Why Your OB/GYN Should Be Your Best Friend (Mine Is!)

I know what you’re thinking. You hate going to the OB/GYN . HATE it. In fact, you’d rather spend an hour in carpool, pick up your son’s smelliest, loudest friends, and then clean up every tiny goldfish crumb that they crushed into your minivan. I’m here to tell you that you are missing out! As an OB/GYN myself, I know that we have the greatest qualities of a best friend. We’re amazing listeners and secret keepers (thank you, HIPAA)! We’ve seen everyone’s everything, so we are the best people to ask if it’s really supposed to look that way (it often is, but you should still let us check it out), and if everyone has trouble with that, too (they often do)! Here are a few things we’re great at, but we can also do so much more!

Cancer Screenings

Cervical Cancer

OB/GYNs screen for cervical cancer with pap smears. Most women should start pap smears at 21 years old and continue every three years until they are 65 years old or have a hysterectomy. Some women may need more frequent pap smears based on their past results, so be sure to talk to your new bestie—your OB/GYN—about your history. 

Breast Cancer

We screen for breast cancer using breast exams starting at 25 years old and mammograms at 40 years old. Your OB/GYN can talk to you about your family history. If you are at a high risk for breast cancer, you may need screening earlier or more often. In some cases, she (or he) may test you for genes that could increase your risk of breast cancer.

Colon Cancer

Your OB/GYN can refer you for a colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer (every 10 years starting at 45 years old for most people, but again, tell your best bud about your family history). 

Skin Cancer

She can also look at a mole or two to screen for skin cancer and refer you to a dermatologist if needed. 

Speaking of skin…

Most OB/GYNs are comfortable treating many skin conditions, whether it’s on your face or under your clothing. Offices may sell or prescribe skin care products, or offer in-office botox. She will definitely recommend that you use SPF daily to protect you from skin cancer, as well as wrinkles. 

Hello, Hormones!

OB/GYNs are gurus when it comes to managing hormones. They can help you become pregnant, avoid becoming pregnant, cool down your hot flashes, increase your libido, and correct your thyroid if it’s a little wonky. 

Working on your fitness..

Many OB/GYNs are comfortable discussing healthy nutrition and exercise. They may also refer you to a dietician to work on a nutrition plan that is right for your body. They can make some recommendations on fun ways to stay fit, like running, pilates, crossfit, or pickleball! Some OB/GYNs also prescribe medication to help you shed pounds faster.

Turn Your Frown Upside Down!

Many women with mental illnesses like depression and anxiety never seek the help they need, but lucky you! You can confide in your best friend, and you two can develop a plan, which could include prioritizing self care, counseling, or medication. She can also help rule out other things, like thyroid disease, medication side effects, or nutritional deficiencies, that can cause the same symptoms but need different treatment. 

That Embarrassing Thing…

OB/GYNs are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to talking about things that most people just don’t feel comfortable sharing. Whether you have pain with intercourse, leak urine when you cough and sneeze, are finding it difficult to become pregnant, or want to ask a question about birth control or sexually transmitted diseases, your OB/GYN has seen and heard it all! We are pretty unshakable when it comes to having awkward conversations. 

My OB/GYN happens to be one of my best friends, but it’s mostly because she‘s an amazing person who always has my back. Even if you never make it to friendship bracelet level with your OB/GYN, she still cares about you. So, go call your OB/GYN! She’s in your contacts under BFF. It’s been a whole year, and she misses you! 

If your OB/GYN has moved or retired since your caboose baby was born, or if you feel like you just didn’t jive as well as you would like, do not worry! There are more than 200 OB/GYNs in the Birmingham area to choose from. If you and your OB/GYN are a perfect match, help out your fellow Birmingham Moms by commenting below who he or she is and what is so awesome about her or him!