Things Your Gyno Needs to Know and Why
1. Questions about your medical history as well as family’s (e.g. What medications are you presently taking? Is there a history of high blood pressure in your family?)
Some medications and medical conditions just don’t mix. Your gynecologist may be aware of complications that can occur if you are taking certain medications prescribed by another doctor. For example, certain antibiotics can slightly impact the effectiveness of some contraceptives, so it’s important to inform your doctor of any medication you are taking so that they can suggest other methods that will help you prevent unintended pregnancy. You might be thinking that the Motrin you take for those weekly headaches you get is not worth mentioning, but when in doubt, let it out. By making your doctor aware of the medical conditions that affect both you and your family, he/ she can better determine the type of contraception you need and other resources to suggest that will keep you healthy.
2. How many drinks do you have per week? Do you smoke or use nicotine?
Certain questions allow your doctor to make a medical map of your specific situation. By piecing together info like the date of your last period, date of last sexual intercourse and your regular alcohol intake, a doctor can determine if you’re possibly pregnant and if they need to monitor that pregnancy for any complications. You may not even be aware that you could be pregnant until a doctor helps you put all the pieces together. They might also be able to refer you to support if they suspect you are struggling with alcohol or nicotine abuse.
3. Have you ever been forced to have sex? Has your partner ever physically or verbally threatened or hurt you?
When a woman is a victim of sexual assault, she might be too traumatized, scared or confused to come forward and tell someone. Sometimes writing it down is the best way for a victim of sexual assault to communicate that they need to talk to someone about what they’ve experienced. Other women may be confused about if they’ve ever experienced sexual assault or physical or verbal abuse, so this question may allow them to briefly analyze unhealthy behaviors in their relationship and seek further support from a professional.
