Marriage is a union of two souls, and two bodies; therefore, experts feel it’s essential to visit a gynaecologist before the D-day to know and understand one’s body as you begin interacting with another’s…Most of the time, we are not even aware of our body and how it functions, but this is so, so important!
These are some real questions that almost all the girls think about before their big day and are too afraid to ask, but why? Let’s be realistic, guys! Here’s a list of questions you might find rather stressful to ask your gynecologist (BUT YOU SHOULD!!!) It’s your body, and you should always be fully informed.
We’ve crowdsourced some answers from gynecologists we know, but the idea is that YOU go, straight up, book an appointment and have an honest chat with your doc if any of these are doubts that you have:
1. What if I/my partner have had pre-marital sex with someone else? What are the things to keep in mind?
Pre-marital sex is common, it’s good practice for you and your partner to be honest and open. If you or your partner has had partners in the past, it’s good to be tested for STDs. Often, one assumes there is no need, but these symptoms can be dormant for a while before coming up.
Until you get your tests in place, here are some protection gear to keep handy, even if it is your life partner.
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2. My periods are clashing with my honeymoon dates. Now what?
Some girls would like not to get their period during the wedding or their honeymoon. Meet your gynaecologist at least a month or 2 prior to your wedding, and express this to her. There are ways to change your period date through prescribed medication. The doctor will be able to help you with all the information, including side effects, if any.
But, instead of messing up with your regular period cycle, you can also use a menstrual cup that holds the flow inside, unlike sanitary pads. This allows you to enjoy water bodies, adventure sports, and dancing in the clubs freely.
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3. What is the hygiene guide that I must follow once I start having regular sexual intercourse?
This is incredibly important. Most women post marriage, as they get into the rhythm of regular sexual intercourse, are unaware of the need to maintain hygiene ‘down there’. Simple stuff, but do it. Rinse well, stay clean (and dry), trim, and keep yourself generally groomed. Keep yourself hydrated.
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4. What are the types of birth control methods available?
Firstly, there’s the barrier method, i.e. using a condom. Generally, men wear condoms; however, female condoms are available in the market. There is also the option of placing an IUD, where a coil is placed in the uterus, preventing pregnancy. The next option is going on a birth control pill. What this does is that it adjusts your hormones in a manner that does not allow the egg to get released and fertilized, hence preventing pregnancy. BOTH methods are completely safe (modern science has come a LONG way!!!) The ‘pill’ needs to be taken very regularly – you cannot skip a dose. Morning after pills / i-pills / emergency contraceptives are NOT a birth control method and should only be used in an emergency situation. Taking more than 2-3 iPills in a year can permanently damage your system.
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5. What are the health side effects of birth control methods?
Condoms are extremely safe to use. There are various myths around the use of condoms, their materials being ‘impure’/’non-vegetarian’ and all sorts of talk. However, it’s all untrue. Unless you have a very specific allergy, they are 100% safe.
6. Is it safe to have sex during periods? If one has sex during their period, can one avoid getting pregnant?
There is a risk of infection if you do have sex during this time in case there is a virus in your menstrual blood, but otherwise, it’s safe (but probably a bit inconvenient). However, there is no guarantee that you will not get pregnant.
7. Are there any changes in the body after I get married? I have heard that a lot of girls go through hormonal changes after marriage. Is this something to be worried about?
Unless you have been very sexually active before marriage, you will see some differences. This is because your body is not used to the hormonal secretions resulting from having regular sexual intercourse. It is all normal and will eventually stabilise.
8. What is the right time to conceive? How many days before/after my period?
The best time to conceive a baby is ‘whenever you are ready to take this full-time duty of being 2+1 wholeheartedly’. There is NO OTHER RULE. So yes, all the aunties telling you ‘need to have kids after a year of marriage’ are just fibbing. But if you are completely ready, your ideal ovulation period, when you are most fertile, is around 12-16 days before your next period. In a 28-day cycle, you have high-fertility days around 14 days before your next period.
9. Are there anything like female condoms? If so, is it healthy to use?
Yes, there are many, and they are great to prevent both pregnancy and STDs.
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10. What if I want to get an abortion? What is the process?
If the pregnancy is unplanned and unwanted, and you wish to terminate, you can opt for an abortion in India – it is legal. You need to consult with a gynac and ensure it is done safely without damaging your body. Medical abortion is easy, safe and quick. It can be done either orally (through medicines) or surgically. It is also not an expensive process. You must NOT opt for home remedies or home methods of abortion, as they can be harmful and unsafe.
We hope you have a fruitful marriage with respect to emotional, mental, financial, and most importantly, sexual compatibility. These questions are aimed at shedding light on burning FAQs that every girl has before she is betrothed to be married.
