Dr Sheetal Sachdeva is a qualified Gynecologist and Obstetrician with an MBBS from Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi University, along with DGO and DNB in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She also holds fellowships, including FICMCH and FICOG.
With over 20 years of clinical experience in women’s health and maternity care, she is currently serving as the Director of Nest Clinic, Delhi. In an interaction with THIP Media, Dr Sachdeva highlighted the importance of health literacy among patients because it reduces fear and leads to better outcomes.
When a patient explains to you about their health problems, what are the most common mistakes they make in their communication?
One common mistake I often notice is that patients either underplay their symptoms or over-research them online before visiting the clinic. Many women may describe their condition as “just a little weakness,” when in reality they have been experiencing heavy periods, severe pain, or irregular cycles for months. Additionally, patients often hesitate to discuss topics they find embarrassing, particularly related to menstruation, fertility, sexual health, or emotional stress—yet these are often the most important clinical clues. I always emphasize that in medicine, there are no “small” details; even seemingly minor information can play a crucial role in reaching an accurate diagnosis.
What does health literacy mean to you, and why is it important in patient care?
To me, health literacy means that a patient understands their body, their condition, and the reason behind a particular treatment. It is not about using complicated medical language; in fact, the most effective communication is often the simplest. When patients clearly understand why a test, medication, or lifestyle change is recommended, they are more likely to follow the treatment correctly. This not only builds trust but also reduces fear and ultimately leads to better health outcomes.
If a patient is knowledgeable about the basics of their health condition, how helpful is it for the overall treatment procedure?
When a patient is knowledgeable, it becomes extremely helpful as they turn into an active participant in their treatment. For example, if a woman with PCOS understands that management involves not just medication but also diet, exercise, and proper sleep, she is more likely to stay consistent. Similarly, in fertility care, patients who are aware that IVF is not always the first step tend to be more patient and realistic. Overall, the right knowledge reduces fear, builds trust, and makes consultations more meaningful and effective.
How does medical misinformation impact treatment procedures?
Medical misinformation can significantly delay treatment, create unnecessary fear, and sometimes even worsen the condition. I have seen patients discontinue medications midway due to misconceptions, such as believing that hormonal treatments are harmful. In other cases, couples delay fertility care for years because of unproven remedies found online. Misinformation also affects trust, as patients may arrive already convinced that a recommended treatment is unnecessary or unsafe. As doctors, we often have to spend considerable time addressing and correcting these myths before we can begin meaningful discussions about proper treatment.
What are the most common myths or misinformation you see your patients falling prey to?
There are countless myths surrounding gynecology and fertility.
One common misconception is that irregular periods are “normal after marriage” or “normal after childbirth,” causing many women to postpone seeking medical advice. Another widespread belief is that infertility is always due to the woman, whereas male factors are equally common contributors.
Many women also fear that a diagnosis of PCOS means they can never conceive, which is simply not true. With proper care and treatment, many women with PCOS are able to have successful pregnancies.
Pregnancy, too, comes with an overload of myths and unsolicited advice. At times, it feels like grandmothers, neighbours, and WhatsApp groups have created their own unofficial medical council.
What is your most common advice to patients to stay away from health misinformation online?
My advice is simple: don’t treat every reel, forwarded message, or influencer video as reliable medical advice.
Patients should always verify whether the information is coming from a qualified doctor, a reputed hospital, or a trusted medical source. I also encourage people not to self-diagnose based on symptoms they read online, because almost every symptom on Google tends to sound far more alarming than it actually is.
The internet can certainly create awareness, but it can never replace a proper medical consultation and professional guidance.
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