The average healthy woman should visit her gynecologist at least once a year.
This is to keep up with all necessary tests, screenings and general examinations, which are adapted to your particular lifestyle and age group. Women in all age groups should be encouraged to schedule regular check-ups to continually promote a healthy lifestyle. For some, OBGYN appointments can make them feel a little anxious. But rest assured, it doesn’t have to be! Here are a few things to consider before your OBGYN appointment that will set you up to feel ready and confident!

To help minimize the stress of visiting your gynecologist, being prepared provides you with a great way to get the most of your visit. Your doctor keeps a record of  every appointment and over time this helps them discover any possibility for diseases or conditions in a timely manner. Ensuring you of your health and are free of certain types of cancers like cervical and breast cancer. Whether you have your first visit or you’ve had previous appointments before – here’s a short guide on preparing yourself for an OBGYN appointment. 

What To Do Before An OBGYN Appointment

With these few small steps, you may be able to feel more confident talking to your gynecologist about personal information. 

• Find A Doctor You Can Trust

Finding the right doctor can be a challenge but once you find an OBGYN you are comfortable with, this will make your appointments a lot less stressful. It can be a task but with patience and persistence you can succeed. At
Rosh Maternal & Fetal Medicine we have a great team of gynecologists! We offer comprehensive care to all our patients and take care of women of all ages. We cover infertility, diagnostics, obstetrical, and gynecologist services.

• Know What Exams Will Be Performed

Know that your gynecologist will perform an examination and want to run screenings and tests based on your lifestyle and age. Don’t stress over these! They are not because something is wrong, but to make sure everything is under control and hopefully catch possible diseases and conditions early. 

The first exam may be a pelvic floor examination, then a pap smear, and STI screenings. If it’s necessary, your gynecologist may recommend more examinations. If you’re using any medications, they may want to run some blood tests just to see if everything is okay. 

Some of these tests may be a little uncomfortable but they are great preventative measurements. If you are worried about anything in particular in these tests, talk to your gynecologist about explaining the procedure to make you feel more comfortable. 

• Bring Medical Records

If you have medical records, bring them to your doctor’s office. Instead of your doctor’s office trying to get faxed records from another office – which takes forever without fail – make copies at home and create your own medical file. This helps your OBGYN have the most information on you and your medical history. Especially if it’s your first visit.

• Track Your Menstrual Cycle

Your doctor will ask you about the first day of your last period. You can be prepared to answer by using the calendar on your phone, a physical planner or a tracking app to help you track your periods. The more information the better!

• Bring A List of Questions and Keep A List Of Notes

We often have a bunch of questions we want to ask but forget that one question you were dying to ask. Writing down questions and asking them during your appointment assures you get to ask all your questions without missing one. 

Just like the list of questions, it’s not unusual that you might forget certain talking points. Write down a list of notes on a notepad and take it with you. You can even use that same notepad to write notes as you go through your appointment.

An alternative could be bringing someone with you for support and to help you remember everything. 

• Remember Your Vaccine Shots

You may need to take a few vaccines based on the time of the year, medical history and age. Your gynecologist should be aware of any vaccines you’ve taken and any you might need. One of the most common being the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine is important for preventing the HPV virus that can be responsible for cervical cancer.

With just these few things to guide you, visiting your gynecologist should start to feel normal. Feel free to consult your gynecologist about everything you’re feeling or concerned about. 

If It Is Your First
Visit

Those preparing for a gynecologist visit for the first time might prepare a little differently than those with current relationships with their doctors. All your paperwork should be filled out before the GYN exam and any questions you may have should be written down. 

For your first time visit, your doctor will recommend you avoiding:

• Using any type of douche
• Relying on tampons and other things inserted into the vagina
• Having intercourse
• Avoid using harsh cleaners or other product on the morning of the visit

As a first time patient, a nurse will take your vitals, blood and urine sample. The doctor will also examine you for any irregularities or abnormalities as well as take a few minutes to address your questions and concerns before you get dressed. Your gynecologist will ask if you are currently
sexually active
and with how many partners. Any partners who have been diagnosed with an STD will prompt the gynecologist to run a STD test. These exams will test for both STD (sexually transmitted disease) and STI (sexually transmitted infections). Some symptoms range but based on that range they may include:

• Painful and/or itchy bumps on the genitals
• Pain during intercourse
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Discharge with an odd smell
• Heavy or otherwise unusual bleeding

Testing for a STD/STI is important because some of these present themselves without symptoms at all. Your doctor can test for all conditions and let you know of anything within a couple of days. If you’re younger than 25 you could consider being tested yearly. It’s good to be open with your doctor and not hesitate to ask whether or not you need to be tested.
 

Most Importantly, Relax

Never feel embarrassed about your OBGYN appointment. It’s a normal aspect of women’s preventive health. Most young women have their first appointments during the early stages of puberty. If you find yourself dealing with white-coat syndrome, consider taking these steps to help you relax before your appointment. Try giving yourself time before your appointment to read a book or listen to music. At the end of the day, being prepared will help you feel ready. Most doctors even allow patients to bring loved ones with them to provide some support and comfort.

For Your OB/GYN Appointment Call Rosh Maternal & Fetal Medicine in New York

At Rosh Maternal & Fetal Medicine, the team specializes in women’s wellness and provides expert diagnosis and treatment of all reproductive health issues no matter how routine or complex. They welcome women of all ages, so if you have any questions or it’s time to schedule an exam with an OB/GYN,
talk to our team by phone or book an appointment online to get started. Call one of our six convenient NYC locations or schedule a video consultation online today. Come visit your NYC Maternal and Fetal Medicine Specialists for the safest possible care for you.