It’s no secret that going to the physician is usually a bit overwhelming, whether or not it’s for a easy routine check-up or one thing extra severe. Advocating for your self in this kind of surroundings isn’t all the time the best factor to do both—or chances are you’ll not even know that you just’re in a position to in any respect. Extra instances than not, we simply go together with no matter our healthcare care suppliers provide as the usual process or strategy, however there are literally quite a few issues you possibly can ask your physician for that may make your expertise extra comfy, optimistic, and general higher on your well-being.
Within the hopes of inspiring girls to really feel extra comfy voicing their issues and private wants within the medical setting, we’re delving into seven lesser-known requests you may make that may considerably influence the way you obtain care at your subsequent physician’s go to. Consider your well being as a collaborative effort, and by actively searching for out choices that fall outdoors of routine care, you empower your self to advocate for a extra customized and complete strategy to your healthcare. From diagnostic testing to nervousness administration methods, there are such a lot of methods to make sure that your healthcare selections can result in an enriched and tailor-made medical expertise. Listed below are a handful you in all probability have by no means heard of:
1. Ask for UTI meds based mostly on trendy testing
If you end up coping with the irritating recurrence of urinary tract infections (UTIs), there’s thankfully a extra trendy strategy that goes past the routine therapy: the UroKEY UTI check provided by MicroGenDX. This at-home check lets you acquire a urine pattern, ship it to the MicroGenDX lab, and obtain complete outcomes inside 48 hours. It differs from the outdated diagnostic follow of utilizing urine cultures (which may solely determine 1-2% of pathogens) by using cutting-edge DNA expertise as an alternative. With its subtle science, it will probably precisely pinpoint the precise pathogen(s) inflicting the an infection, and docs can prescribe the right antibiotic to deal with your UTI slightly than having to guess (which is what they often do when utilizing urine cultures). Contemplating that almost all UTIs recur as a result of the fallacious antibiotic was prescribed, the precision provided by this check is such an development for recurrent UTI therapy. Nonetheless, many docs nonetheless aren’t conscious of it. So the subsequent time you’re coping with a UTI, take a proactive stance by ordering the MicroGenDX UroKEY UTI check, share the outcomes along with your physician, and ask to have your meds prescribed based mostly on the particular microbe(s) that have been recognized.
2. Ask for ache remedy when getting an IUD
Some people breeze by means of the method of getting an intrauterine machine (IUD) with out a lot discomfort, whereas others could discover it to be a difficult and intensely painful expertise. No matter your stage of ache tolerance, it’s completely acceptable to request ache reduction choices. You possibly can ask for topical ache reduction, reminiscent of lidocaine, or inquire a couple of paracervical block, which is a type of native anesthetic. If the ache is a big concern, discussing the potential of having the process carried out beneath sedation can also be an possibility. IUD insertion doesn’t have to return right down to accepting an enormous quantity of discomfort—be happy to ask your physician about any of those choices for those who imagine it’ll assist your general expertise.
3. Ask for a butterfly needle when getting blood drawn
With regards to the seemingly routine process of drawing blood, people with small veins or veins which are susceptible to rolling could encounter some challenges. In such circumstances, asking your healthcare supplier to make use of a butterfly needle is a request you possibly can completely make. The butterfly needle is smaller in measurement and has enhanced flexibility, proving to be a priceless software in navigating veins that could be a bit harder to seamlessly draw blood from. By requesting this specialised needle, you’re in a position to have a smoother and fewer uncomfortable blood-drawing expertise and improve the general high quality of this medical process, making it a extra patient-centric and accommodating journey to the physician.
4. Ask for nervousness remedy earlier than MRIs/CT scans
The prospect of present process Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT) scans might be recognized to trigger vital nervousness, notably for those who contemplate your self to be claustrophobic or have typically heightened nervousness in the case of medical examinations. In such situations, advocating on your psychological well-being will not be solely crucial however must be inspired. You possibly can have interaction in open communication along with your healthcare supplier to specific your private issues and request nervousness remedy earlier than present process MRI or CT scans. Nervousness remedy can function a priceless software in assuaging pre-scan nervousness, and assist foster a extra conducive and relaxed surroundings whilst you endure the process.
5. Ask without cost remedy samples
In American healthcare, the monetary facet of acquiring prescription drugs can pose vital challenges, notably for these going through points reminiscent of lack of insurance coverage protection or excessive co-pays. Nonetheless, it’s necessary to acknowledge that there are proactive steps you possibly can take to navigate these monetary hurdles. When price turns into a barrier to getting the remedy you want, it’s essential to let your healthcare supplier know. Particularly, don’t hesitate to ask in regards to the availability of free remedy samples. Many pharmaceutical corporations depart drug samples to entice docs to make use of their product, and a few physicians provide these samples to sufferers going through monetary constraints. Whereas counting on samples as a short-term resolution, you and your healthcare supplier can have time to collaboratively discover and consider long-term affordability choices, reminiscent of various drugs or help packages.
6. Ask for a transparent surgical drape throughout a C-section
Navigating the expertise of a C-section entails a ton of concerns, and one facet that deserves consideration is the chance for expectant dad and mom to actively take part within the birthing course of. As increasingly medical amenities are beginning to provide what’s often known as a “light C-section,” communication is essential to making sure that the start expertise aligns along with your private preferences. Particularly, if the prospect of witnessing the start throughout a C-section is necessary to you, you could have each proper to voice this to your healthcare staff and request the usage of a transparent surgical drape in the course of the process. This specialised, fully clear drape lets you witness the start of your youngster whereas nonetheless sustaining a sterile and managed surroundings for the medical staff. By choosing a transparent surgical drape, you possibly can really feel extra like an lively participant within the birthing course of, and also you get to expertise the joyous second of welcoming your youngster into the world.
7. Ask for an annual bodily examination at pressing care
Whereas making an attempt to schedule a routine check-up, working into an extended waitlist or very restricted availability is an expertise most of us can relate to. Fortunately, pressing care amenities provide a viable various to obtain annual bodily exams with out having to cope with brutally lengthy wait instances. By choosing an annual bodily examination at pressing care, you’re in a position to tackle your healthcare wants directly, notably if in case you have any particular well being issues you’d like to handle in a well timed method. Most pressing care facilities are geared up to accommodate a spread of medical companies, nonetheless permitting you to obtain complete check-ups. Taking this proactive step ensures that you could prioritize your well being extra effectively with out the stress of solely having the ability to safe an appointment a number of weeks and even months down the road.
This publish comprises a sponsored inclusion of MicroGenDX, however the entire opinions inside are these of The Everygirl editorial board.
Please seek the advice of a health care provider or a psychological well being skilled earlier than starting any remedies. At all times search the recommendation of your doctor or different certified well being supplier with any questions you’ll have relating to a medical or psychological well being situation. By no means disregard skilled medical recommendation or delay in searching for it due to one thing you could have learn on this article.
