5 Questions You're Embarrassed To Ask Your OB

It can be daunting to talk to a pro about your most delicate concerns. But fear not, here's a list of questions that will help you prep.

We’ve all been there. Becoming an adult is pretty hard and confusing. From having your first college crush to ending toxic friendships, it gets even more complicated when your body is still changing. All that and then some. Plus, not all of us might feel comfy talking about it to family members. Luckily, OB-GYNs offer a safe space to talk about your delicate concerns, professionally. No judging!

While it seems embarrassing to talk about the most intimate body parts, it’s an important conversation you need to have. (One of our tick boxes for adulting!) Here are a few questions you shouldn’t be afraid to ask on your first ever OB-GYN visit.

1. Is my period normal?

While your friends get their red days around the same time every month, you might be wondering if there’s something wrong with your body because you haven’t gotten yours for a few months. Don’t panic! Irregular periods are normal whenever our bodies are too stressed or undergoing hormonal changes.

Highly irregular periods could be a sign of PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), which can stem from excess male hormone levels. Maybe your cramps hurt A LOT more than usual, keeping you from functioning at school or aggravate your mood swings. Or you’re spotting (random bits of dried blood in your undies) between your usual periods.

Whatever the case may be, bring it up with your OB-GYN so she can figure out the correct method and treatment—whether you need birth control pills or dietary changes. Also, feel free to ask them about the best cleansers and hygienic methods for red days and regular days. pH Care is safe for everyday use as it gently cleanses and balances your feminine area with a specially formulated pH level of 5.

2. Is it normal to feel pain down there?

Short answer—no, it’s not normal. Perhaps you’ve tried out tampons for your heavier-than-normal flow and found yourself crying out from the pain. Or you’ve been getting discharge accompanied by pain, itching, and general discomfort. By the way, a cottage cheese-like consistency may be a sign of yeast infection.

Or if you’ve recently watched Sex Education on Netflix, vaginismus is a condition involving muscle spasm in your pelvic floor muscles. No need to panic just yet! Let your OB-GYN know so that they can give you the correct diagnosis and help you maintain your vaginal health.

3. Is it normal for my vagina to have discharge?

Vaginal discharge actually serves a purpose — it's how your body keeps the inside of you vagina and cervix clean. The fluid carries dead cells and bacteria out of your body to keep you safe from infections.

Most of the time, it's all normal. The amount, color, and odor might vary depending on where you are on your menstrual cycle, or bigger changes like pregnancy. But, if a change seem unusual to you, or if there's some sort of discomfort like burning or itching, let your OB-GYN know as it might be an infection. 

4. Does my vagina look normal?

As you undergo a gynecological exam, you might ask this one out of sheer curiosity. Or maybe you’ve seen what you’ve looked like down there and thought something looked out of place. If you’ve spotted lumps, acne, or painful bumps, schedule a visit to your OB-GYN. They will tell you if there’s something serious going on or assure you it’s nothing. After all, vaginas come in all shapes and sizes! Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all model that vaginas are supposed to look like.

5. How do I clean down there?

Sometimes, normal soap and water ain’t enough to keep us feeling a hundred percent — and your everyday bath soap may actually be too harsh for your delicate area. If you follow a skincare routine (hello, K-beauty fans), it can also apply to your skin down there — but with special products approved by your gynecologist. Your vulva needs to be cleaned with something other than harsh soap, since it tends to disrupt the healthy pH levels and bacteria.

Use pH Care Natural Protection for your daily cleansing routine, guava leaf extract is a natural anti-bacteria that will keep itch, irritation and odor at bay. It’s made especially for everyday use so you can step out and face the day, worry-free. Now go to your OB-GYN and ask those burning questions with confidence!