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Your doctor is definitely not a mind reader; you must tell him everything you know, think, and feel about your problem if you want an accurate diagnosis and the best treatment plan. (There is no need to be shy or embarrassed about sensitive subjects such as sexual problems or sexually transmitted diseases as far as your doctor is concerned. Rest assured that doctors have 'seen it all' and 'heard it all'. They're not there to pass moral or ethical judgement on your conduct.)
Do not hesitate to share your thoughts with your doctor. If you think what he is recommending does not make sense, say so, and specify your reasons. If you're worried, do express your anxieties and find out how you can get more information and support to dispel them. If you sit on your chair and listen meekly, your doctor will either assume that you are uninterested in a full explanation --- or that you are too stupid to understand! Remember: the more you ask, the more you will be told!
Do keep in mind that doctors are also human, and they may also be burdened by their own problems. On certain days they may seem rude or curt; on such days, give them a little leeway and a lot of understanding!
Since it is your head on the block, so to say, you are entitled to raise all relevant questions and seek satisfactory answers to them. If you cannot understand your doctor's explanations, ask him to repeat everything in simpler language. Ask him to show you illustrations; also, ask for written material that explains the medical issues in greater detail, so that you can study it later at leisure.
The following terms can be very helpful when you talk to your doctor:
Try to schedule your next visit at the end of the consultation. If the succeeding question-answer session is something that can be managed on the telephone, then try to do so. You could save both time and money by avoiding an unnecessary visit to the doctor's clinic.
© Dr. Aniruddha Malpani and Dr. Anjali Malpani www.drmalpani.com
Credits: How to Have a Baby: Overcoming Infertility
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