist’s office: Should I groom my pubic hair before my visit? If it’s your first time visiting a gynecologist, or you’re meeting a new one, it can be a very intimidating experience and cause you to ponder whether you need to groom your pubic hair in advance. Instead of thinking of what gynecologists think about your grooming practices, it is best to go as you are as long as you feel comfortable and clean. Does everything look normal? Oftentimes, you end up thinking about how your vulva looks and how it compares to others. This is completely normal, but it is vital to remember that vulvas come in various shapes and sizes and look different for everyone. If you notice abnormal growth or abrupt changes, it may be advisable to talk about them with your gynecologist.

Nobody likes talking openly about bodily functions, especially when it comes to digestion and excretion. This is why, most people struggle to discuss issues like constipation and excessive flatulence, even with close relatives. Fortunately, a gastroenterologist’s cabin is a safe space where the healthcare expert can resolve all potentially embarrassing queries without a hint of judgment. Here are some of the most so-called embarrassing questions one can freely ask their gastroenterologist without holding back. Do I have constipation? Constipation is a very specific health issue involving hard and lumpy stools that are incredibly challenging to eject from the body. Also, someone with constipation will constantly feel that they have not evacuated their feces completely, which leads to a perpetual urge to visit the restroom for a quick pooping session. A gastroenterologist can differentiate between this and other common conditions like gas, bloating, cramps, and others in which people have less-than-smooth bowel movements or do not feel like defecating even after multiple days without doing so. Do I need a colonoscopy? Constipation is a common issue across the country. People with issues such as chronic idiopathic constipation often believe that colonoscopy is the only solution to resolve it. An experienced gastroenterologist decides whether someone needs a colonoscopy based on 4 factors:

Bone health is a crucial part of maintaining the overall health and quality of the body. It helps keep the body upright, provides support and structure, and protects all the organs inside. There are some ways to keep bones healthy and prevent damage. This includes various tips like exercising, eating the right foods, following a healthy lifestyle, and more. Let’s explore these points to understand how to improve bone health. Eat more calcium 99% of the calcium in the body is found in the bones and teeth, and every day there is a loss of calcium through processes like sweating, urine, feces, hair, nail growth, and skin. Since the body cannot produce calcium, it must be consumed outside. Always include calcium-rich foods such as milk, yogurt, and cheese in your meals daily. Powdered milk is available, which can be added to your morning cup of coffee or tea. If you are deficient in calcium, doctors may suggest taking calcium supplements which can help you improve bone health. More Vitamin D This is an essential vitamin in the body concerning calcium because if you are deficient in vitamin D, no amount of external calcium consumption will be helpful. Vitamin D helps the body to absorb the calcium eaten by you.

Leukemia is a form of cancer affecting the lymphatic system and the bone marrow – the tissue responsible for producing red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets that support and promote immunity. Leukemia starts in the bone marrow and can quickly spread to other organs. Cancer compromises immunity, making it hard for the body to fight infections. Here’s a brief overview of leukemia, its causes, warning signs, and how to manage it. Risk factors and causes Leukemia develops slowly and progresses gradually, triggered by several risk factors. Repeated exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation during radiation therapy for treating other underlying health conditions Chemotherapy Exposure to strong petrochemical fumes The risk is higher for people who have immediate relatives with leukemia. Down syndrome is also a significant factor that increases the chances of leukemia. Many unhealthy lifestyle choices and habits also increase the risk of blood cancers. Signs and symptoms There are five primary types of leukemia, so the signs and symptoms will vary depending on the type, severity, and stage of the condition. Common overlapping symptoms, however, include the following- Nosebleeds Nosebleeds happen when the blood vessels in the nasal cavity burst and result in an overflow.

Lupus is a health condition that develops when the body’s immune system attacks the tissues and organs. The disease is often difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms are similar to the ones triggered by other diseases. But like most health conditions, the symptoms of autoimmune diseases like lupus can be managed with treatments. Moreover, one should also be mindful of these five factors that trigger the ailment and avoid them to manage lupus. Exposure to sunlight for long periods Sunlight is known to cause rashes and flares, which are common symptoms of lupus. Therefore, one should avoid spending too much time exposed to direct sunlight. One can also take precautions if they must stay outdoors by applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 70. The product should also contain Helioplex, an ingredient that blocks UV-A and UV-B rays, both of which are harmful to people with lupus. Carrying a hat, sunglasses and wearing clothes that cover most areas of the body outdoors may also help reduce exposure to the harmful rays of the sun. Eating garlic Garlic is used in traditional remedies, including to suppress or manage the development of cancer. However, the herb is not too safe for people who suffer from lupus.

A simple search online will present hundreds, even thousands of published articles explaining almost all the health conditions, and everything related to those. However, it is still always better to discuss known symptoms, tests, treatments, and outlook for managing any complications with the doctor. This can be an awkward conversation to have with a healthcare professional. But it is equally important to ask the doctor the following questions for planning proper healthcare. Ask about the symptoms and diagnosis Health complications present a myriad of symptoms, where many signs are common and easily noticeable. However, it is simply not enough to identify these signs of discomfort. One of the primary questions to ask a general physician at the next appointment is how these symptoms can progress. Also, it is important to discover the primary symptoms to keep track of so doctors can plan a suitable course of action. Further, if the diagnosis is genetic or chronic, what is the next best step among available treatments. What types of treatments are available? Doctors will recommend the best treatments that may or may not be fully covered by insurance. But never hesitate to ask for alternative treatments and strategies for post-treatment home care.

A simple search online will present hundreds, even thousands of published articles explaining almost all the health conditions, and everything related to those. However, it is still always better to discuss known symptoms, tests, treatments, and outlook for managing any complications with the doctor. This can be an awkward conversation to have with a healthcare professional. But it is equally important to ask the doctor the following questions for planning proper healthcare. Ask about any symptoms and diagnosis Health complications present a myriad of symptoms, where many signs are common and easily noticeable. However, it is simply not enough to identify these signs of discomfort. One of the primary questions to ask a general physician at the next appointment is how these symptoms can progress. Also, it is important to recognize the primary symptoms to keep track of them so doctors can plan a suitable course of action. Further, if the diagnosis is genetic or chronic, what is the next best step among available treatments. What types of treatments are available? Doctors will recommend the best treatments that may or may not be fully covered by insurance. But never hesitate to ask for alternative treatments and strategies for post-treatment home care.

When dealing with cancer, healthcare experts often recommend a combination of treatment options—therapies, prescriptions, and surgery. Certain lifestyle changes can aid treatment and recovery. This includes eating healthy foods like broccoli, berries, and tomatoes to manage the effects of the disease and strengthen the immune system to cope with the side effects of treatments. In addition to making better food choices, one can consider the following herbs and spices to help manage and even prevent cancer. Turmeric The spice has traditionally been used to manage various health conditions, including cancer. Turmeric can help fight diseases through its anti-inflammatory compound called curcumin. This natural substance plays a significant role in repairing damage in the body. Curcumin can also help treatment options eliminate cancerous cells, reduce the spread of cancer, and prevent the growth of new blood vessels in tumors. Ginger There are several ways to add ginger to meals, including having it raw, crushing it, or adding ginger powder while cooking. Its anti-cancer properties are attributed to gingerol, which is found in large concentrations in raw ginger. One of its variations, 6-gingerol, is considered highly effective in fighting diseases like colorectal cancer. One could drink ginger tea, which could have similar benefits in managing conditions like cancer.

One may find it awkward to discuss certain topics with the gynecologist. And it is one of the main causes of the delay in the diagnosis and treatment of certain health conditions. However, when it comes to disease prevention, keeping an open communication channel and discussing one’s health is the best way to improve lifestyle and outlook. Here are a few common questions that one can ask their gynecologist without hesitation. Ask about menstruation Women experience many recurring symptoms such as cramps, headaches, and soreness during their regular menstrual cycle. However, it is necessary to ask the gynecologist about irregular periods or the symptoms flaring up unexpectedly. Severe flare-ups are a precursor to serious conditions like endometriosis. Also, it’s quite normal to ask questions about how regular the cycle should be, what is the ideal flow of the cycle, and what should be done while experiencing irregular periods. Discuss about low libido Hormones in the body drive one’s libido. And there are a number of reasons why the desire can plummet. Factors like stress, the nature of intimacy, the stage of relationships, and even personal preferences all impact one’s desire. So it’s okay to ask the gynecologist and openly discuss any underlying concerns.

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological and developmental disorder that impacts one in every hundred children. It is a genetic condition that can be diagnosed early in life, with its symptoms being observable in children as young as 1 to 2 years of age. To be able to spot these early signs, parents need to be aware of the early indications of the condition. For example, children on the spectrum might not have the same degree of signs or the same condition, and early diagnosis can go a long way in helping both the patient and the parents. Here are a few signs and behavioral patterns to look out for: Avoiding eye contact Babies are great at maintaining eye contact with people around them. It is also suggested that since infants cannot communicate verbally, eye contact is their preferred mode of communication. Babies can identify faces and respond to people who address them. It is a crucial social skill to help build relationships and take note of what is happening in their surroundings. Children on the autism spectrum are prone to less visual contact as compared to children who are not on the spectrum. If any children constantly avoid eye contact and prefer to speak to someone without looking at them, it might be an early indication of autism spectrum disorder.