Your gynecologic health is no doubt a key component of your overall health. If it gets out of synch, it can set off a cascade of problems that can also throw the other aspects of your health off-kilter. As such, even if you feel you’re totally alright, see your gynecologist regularly and make sure you tell them everything that you believe they should know about your health. These include your menstrual cycle, sexual habits, and any medical issues.
You may feel a bit uncomfortable about providing certain details with your gynecologist, but keep in mind that they’ve already heard it all and doing so helps ensure you receive the best care possible.
Below are some details about your health and lifestyle that are worth discussing with your gynecologist during your appointment.
Your Family’s Medical History
If anyone in your family has or has had chronic conditions (e.g., high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and cancer), inform your gynecologist, so they can take your risk factors for these diseases into consideration. Your doctor can provide you with the necessary recommendations to help you mitigate such risk/s. This is also important if you’re planning to get pregnant.
Your Medical History
Your own history of medical problems is all the more relevant, and thus, should be shared with your gynecologist. This way, they can create a personalized plan of care.
Aside from asking questions about specific medical problems you have or have had, your gynecologist may also ask you about the following:
- When you had your last Pap smear test and its results
- Medications you are currently taking
- Whether you have an allergy to certain medications or latex
Your Menstrual Cycle
Let your gynecologist know if you are experiencing any changes in your period, such as prolonged or abnormally heavy flow, excessive cramping, clotting, spotting, and irregular or painful periods. Often, these changes are normal, but could also be a sign of a gynecologic condition, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroids, or endometriosis.
Any New and Unusual Symptoms
Additionally, it is imperative that you alert your gynecologist if you are experiencing pelvic or vaginal pain, sudden weight gain or loss, breast tenderness, nausea, unusual vaginal discharge, or other signs that something isn’t right. Let your gynecologist know how long you’ve had these symptoms, the level of your pain, whether it is occasional or constant, what triggers or worsens the symptom, and what medications (prescribed or over-the -counter) you may be taking to manage your symptoms. This way, they can carry out the necessary diagnostic tests and recommend the appropriate intervention.
Your Lifestyle Choices
To provide your gynecologist with a crucial insight into your overall health, tell them important things about your lifestyle, such as whether you drink, smoke, are dieting, or engage in strenuous exercise or activity.
Your Sexual Health and Choices
As awkward as it may seem, your sexual health is one thing you should never leave your doctor’s office without talking to them about. Whether it is a history of STDs, a plan to get pregnant or to stop having more children, or issues with your libido, don’t hesitate to discuss these with your gynecologist.
- Contraception – if you are currently taking any form of birth control, especially if you are experiencing any side effects
- Whether You Are Pregnant or Trying to Conceive – Your gynecologist can offer advice on matters, such as the available pregnancy tests, the early signs of pregnancy or infertility, and how to obtain ovulation kits. In addition, your gynecologist can help you arrange genetic carrier screening before you become pregnant
- Any Problems with Low Libido – Your gynecologist can help you get to the root cause of your condition and come up with the right treatment plan.
Trusted Gynecologist in Syracuse, New York
For first-rate gynecologic health care in the Syracuse area in New York, visit us here at University OB/GYN Associates. Our board-certified gynecologists are best known for their nurturing and compassionate approach to care. Not only that, many of them are included in the consumer medical guide “The Best Doctors in America: Northeast Region.” This means you can rest assured that you’re in very competent hands.
To learn more about our OB/GYN services or to arrange an appointment with one of our gynecologists, contact our staff here at University OB/GYN Associates by calling (315) 464-5162.
