Ask whom, ask what, ask when

There is a lot of confusion as to what one can ask a doctor comfortably about things other than health without looking inappropriate and foolish and wasting time. It may surprise you, that a good doctor is interested or should be interested in your entire well being and that of your family. So if you have a question about anything pertaining to your body you should ask and if he/she does not know the answer, she/he can refer you. One such question that always comes up is discussing the cosmetic look of the perineal or genital region. There is a great amount of change that occurs in that area from childhood to old age. Some changes are due to age and added to that is the changes brought about by weight fluctuation, and child birth. Some women also develop various conditions during their lifetime, i.e. Bartholin infections, urinary track infections, herpes, fungal infections, stress incontinence, urinary frequency, constipation, hemmorrhoids and many others which contribute to the changes of the perineum. Menopause and some cancerous lesions also contribute big time to the changes. So, no wonder that the genital area changes drastically and also needs maintenance. However, since most women do not like to look at themselves, they are not sure what changes occurred, are they normal and is there something to do about it if they do not like the look of it. However, most feel a bit embarrassed to be preoccupied with the appearance of the genitalia especially since the appearance has nothing to do with body health, just “vanity”.  Well many things we take care of are “vanity” things. One should be just as comfortable taking care of their genitalia. Actually examination is important because that area is also subject to tumors and one should examine the area to signs of changes. For example dark discoloration could be a sign of melanoma and small skin cancers can occur there too. It is part of the body and therefore one must be familiar with that area no matter how we feel about it. So ask about the appearance, or any lumps or bumps or lesions. Cosmetically one can reduce the labia minora, remove the dark pigmentation of the labia, unhood the clitoris if too covered and interfering with sensation, one can raise the mons pubis, and one can reduce the labia majora as well and even plump them up. One can tighten the vagina entrance by repairing loose muscles and one can even have a hymen reconstructed. A bladder can be lifted with a small band to stop stress incontinence and hemorrhoidal skin tags can be removed. So do not worry about asking whatever insignificant a question you think you have because it is good to know.