The Doctor’s Advice: Prioritizing Patient Communication

In a candid discussion, a gynecologist highlights the critical role of open communication between patients and doctors.The gynecologist stresses that patients should feel empowered to ask questions and seek clarification on medical procedures and treatments.

The gynecologist stated, Certainly in the world of gynecology, it is very vital to ask questions as a patient and to be well informed. It is indeed not as you have a doctor in front of you, that you are not allowed to ask what you wont.

The gynecologist further explained that some medical actions can become routine for doctors, potentially overshadowing the meaning of these actions for patients. For many doctors, some actions – in many studies – have become so obvious and routine that they ‘just’ perform them. But for many women, these are radical actions that it is important to understand why they are needed.

The gynecologist emphasized the need for doctors to remain attentive to patients’ concerns and for patients to understand their right to ask questions. For me as a doctor, it is very important to continue to pay attention to that. And as a patient you have to know that you can ask everything.

Breaking Taboos: Talking About Sex with Your Gynecologist

The gynecologist also addressed the persistent taboos surrounding sexuality and the importance of open discussions about sexual health during consultations.

The gynecologist noted, There is still so much taboo about sexuality.There is still so much shame and that sometimes leads to problems between the sheets, underscoring the need to normalize conversations about sex.

To encourage these discussions,the gynecologist makes it a point to inquire about pain during intercourse during gynecological consultations. That is why I also ask every gynecological consultation if there is pain during relations. On the one hand because that can be a symptom, but conversely to give an impetus to a conversation.

Depending on the situation, the gynecologist offers direct assistance or refers patients to sexologists for specialized care. Sometimes I can definitely help myself, sometimes I can refer to a sexologist.It is indeed critically important to be open in that area.

Walking for Wellness: Embracing Exercise for a Healthy Lifestyle

Beyond medical interventions, the gynecologist champions the importance of a healthy lifestyle, especially emphasizing the benefits of exercise.

The gynecologist stated, We must be honest: being overweight is a problem in our society. You can have all kinds of screening done: I am thinking of the smear that women warns in time of cervical cancer.But a healthy lifestyle – exercise, not smoking, healthy food – protects you against all those diseases for which we are going to screen.

The gynecologist personally practices what they preach, highlighting the importance of individual obligation in maintaining health. You bear that duty for a healthy life all by yourself.

Sharing a personal anecdote, the gynecologist revealed their commitment to walking as a form of exercise. Until 2019 I never really played sports, but then I started to walk. I now do that four times a week and have already run two marathons. You do it when you want and you don’t need much for it. It works for me. The gynecologist also incorporates walking into their professional life, stating, And at every congress I discover the city with a walk: blissful.

Realistic Expectations: Navigating Pregnancy and Childbirth

Drawing on their experience, the gynecologist advises expectant parents to approach pregnancy and childbirth with realistic expectations, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the process.

The gynecologist cautioned,Be realistic when it comes to your pregnancy and a birth. As a gynecologist, I know that every delivery is different and especially that it is very unpredictable.

The gynecologist expressed reservations about rigid birth plans, noting that they can create unrealistic expectations. Nowadays it regularly happens that people draw up a birth plan, but I am not really in favor of that. With such a plan you assume that a birth can be perfectly divided into steps that you can predict and plan. But that is not the case.

While acknowledging the value of readiness, the gynecologist emphasized the importance of versatility. Of course you can always indicate what you would like, how you see it. But then realize that it can turn out differently.

The gynecologist recommends attending sessions organized by hospitals with midwives to familiarize oneself with the birthing process. It doesn’t mean you can’t prepare for a birth. ‘go with the flow’, but it makes sense to know how that ‘flow’ will run. A lot of hospitals organize sessions with midwives who familiarize you with what will happen.

The Importance of Real Conversations for Mental Well-being

The gynecologist also touched upon the significance of mental health, recounting a personal experience where resolving a conflict through direct communication improved their well-being.

The gynecologist stated,Health,that is also about the mental. years ago I had a conflict on the work that weighed heavily on me. Our communication nowadays goes far to frequently enough via digital roads. Mails, social media, messages, … we forget to talk to each othre and say things.

The gynecologist emphasized the value of face-to-face conversations in resolving conflicts and improving mental health. I finally resolved that conflict with a real conversation. I have postponed that too long and felt bad for too long.And that also weighs your well -being. Today I see that the colleague still has certain behaviors that I used to be annoyed, but now I can place them better. A burden of my shoulders has fallen.

Mindful Eating: Enjoying Food and Listening to Your Body

The gynecologist shared their approach to food, emphasizing the importance of enjoying what you eat and listening to your body’s cues.

the gynecologist explained, In terms of food, I actually only have one rule: I just eat what I like. If calories go through my mouth, they must at least be tasty.

The gynecologist also highlighted the importance of making healthy choices when possible. Specifically, I would rather take a lunch from home than I eat in the canteen of the hospital. Not that the hospital food is not tasty,but you can’t call it culinary either. (laughs) I prefer to choose healthy food. Yet I eat a piece of chocolate every day and unfortunately I have a weakness for chips.

The gynecologist also discussed adjusting their eating habits based on their body’s needs. I also adjusted a few things in terms of timing. My son sometimes asks me why he should necessarily have breakfast if he is not hungry, and maybe he is right. I come from a family where we have to eat three meals a day. Even though you had eaten extensively in the afternoon,we would still eat sandwiches with spear’s in the evening. If I am not hungry, I will now skip a meal a little easier.