Frequently Asked Questions:

What will happen at my first visit to the gynecologist?

Your first visit to the gynecologist may just be a talk with your doctor so that you can get to know each other and the doctor can explain what to expect at future visits. During your exam visit, your physician will check your height, weight, and blood pressure. You may have a breast exam, a pelvic exam, and a Pap test. You will be encouraged to ask questions.

What questions will my doctor ask?

Your doctor may ask a lot of questions about you and your family. Some of these questions may seem personal but your doctor needs to ask them to know how to give you the best care.

Here are some of the questions your doctor may ask:

• What is the reason for your visit?
• Do you have any health problems?
• Have your started your periods?
• How old were you when you started your period?
• What was the date of your last period?
• How often do you get your period?
• How long does your period last?
• Is your period flow light, medium, heavy?
• Do you have cramps?
• What is your family’s medical history? (for example, has anyone in your family had cancer?)
• What did you eat yesterday?
• Did you exercise or play sports?
• Do you take any medicines?
• Do you take vitamins, herbs, or supplements?

Here are some of the private questions that will be obtained by having you fill out a confidential (private) questionaire:

• Do you use tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs?
• Have you ever had sex?
• When did you last have sex?
• What do you do when you have sex?
• Do you use birth control?
• Within the last year, have you been hit, slapped, kicked, or physically hurt by some one?
• Are you in a relationship with a person who threatens or physically hurts you?
• Has anyone forced you to engage in sexual activities that make you feel uncomfortable?
• Do you ever feel sad or as though you have nothing to look forward to?

Will my doctor share my information with someone else?

Rarely is your information shared with anyone else. Most issues are kept private unless the doctor determines that you are in danger of hurting yourself, or others or that someone is harming you. The doctor will always talk privately with you first and inform you if private information must be shared with anyone else.

When should I see my gynecologist?

See your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Severe pain in the lower abdomen
• Bad cramps during your period
• Periods that are not regular
• Pain around the vagina or swelling, itching, or discharge
• Blood in your urine

You should also see your doctor if you have missed a period or think you may be pregnant or if you have ever had sex so that you can be tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).