Top Ten Questions a Gynaecologist Gets Asked

Doctor Manoharan is a highly experienced obstetrician and gynaecologist with 23 years of expertise, including over a decade at the tertiary level. She specializes in high-risk pregnancies and has extensive experience managing diabetes and complex medical conditions. With a specialist interest in Fetal & Maternal Medicine, she is certified in early pregnancy ultrasound and accredited in colposcopy. She now works at Integra Healthcare, where she prioritizes a woman-centred, holistic approach, ensuring compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each patient’s needs.

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Visiting a gynaecologist can feel slightly intimidating at the best of times. Understanding what is going on with our vaginal health can be even more daunting, especially when we are unsure of whom to ask.

A gynaecologist reveals the answers to the ten most frequently asked in-clinic questions, covering everything from periods and pregnancy to discharge and public shaving.

1. How Do I Know If My Vaginal Discharge Is Normal?

Vaginal discharge is a strong indicator of vaginal health. Clear or milky discharge is entirely normal and helps maintain the bacterial balance necessary for a healthy vagina. For this reason, internal douching is not recommended, as it can disrupt this natural balance.

Using soap and water on the external genital area is sufficient. The type and amount of discharge can vary depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. It often becomes thicker and more jelly-like in the second half of your cycle. However, if you notice persistent changes in colour, consistency, or smell, consult your gynaecologist.

2. My Periods Are Very Heavy—What Causes This, and How Can I Fix It?

The frequency and duration of periods vary from person to person, so it is essential to monitor what is normal for you. Track the number of sanitary products you use and whether you experience leaks. The type of sanitary product may make a difference—for example, menstrual cups can help measure flow more accurately.

If you experience prolonged, heavy periods with flooding, clotting, or the need for hourly or two-hourly changes, you should see your gynaecologist. Potential causes include fibroids or polyps in the womb, medication side effects, or hormonal imbalances such as thyroid disorders.

3. Why Do I Experience Pain During Sex?

It is not uncommon to find sex uncomfortable at some point. Common causes include stress, a new sexual partner, trying a new position, or hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. Using additional lubrication may help.

Medical conditions such as infections, fibroids, or endometriosis can also cause pain. If discomfort persists, consult your doctor. If sex has always been painful, it is worth investigating whether there is an underlying physical or emotional cause.

4. Why Do I Need to Urinate So Often?

Frequent urination (more than eight times a day) can disrupt daily life. Factors such as alcohol, caffeine intake, and hydration levels can influence this. Insufficient water intake can lead to concentrated urine, irritating the bladder and causing increased urgency.

Other possible causes include urinary tract infections, an overactive bladder, constipation, fibroids, or pregnancy. If frequent urination persists despite lifestyle adjustments, consult your doctor. Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles with Kegel exercises or seeking physiotherapy may also help.

5. I Keep Experiencing Bleeding Between Periods and After Sex—What Is Going On?

There are various reasons for bleeding outside of your regular period. Keep a record of when the bleeding occurs, its duration, and its heaviness. Hormonal contraceptive changes and ovulation spotting can contribute to irregular bleeding.

Other potential causes include sexually transmitted infections, stress, pregnancy, or cervical cell changes. Ensure your cervical smear test is up to date. Your gynaecologist may also recommend an ultrasound to check for fibroids or polyps affecting your menstrual cycle.

6. Why Do I Need a Smear Test If I Have Had the HPV Vaccination?

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection with over 100 different strains, some of which can cause cervical cancer. HPV infections often go unnoticed and can take up to two years to clear.

While the HPV vaccine provides protection, it does not cover all high-risk strains. Therefore, regular cervical smear tests remain essential from the age of 25.

7. I Have Not Had a Period for Months, but My Pregnancy Test Is Negative. What Should I Do?

Apart from pregnancy, several factors can lead to missed periods. Consider whether your periods were regular before they stopped. Potential causes include changes in contraception (e.g., the Mirena coil can stop periods), stress, sudden weight changes, or excessive exercise.

Medical conditions such as poorly controlled diabetes or thyroid disorders can also affect menstruation. Early menopause is rare (only 1% of women experience it before 40), but hormone tests can help determine the cause of irregular or absent periods.

8. I Experience Lower Abdominal Pain That Worsens Before My Periods—What Could Be the Cause?

Period pain is common, but if pelvic pain worsens in the second half of your cycle or during menstruation, it may indicate endometriosis. This condition occurs when the womb lining grows outside the uterus, often causing severe discomfort.

Other potential causes include infections, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or ovarian cysts. Keeping a pain diary in relation to your menstrual cycle can help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.

9. I Have Polycystic Ovaries. Does This Mean I Will Not Be Able to Have Children?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can affect menstrual cycles and fertility, but it does not necessarily prevent pregnancy. PCOS is relatively common, affecting between 2-26% of women, and is characterised by multiple small fluid-filled follicles in the ovaries.

Symptoms vary and may include irregular periods, acne, or increased body hair. PCOS can also be linked to weight gain, insulin resistance, and long-term health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. A gynaecologist can provide guidance on managing symptoms and optimising fertility.

10. Should I Shave Before Seeing a Gynaecologist?

There is no requirement to shave or wax before a gynaecological examination. Medical professionals can conduct examinations with or without pubic hair. Hair removal is only necessary if a surgical procedure is planned, and even then, only in the relevant area.

Conclusion

Understanding your body and seeking professional guidance, when necessary, can help you maintain optimal reproductive health. If you experience persistent symptoms or have concerns about your gynaecological health, do not hesitate to consult a specialist.