Things Your Gyno Needs to Know and Why
7. When was the first day of your last normal period? What age did your first period start and how regular is your cycle?
If you don’t chart your cycle, there’s no better time to start then now. If your cycle is pretty regular, armed with additional information, your doctor may be able to determine how likely it is that you are pregnant and the date of conception. If you’re experiencing irregular periods or painful cramps, your doctor may be able to prescribe something to alleviate your situation.
8. Have you ever been pregnant? If so, how many of those pregnancies resulted in live births? Do you hope to have future pregnancies?
Most doctors can’t spot a woman who has been pregnant before with the naked eye, especially if she didn’t carry that pregnancy to term. But being aware of past abortions and live births can help a doctor to determine if your cervix has ever been dilated, since procedures like insertion of an IUD tend to be easier with women who have given birth. When a doctor is informed that you have undergone an abortion or experienced an ectopic pregnancy, they can pay special attention and look for scar tissue and other things that could interfere with fertility. If you are sure that you do not want to become pregnant in the future, a doctor can recommend permanent procedures that can eliminate the possibility of pregnancy.
9. At what age did you first have sexual intercourse?
Doctors often ask this question to make sure their patients aren’t victims of sexual assault or rape. This also gives them a good idea of how long you’ve been sexually active so they can assess your risk for STI’s, especially HPV.
The most important thing to remember during a gynecological exam is to be honest and not make assumptions. Don’t assume that because you had blood drawn or were asked for a urine sample that it is being tested for STI’s or pregnancy. If it’s not a concern for you, it’s not a concern for your doctor. If you’re going to have an honest conversation with anyone about your sexual history besides your partner, the next best person is your doctor. By providing him/her with as much accurate info as you can, you allow them to better tailor your medical experience and treatment to your needs.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article should not be used as a substitute for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Toya Sharee is a community health educator who has a passion for helping young women build their self-esteem and make well-informed choices about their sexual health. She also advocates for women’s reproductive rights and blogs about everything from beauty to love and relationships. Follow her on Twitter @TheTrueTSharee.
