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A visit to your OB/GYN or other healthcare professional
is a 2-way learning experience. It's not only a chance
for you to find out how you are doing medically, but also
a chance for your doctor or other healthcare professional
to get an update on any medical and social changes during
the previous year that could have an impact on your reproductive
health. Don't be embarrassed to tell him/her anything
or ask any question. These professionals are there to
help, and they want to know everything about you in order
to provide the best care possible. Following are some
suggestions to help you prepare for your appointment.
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- Before your visit, make a list of questions you want to ask. During your examination, ask questions as you think of them or keep notes so you'll be able to remind yourself about any questions before you leave. Following are some questions you might want to ask:
- How do I know if I'm doing my breast self-examination correctly?
- How do I know what birth control method is best for me?
- How can I practice safe sex?
- How often do I need a Pap smear or gynecological checkup?
- When should I get a mammogram?
- How do I know if I have a sexually transmitted disease?
- Should I be tested for HIV or sexually transmitted diseases?
- If I'm on the Pill and miss a day, will I become pregnant?
- How do I know if my period is "normal"?
- What changes in my menstrual cycle are important to note?
- Can my diet and exercise habits effect my reproductive health?
- When can I call the doctor with questions in the future?
- Make a list of the medications you are currently taking or have taken recently and provide this to your physician or other healthcare professional.
- Be prepared to answer questions about your medical history, including surgeries, immunizations and your menstrual cycle. Make a list of any allergies you have and your family history (eg, conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease). If you have previous medical records, have them sent, or if they are in your possession, bring them with you to your physician or healthcare professional.
- Let your physician or other healthcare professional know about your day-to-day life, including your eating and sleeping patterns, how you manage stress, your relationships and your overall outlook.
- If you've read something in a newspaper or magazine that you're concerned about, bring in that information so that you can talk about it.
- Speak to your physician or other healthcare professional about osteoporosis and ways you can prevent it as you get older.
- You may be asked about your sexual practices and birth control. If you're sexually active, you'll be asked if you need contraception. Be prepared to answer these questions and don't be embarrassed to tell the truth. Your doctor or other healthcare professional needs to know the truth in order to properly treat you.
- If you are using a diaphragm or cervical cap, bring it to your exam so that your physician or other healthcare professional can examine it for signs of wear or determine if you need to be refitted.
- If you're thinking about having a child sometime in the next year or so, talk about it with your physician or other healthcare professional. He/she can provide advice about the appropriate contraception until such time as you want to try to conceive.
- Ask your physician or other healthcare professional to recommend books or other information resources for any health and lifestyle changes you're considering.
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Important Safety Information
Serious as well as minor side effects have been reported with the use of oral contraceptives. Serious risks, which can be life threatening, include blood clots, stroke and heart attacks, and are increased if you smoke cigarettes. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially if you are over 35. Women who use oral contraceptives are strongly advised not to smoke. Some women should not use the Pill, including women who have blood clots, certain cancers, a history of heart attack or stroke, as well as those who are or may be pregnant. The Pill does not protect against HIV or sexually transmitted diseases.
Please click here for full Prescribing Information. |
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