Going to a gynecologist can be nerve-wracking for some women. Dr. Sue Kafali, a board-certified gynecologist and Chicago labiaplasty surgeon shares some important tips to help you feel more comfortable and confident during your OB-GYN visits. Whether it’s your first appointment or a routine annual check-up, here are some helpful reminders to make the experience as smooth as possible.
1. Bring Your Questions and Don’t Be Shy
Your OB-GYN office is a safe space to ask any and all questions about your health. No concern is too small or too personal-this is your time to get answers and clarity. Don’t hold back; your doctor is there to help you.
2. Don’t Worry About Hair or Pedicures
If you’re hesitating because you haven’t shaved your legs, have hair on your vulva, or missed a pedicure-please don’t cancel your appointment. Your doctor is focused on your health, not these details. You’re not there to be judged, and these things won’t affect your care.
3. It’s Okay to Visit While on Your Period
Being on your period is not a reason to skip your appointment. You are not the first patient to visit while menstruating, and you won’t be the last. Your doctor can still provide the care and answers you need, so there’s no need to feel self-conscious.
4. Keep It Simple: Use Only Water for Cleansing
When it comes to cleaning the vulva and vaginal area, less is more. Avoid using lotions, shampoos, deodorants, or other products. Water is the best and safest option for maintaining hygiene in these sensitive areas.
5. Your Comfort is a Priority
If you feel nervous or need extra support during your appointment, it’s your right to ask for accommodations. You can request a nurse or medical assistant to stay in the room with you, and don’t hesitate to ask for their hand to hold if that helps you feel more comfortable.
6. Don’t Skip Your Annual Visits
Annual OB-GYN visits are essential for maintaining your health, even if you don’t need a Pap smear every year. Depending on your medical history and previous test results, your doctor will determine the right schedule for screenings. However, a yearly examination ensures you’re staying on top of your health.
If you have urgent questions or concerns, remember that you have the right to reach out to your OB-GYN for answers. Open communication with your doctor is an important part of your care.
About Dr. Sue Kafali
Dr. Sue Kafali is a highly regarded, board-certified Cosmetic Gynecologist and one of the leading labiaplasty and vaginal rejuvenation surgeons in Chicago, Illinois. With more than two decades of experience in women’s reproductive health, Dr. Kafali has helped thousands of women restore both confidence and comfort through advanced cosmetic gynecology procedures.
She is fellowship-trained and accredited in minimally invasive and robotic gynecologic surgery, which brings an unparalleled level of precision and safety to her work. Dr. Kafali is widely recognized as a trusted authority in labiaplasty, vaginal tightening, and comprehensive feminine rejuvenation, making her a top choice for women locally in Chicago as well as patients traveling from across the country.
At FemSculpt Cosmetic Gynecology, the first practice in Chicago dedicated exclusively to female intimate wellness and rejuvenation, Dr. Kafali and her team specialize in treatments that blend medical expertise with aesthetic artistry. From labia minora reduction to nonsurgical vaginal tightening and advanced PRP therapies, every procedure is tailored to a woman’s unique anatomy and goals.
Our mission is simple: to help women feel comfortable, confident, and empowered in their own bodies. Whether addressing functional issues such as vaginal laxity, incontinence, or pain, or enhancing aesthetic concerns for improved confidence and sexual wellness, Dr. Kafali provides compassionate, discreet, and expert care.
Because at FemSculpt, every woman deserves to feel good in her body, and Dr. Sue Kafali is here to help make that possible.