Don’t let your nerves get in the way of seeking good medical health for your long-term well-being. If you need expert attention, seek it! Ask you friends or family members for a recommendation and make the call. Shop around for the best gynaecologist for you: One that makes you feel comfortable above all is crucial.

A gynaecologist is an important part of maintaining your reproductive health even if you’ve never had sex before. Don’t wait until after you’ve done the deed because it’s probably already too late. A good doctor can help you prepare for the your first time or help with any other issues related to women’s health.

It’s important to be honest with your doctor so don’t hold back when you go in for a check-up. If you’ve been having problems down there for some time, tell your doctor about it, go into details (trust us, there’s nothing they have seen before) and relax. Your gynae is here to help you, not ask you to sit for an exam!

(Read more: 10 Everyday Things That Could Worsen Period Pains)

Take everything you’ve read about feminine hygiene with a pinch of salt. Doctors say washing your lady bits with just some mild soap and water is perfectly okay and that some overly-perfumed washes will just upset the delicate balance of your vagina. That said, if you do smell extra pungent than usual, make an appointment to make sure you don’t have an infection.

Your gynae probably couldn’t care less about whether its a jungle down there or whether you’ve been waxed until baby smooth. They’re there to do one job and one job only: taking care of your lady health problems. So next time you want to apologise for not shaving your legs, don’t. Your doctor isn’t even thinking about it.

If you have the telltale symptoms of a urinary tract infection, don’t waste time trying to treat it with home remedies. Gynae’s say a UTI can go to your kidneys, so that should be considered urgent. Make an appointment as soon as possible and in the meantime, drink water like it’s going out of fashion.

(Read more: 7 Ways Acupuncture Could Help With Your Health Issues)

Aside from the fact that you’ll probably convince yourself you’re dying from some super-rare disease that hasn’t existed since the seventies, googling for health advice won’t do any good except keep you up at night. Remember, online searches don’t know your medical history or risk factors like a human doctor would.

If you’re having severe cramps or a super-heavy flow or crazy mood swings, your gynecologist wants to hear about it so she can help. Don’t dismiss the severity of these small signs as it could be simple to treat, or something far more serious that needs the attention of your doctor.

STDs and unwanted pregnancies can be avoided if you take the time to approach your gynae about what your options are before you get frisky. Don’t be embarrassed about broaching the subject as she can give you a rundown of the different types of birth control available and help you choose the best one for you.

(Read more: 10 Sex Myths You Should Stop Believing)

Don’t cancel on your gynaecologist just because Aunt Flow decided to pay you a visit on the morning of your appointment. Doctors say they always like people to come in anyway, because it’s often hard to set a date down for a reschedule.