Seeing your gynecologist once a year is a good practice to follow. Annual visits include several health screenings to ensure you remain in good health. However, some women may only need to have a pap smear done once every 3-5 years.
It all depends on your health history. Seeing an OBGYN for family planning is a bit different, though. Once you learn you’re pregnant or decide you want to start family planning, you’ll want to schedule an OBGYN appointment.
When preparing for this appointment, there are a few questions you should ask depending on your own unique situation. In the guide below, you’ll learn several common questions to ask your women’s health provider!
1. Am I Due for Exams?
When arriving at your appointment, you’ll first fill out a new patient form (if needed). Otherwise, it’s important to let your provider know when the last time was that you received your health screenings. Your provider will then decide if you need to have any routine exams done during that appointment.
Staying up to date on breast exams, pap smears, and other health screenings is essential for overall great women’s health.
2. How Often Should I Schedule Visits?
Seeing your gynecologist once a year is normal, but everyone has their own unique situation. For example, if you’re currently dealing with or recently dealt with certain health issues, then your provider might encourage you to schedule visits more often. The same is true for pregnant women scheduling OB appointments and not regular gynecologist appointments.
When family planning, you’ll need to see your OBGYN several times throughout the entire pregnancy. Your provider will let you know when to schedule these appointments to ensure you’re seen as needed.
3. Is This Pain Normal?
Some pains a woman might experience are normal pains associated with menstrual cycles or pregnancy. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make your OBGYN aware of the pain. Your provider will discuss these pains with you to ensure the pain is something normal and not something that needs further examination.
Even if the pain is light and tolerable, don’t hesitate to bring it up with your provider.
4. Should I Be Tested For STDs/STIs?
It’s routine for all pregnant women to get tested for STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) and STIs (sexually transmitted infections). This testing happens during the first OBGYN appointment. If you’re not family planning, then you’ll need to ask your provider about having this testing done.
Your OBGYN should recommend STD and STI testing for anyone who’s sexually active and can complete the testing right there in the office. Doing so can help you catch any issues in the early stages to ensure proper treatment and prevent further complications from arising.
Come Prepared for Your Next OBGYN Appointment
Whether you’re planning your first gynecologist visit or you’re ready to start family planning, come prepared for your next OBGYN appointment. Make sure to ask some of these questions listed above and prepare a list with any of your own questions as well. Never feel embarrassed or hesitant to ask your provider something.
Their job is to answer these questions and provide you with the best women’s services available. At Women’s Health Associates, our goal is to do just that. We provide high-quality and personalized care to our patients using our many years of experience and empathy.
Schedule an appointment today to get started.
