Tips on How to Approach Your Doctor with Confidence at Your Next Fertility Consultation
Have you ever been in a situation where you've felt intimidated at a doctor's consultation and frustrated because you didn't have the confidence to bring up the concerns that were bothering you? Doctors and specialists can be intimidating and they have a way of moving past a patient's concerns. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t raise them. When your health is at stake, you must find ways to push past the intimidation and advocate for yourself. In this article, we’ll look at some helpful tips on approaching your doctor with confidence so that you can get the care and the answers you need.
Tips on How to Approach Your Doctor with Confidence at Your Next Fertility Consultation
Choose Your Doctors Wisely
It can be hard to find a fertility doctor you trust, but it's important to make the right choice when it comes to choosing a healthcare practitioner. Look for online reviews or ask friends and family for recommendations. You want to find a fertility doctor who will listen to your concerns and take them seriously. When you look through your participating providers, look into their credentials and experience to ensure that you are choosing someone that is going to be easy to build a relationship with over time.
Sometimes you just have to choose the best-looking candidate and set an appointment. But know that you are not committed to that doctor just because you set up a new patient appointment. If you get the sense that this would be a bad fit for you, then simply go back to your list and make an appointment with someone new. It can be a frustrating process, but it will be worth it in the end when you find the right doctor.
Keep Your Documents up to Date
You will likely need to complete a lot of paperwork before your first appointment, which is why it is essential that you have all of your medical information organized and accessible before you even see your doctor, explains Dot Health. This way, you'll be calmer during your appointment knowing that you have prepared as thoroughly as possible. You will likely still be asked to fill out paperwork, but it is much less stressful to complete these forms when you have your medical history and medication list with you.
Having your medical history and relevant test results available is even more important if you are seeking care from a specialist. While they can (and should) request access to your medical files from previous doctors including your referring doctor, you can also keep copies of your medical records to ensure they are always available. In that case, it might be a good idea to organize any X-rays or medical images in one file so that you can view these easily from any location.
Avoid the Guilt by Being Proactive
Some people get nervous about seeing their doctor because they know they haven’t made the best choices in their current lifestyle. But that guilt should not stop you from getting the care you need. If your doctor engages in guilt tactics or body shaming, find someone new, especially if these behaviors make you less likely to consult your doctor when you know you should.
However, when possible, do your best to follow your doctor’s advice and make an effort to adopt healthier lifestyle habits. Doctors should understand that life is complicated and it’s not always easy to make their recommended changes. But if you can, you will likely feel more at ease with your doctor and in your body.
It can also be important to understand how certain lifestyle changes can affect your body. For example, if you are undergoing a fertility treatment, there are recommended dietary guidelines for different stages of your treatment. Sometimes understanding the reasons behind your doctor’s recommendations can make them easier to follow.
Start by taking small steps in the right direction, whether it's choosing to exercise more often, eating healthily at every meal (even on the days when you're not feeling up to it), making sure you increase your water intake, and paying attention to your mental health.
Learn to Self-Advocate
The best doctor-patient relationships are built on strong communication, which is why it is vital to speak up if you have any concerns that are weighing heavily on your shoulders. This way, you can open the lines of communication between you and your healthcare provider so you can tackle some of the more difficult questions with confidence. Understand that it may take some time for you to develop this kind of rapport together, but try to push forward even when you are nervous. A good doctor will listen to you carefully and take your concerns to heart.
If you are worried that you will forget your questions or get moved off-topic during your appointment, write things down before you leave. Develop a list of questions and topics that you wish to discuss, and pull that list out at the doctor’s office. Don’t be afraid for your doctor to see that you have prepared, and don’t let them dismiss you and move on if you haven’t had your questions answered sufficiently. This doctor works for you, not the other way around. And you deserve to be heard.
Take Your Healthcare into Your own Hands
It might take some time to feel more open and at ease with your doctor, but it is important that you take steps toward being your own advocate. Healthcare should not require the patient to be their biggest spokesperson, but it does. So make a list, adopt healthier habits, and find a provider with whom you feel comfortable. You deserve to have a healthcare provider you trust and who listens to you. It may take some time to find the right person and develop a good rapport, but once you do you will never go back to a bad doctor again.
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Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider or qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog.