Being Savvy in the Stirrups
By: Laughing Sage | Posted: 14th November 2007
Do you ever leave your GYN's office feeling more confused about your reproductive health than when you went in? Or that you had questions to ask or observations to make but couldn't get a word in edgewise?
Well, join the club. It seems that this is a common experience, and not just with GYNs. Studies have shown that when a patient starts talking, it takes doctors an average of only 11 seconds before they interrupt. 11 seconds! That's barely enough time to say, "Doctor, I have a question..."
While we're not dissing all doctors (there are many good ones out there!), it does seem like many of them could use a course in active listening (or basic bedside manners).
But of all doctors, it seems that GYN visits are the most difficult for making our needs known. After all, we're hardly in a position to feel empowered - on our backs with our legs wide and feet in the stirrups. It's difficult to speak up in this vulnerable pose, even with a doctor who's willing to listen.
Savvy suggestions
So how do we get the information we need from our doctors? It all comes back to us - we are our own best advocates. As women, we have a long legacy of being disempowered and disenfranchised - especially with authority figures. But guess what? Nobody - even a doctor - knows YOUR BODY better than YOU.
* It's important to remember that your GYN appointment is YOURS. For that hour, half-hour, or even 15 minutes, the doctor is on your time. This session is all about YOU, baby!
* Come prepared with a list of questions and concerns. Be sure to write them down! That way you won't forget them, even if you start feeling nervous or unsure. And if you don't know what sorts of questions to ask, call us right away at 212-581-0001, or email us at info@laughingsagewellness.com - we'll help you formulate your questions based on your current health concerns.
* Ask your questions and make your needs known BEFORE you get on the table. Once you're in the stirrups, you're less likely to push a matter if your doctor is inattentive or in disagreement. Also, your doctor will have less attention to spare for conversation, once focused on the ins and outs of your pelvic exam (pun intended).
* Write down your doctor's answers to your questions - by the time you've made it out of their office and moved on with your day, you're less likely to clearly remember what was said. This gives you a starting place should you need to look up any more information on your own.
* If your doctor seems unwilling to discuss your concerns or answer your questions, don't be afraid to stand your ground. State calmly but clearly that you intend to understand what is happening in your own body, and would like his or her cooperation - and the sooner your questions are answered, the sooner he or she can complete your exam and move on to the next patient!
* And if after all of that, you still find your experience unsatisfying, don't be afraid to move on! There are lots and lots of GYNs out there - and your health is far too important to not find the very best doctor for YOU.
In the end, it turns out that women are the best primary care physicians for themselves. Learn to listen to your body, and to trust your intuition. Then you will be able to make the best decisions for yourself, while allowing your doctors and other health care practitioners to act as your partners (rather than your authority figures) on your path to vibrant health and wellness.
Share your stories
Share your tales of pelvic exam empowerment in our comments section below. Here you can share your experiences and ask questions, and an LSW Counselor will respond!
Laughing Sage Wellness is committed to helping women become their own best experts on their bodies and their health. After all, who knows you better than YOU?
About Alisa
Laughing Sage Wellness Group was founded by Alisa Vitti, a Certified Holistic Health Counselor (AADP). Alisa is committed to empowering clients to reconnect with the wisdom of their bodies. She received degrees from Johns Hopkins University and the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. She has taught at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and lectures regularly at Beth Israel Medical Practices and Westerly Health Foods in Manhattan. She travels nationally, reaching out to women who are ready to create vibrant health and amazing futures for themselves. She specializes in the areas of reproductive and hormonal health and creating real intimacy in relationships.
www.laughingsagewellness.com
About the Author
Occupation: Holistic Health Practitioner
Alisa founded Laughing Sage Wellness Group after she experienced the many frustrating health symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and then healed herself through food and lifestyle changes. The outcome of her healing process was a desire to help other women heal their PCOS and other menstrual and sexual health concerns. She received degrees from Johns Hopkins University and the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, where she deepened her understanding of medicinal foods and their capacity for healing hormonal imbalances. She began reaching out to women with PCOS and their doctors to let them know that this condition was not incurable. She connected with other holistic health practitioners who specialize in holistic nutrition and women’s self-care and founded Laughing Sage Wellness Group. Since then she has lectured to hundreds of people, including gynecologists and infertility specialists, about women’s menstrual and sexual health and guided individuals and groups through Laughing Sage Wellness’s five-step method for healing PCOS and other hormonal imbalances.
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Tags: half hour, legs, advocates, appointment, legacy, sorts, doctors, 15 minutes, health concerns, active listening, reproductive health, doctor who, pose, current health, stirrups