Talking to Your OB/GYN
An annual visit to the
OB/GYN
or healthcare professional is important—not only for checking on
your health status, but also to let your healthcare professional know
about changes in your life that could have an impact on your
reproductive and sexual health. It can be a little intimidating, but you
should always feel comfortable asking any questions and discussing
topics that are on your mind. The tips below will help you get ready for
your next appointment. You can even create a custom list with our
My Doctor
Questions tool
to bring along on your next visit.
Be Ready to Ask Questions
Review our list for the questions most relevant to you. Click to mark
any question you'd like to add to your
customized My
Doctor Questions
list.
Reproductive Health
Be Prepared with Information
In addition to having questions ready, here are some things you can do
to prepare for your appointment:
-
Know the dates of your last period.
-
Make a list of current or recently taken medications.
-
Be prepared to answer questions about your medical history, including
surgeries, immunizations and your
menstrual
cycle.
-
Make a list of any allergies you have and your family history (eg,
conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease).
-
If you have medical records from previous gynecological exams, have
them sent to your healthcare professional or bring them with you.
-
If you're sexually active, you'll be asked if you need contraception.
Be prepared to answer these questions about your sexual activity.
Remember, being honest helps your healthcare professional properly
treat you.
-
If you are using a diaphragm
or cervical cap, bring it to your exam so that your healthcare professional can
examine it for signs of wear or determine if you need to be refitted.
Things to discuss during your visit:
-
Let your healthcare professional know about your day-to-day life,
including your eating and sleeping patterns, stress management,
relationships and overall outlook.
-
If you've read something in a newspaper or magazine that you're
interested in or concerned about, bring it in so that you can talk
about it.
-
Speak to your healthcare professional about osteoporosis and ways you
can prevent it as you get older.
-
If you're thinking about having a child some time in the next year or
so, talk about it with your healthcare professional. He or she can
provide advice about appropriate contraception until you are ready to
try to conceive.
-
Ask your healthcare professional to recommend books or other
information resources for any health and lifestyle changes you're
considering.