Our survey (YouGov) found that nearly 1 in 3 women had put off getting a gynae symptom they were experiencing checked by a doctor. We want to share key tips for doctors appointments about gynae health to empower women and people with gynae organs to book themselves in and get checked. 

This May we will be shouting about gynae health from the rooftops to breakdown the shame and stigma so that everyone feels more comfortable opening up and talking about any signs and symptoms. 

With the five gynae cancers- womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal- spotting them early is really important in making sure people have the best chance possible.  

We know that to get gynaecological cancers diagnosed early, we need everyone to know their bodies well, know the signs and symptoms to look out for, and to feel comfortable and confident chatting about their gynae health.  

We have some more tips that might help you take that step and get any symptoms checked: 

Come prepared 

Know your symptoms, when they started, and how they have been affecting your life. A timeline of symptoms is important to a doctor when assessing potential gynae conditions or gynae cancers and keeping a symptom diary will be helpful. 

Know your cycle 

Even if your symptoms aren’t period related, periods are often part of a gynae consultation. Know when your last period was, how regular you are, if anything abnormal has happened with your bleeding. If you’re post-menopausal, and you don’t have periods anymore, have the date of your last period to hand, and if you’ve had any bleeding or discharge since that last period. We have tips on tracking your periods and bleeding which can help! And remember: ANY post-menopausal bleeding, from a light pink discharge to a heavy bleed should be checked out. It’s never ‘one last period’ and should always be classed as ‘abnormal vaginal bleeding’. 

Know your meds 

If you are taking the contraceptive pill, or using another form of hormonal contraception (for example a coil or implant), or taking any medication, it’s important to share that information with your doctor. Bring a list with you: what the medication is called and how long you have been taking it for. Also know when your last cervical screening appointment was – your GP may not have a record if it was done at another surgery or clinic. 

Get checked 

Don’t be afraid to say: Should I be examined / I don’t mind being examined. Suggesting it can make for a better consultation and will signal to the GP that you understand that it may be needed and are comfortable with having a vaginal or pelvic examination. 

Know the right words… 

Get clued up on the right vocabulary to explain your problem. A lump on your vagina is very different to a lump on your vulva. Tummy ache is very different to bloating that doesn’t go away. Knowing the names of the different parts of your reproductive anatomy will help you correctly explain your symptoms. It can be difficult for your GP to understand what is going on if you refer to your ‘bits’ or your ‘waterworks’. 

Next steps 

Ask about further tests and check-ups – knowing when the doctor wants to follow up if your symptoms haven’t improved will help move things forward, ask your doctor when they would like to hear back from you and what would be the next steps e.g. referral, or ultrasound scan. Leave your appointment with a plan of action. 

Be comfortable 

If you can, plan ahead and think about what could make your appointment a bit easier. If you think you might need an examination, a dress or skirt (if you wear them) may make you feel more comfortable as you can lift it up rather than be naked from the waist down. 

Sometimes it can be tempting to decline an examination if you haven’t waxed or shaved your pubic hair or if you aren’t happy with the appearance of your vulva. We promise that there is no ‘normal’ when it comes to pubic hair, labia size and shape – everyone is different, and a doctor or nurse just wants to help investigate your symptoms that you have recognised as being abnormal for YOU. 

Ask for a female doctor if you prefer, or a double appointment if you think you need more time to talk about your health issues. If you would like to have someone with you, do ask when you book your appointment, it may not be possible due to covid. 

And one last thing… 

Look for information and advice from expert sources. Dr Google is not to be recommended but there are some trusted sources on gynae symptoms including The Eve Appeal, Patient.info and NHS Choices. The Eve Appeal runs a specialist information service called Ask Eve. This is a nurse-led service and provides free, confidential, expert information and signposting. No question is too small or too embarrassing. It’s a taboo-free zone! You can get in touch by telephone or email: nurse@eveappeal.org.uk / freephone: 0808 802 0019. 

Join us this May to Get Lippy and Loud about gynae cancers. There’s lots of ways you can support:

Buy a Get Lippy Product

We partner with some of the biggest names in health and beauty who donate a percentage of their sales during May.

You can join us and Get Lippy this May by buying a participating product online or from Tesco (in store or online). Get Lippy products will be listed on our website on May 1st!

Take part in the Get Lippy Run!

Join the Get Lippy Run and take on 60k this May for the 60 women and people with gynae organs who are diagnosed with one of the five gynae cancers every day in the UK. 

Share our gynae health information

All month long we will be posting life-saving gynae health information on our social channels @EveAppeal. Follow us and share our information with your friends, family and followers!