Why women don't get what they need from their doctors, and what our expert says we should do about it.

Come on--all of us have spent many late night hours researching the latest condition we think we have. A recent article gave a rundown of the top five bad habits of women at the doctor's office: not questioning the doctors, over-researching, not recognizing a doctor who doesn't understand women, not trusting intuition and the tendency to diagnose ourselves. Momlogic friend and OBGYN Dr. Hilda Hutcherson weighs in:

"I think the article is correct. I would also say that women are less likely to ask questions because they don't want to 'bother' the doctor or 'take too much of his/her time.' Women are taught to be 'pleasers,' so we always want to make everyone happy. We also worry too much about what the doctor (an authority figure) will think of us. So questions about sex, for instance, (or any subject we consider embarrassing) may go unasked."

Here are Dr. Hilda's tips for a successful appointment:

• Write your questions and concerns down before you get to the office and read them to the doctor make sure you don't miss any.
• Ask about necessary preventative tests, tips, advice, etc.
• Ask what you should be doing at this stage of your life to improve
  and maintain health.
• Your sex life is important...make sure you ask any questions that you
  might have.

For additional tips from The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services on how to make the most out of your doctor's visits, click here.