Things Your Gyno Needs to Know and Why

4.  Are you sexually active?  If so, check all that apply (Vaginal, Anal, Oral, Sex Toys).  When is the last time  you were sexually active?

Certain sexual behaviors place you at more risk for contracting an STI or becoming pregnant than others.  Anal sex is especially risky, since it often causes bleeding and the transfer of additional bodily fluids.  By giving your doctor a complete picture of your sexual behavior, he/she will be better able to provide you with information that will be more specific to your sexual behavior such as the

proper way to sanitize sex toys and the importance of using lubrication during anal sex.  By knowing the last date of sexual intercourse you were involved in, your doctor can also link any symptoms you are experiencing to determine if you need to be tested for pregnancy or STI’s.

5.  Have you or your partner had more than one sexual partner in the past 3 months?  How many partners have you had in the past 12 months?

The more sexual partners you or your partner has, the more likely it is that you’ve been exposed to an STI.  This is another question that will help your doctor determine if testing for an STI is a priority.

6.  What type of birth control method do you use?  When is the last time you had sex without using a birth control method?

The more information that you provide to your gyno, the better able he/she is to take a complete look at your lifestyle and  suggest birth control methods that are more convenient for you.  For example, if you don’t plan on having kids for several years, then maybe it would be better for you to invest in an IUD rather than taking a pill every day.  Also, if you recently had unprotected sex and are worried that you are pregnant, your gyno may be able to prescribe emergency contraception that is effective up to 120 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse.