Sexual health is a vital component of women’s overall health. Be that as it may, there are certain things that hinder women from getting the proper care and treatment that they need.
Now, one of the primary reasons why women procrastinate or totally refuse sexual health checks is the anxiety that comes with sharing information about their intimate habits or issues that they might have. Even the thought of searching “women’s sexual health clinic near me” could bring about feelings of awkwardness on their part. However, it should not be this way.
In this article, we will provide some tips on how to make your trip to the women’s clinic for a sexual health check less daunting or rather gratifying.
Importance of Having Regular Sexual Health Checks
Some sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) are not so serious that they should not cause any worry. However, most cases will definitely require immediate care and attention. If left untreated, they might even cause severe health problems that can lead to irreversible damage to your health or even death.
This is why sexual health checks are so important. In a way, these appointments allow specialists to spot issues that you might be having and come up with the best solutions for your treatment and recovery.
STIs that can be prevented and treated with regular check-ups are:
-
Chlamydia
-
Gonorrhoea
-
Herpes
-
Syphilis
-
Hepatitis A, B, and C
-
Genital and anal warts
-
Parasitic diseases, such as crabs and scabies
Sexual health checks are also needed if you are sexually active. You could be considered as being at high risk, thus you should have regular sexual health screenings as part of your routine care.
During these sessions, you should be completely honest with your doctor, so it will be easier to decide on the most appropriate steps for your needs. For example, you might also be recommended to search “psychologist near me” online to get in touch with a specialist to help with your recovery, aside from the primary treatment you have.
Preparing Your Mind for a Sexual Health Appointment
Now that you know how important sexual health checks are, it is time to book your appointments. Here are some tips that you can pick up to prepare yourself for such checks and make the experience less intimidating.
Know exactly where to go
Like searching “physio near me” online, you should look for the best clinic to conduct the tests that you need. Depending on your requirements, you could choose a local sexual health clinic or a family planning clinic. Regardless, the one that you book an appointment with should be trusted by many other women in your area and, of course, certified to offer their services. This gives you the peace of mind that you will be properly taken care of while you are there.
Understand that you will be dealing with professionals
As with any other health treatments you seek—perhaps you are searching “physical therapy or acupuncture near me” online—you can be confident that the people who conduct your sexual health checks are professionals. They have been doing their job for many years, so there is no reason to be embarrassed or get awkward with them.
Women’s doctors are also bound with privacy and confidentiality laws, so you can assure yourself that the information you share with them is safe.
Be prepared to answer some questions
One good way to take out the awkwardness while speaking to a women’s doctor is by accepting the kind of questions you would be answering during your check-up, such as:
-
When was the last time you had sex?
-
Are you having sex with a regular or casual partner?
-
What type of sexual activity are you having?
-
How long have you been having sex with your partner?
-
How many sexual partners did you have within a certain number of months?
-
Are you using some form of protection, like condoms?
-
Have you ever had an STI?
-
When was your last sexual health check?
Answering these and other relevant questions accurately will ensure you will also be receiving the best advice and care possible.
Ask a friend or family member to accompany you to your appointment
Having someone by your side to support you all the way will give you that added emotional boost when going to a sexual health check. However, you should still remember that there are parts of the consultation when you should speak with the doctor alone, so you can express yourself freely without being coerced.
There you have it. By following these tips, you should now be mentally prepared for a sexual health check and get the most out of your appointment.
What to Expect During Sexual Health Checks
When searching “women’s sexual health clinic near me” online, you should know that the screenings coming after are not as lengthy and invasive as you might think. They could involve minutes of discomfort, but these tests will potentially relieve you from several years of suffering agonising symptoms.
Regardless, your physician will make such an experience as comfortable for you as possible. They will walk you through all the processes and even allow you to bring someone you trust for the additional support that you need. All information discussed will also be kept confidential, without anyone judging you one way or another.
You can be confident that your doctor and other staff members in the clinic will be professional, friendly, and understanding. After all, they have seen and heard it all many times before.
Parting Thoughts
Your sexual health matters. So, if the need arises, you should not hesitate to search “women’s sexual health clinic near me” online and book an appointment right away. This way, you will be able to maintain good sexual health; ensure infections are treated as early as possible; and prevent transmissions.
For more valuable tips and information on health and fitness, check out the rest of the articles on our site!
