It's hard to imagine becoming BFF with a woman (or man) when your feet are in stirrups. But, learning how to build a good relationship with your OB-GYN is vital for one main reason: your health. By now, you're used to getting an annual check up at the gynecologist's office, which is when you'll get screened for any STIs or STDs, as well as have your breasts examined for lumps (and get notes on how to give yourself a breast exam). According to the United States Library of Medicine, you'll also receive a pap test, which checks for cervical cancer.
Additionally, your OB-GYN will weigh you to make sure you're a healthy weight, especially if you are trying to conceive, OB-GYN Dr. Kimberly Napolitano told Healthgrades. Speaking of conception, your OB-GYN will also discuss birth control, family planning, and answer any questions you have about contraception. Mainly, they do a lot.
And because doctors are people before they are MDs, each one has a different bedside manner. Some OB-GYNs ask what may seem like invasive questions about your life, career, and when (or if) you plan on starting a family. Although you don't want to ever feel judged, you do want to make sure your health care practitioner is being comprehensive. With this in mind, you want to have a good relationship with the person who's all up in your business (literally). The following are things you should do (and, in some cases, should not do) in order to build a good relationship with your OB-GYN.