At The Woman’s Clinic, it is our mission to help women at all stages of life to remain physically and emotionally healthy. Our highly qualified and devoted staff can help you to make the right decisions for your body, based on your own personal circumstances.
When you make an appointment with us, it can be helpful to also make an OBGYN checklist—that is, a list of everything you want to tell or ask your OBGYN. Doing so ensures that after your visit, you will feel satisfied that you have discussed everything you need to. Our doctors will either explain and reassure you or, if necessary, offer a range of next steps for you to consider together.
The OBGYN Checklist
Making an OBGYN checklist might sound a bit formal, but it’s really just a prompt that you can use to raise any concerns or questions you might have. Your list could include anything from major concerns or difficult symptoms to small irritations. If it’s important to you or causing you some trouble, then it’s worth mentioning! Here we will consider some areas that you might want to add to your OBGYN checklist.
Breasts
Your breasts can change on a regular basis. Even month-to-month, you may notice differences at each stage of your menstrual cycle. You may experience some tenderness or discomfort before your period, or your breasts may feel larger or heavier at certain times of the month. You can even experience changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Your body is undergoing numerous changes during these phases of life, so you are likely to have questions. Thankfully, your OBGYN can help to put your mind at ease.
If you notice something that is out of the ordinary with your breasts, make sure to book an appointment straight away; don’t wait for your routine appointment. Sadly, the risk of developing breast cancer increases with age, with 1 in 8 women being diagnosed during their lifetime. Catching the signs early can mean the difference in getting life-saving treatment in a timely manner.
Symptoms and signs of breast cancer can include a lump or other changes in the appearance of the breast, such as skin puckering, discharge from the nipple, or the nipple becoming inverted. If you notice any of these signs, you need to alert your doctor as quickly as possible. With our in-office 3D mammogram service, we can offer annual screening or a mammogram during any appointment with guaranteed comfort and privacy. This will also get you the results faster, allowing you to begin any recommended treatment without delay.
Periods
From your first period to the start of menopause, your periods can change significantly. If they are troubling you, however, there is no need to put up with the uncomfortable or problematic symptoms. Simply add your concerns about your periods to your OBGYN checklist!
Whether you are bothered by heavy or painful periods, irregular bleeding, or unbearable side effects of hormonal changes (like acne or low mood), our doctors will listen and respond. The same goes for troublesome symptoms that may arise before or during menopause. Regardless of your current stage of life, if your symptoms need further investigation, it can be arranged. Your OBGYN can devise a new treatment plan to help you manage your health more effectively. All you have to do is ask!
Contraception
Many women will use some form of contraception during their lifetime. Whether you are considering starting contraception, have queries about your current contraception, or would like to consider a new medication, put it on your OBGYN checklist.
As with many aspects of women’s health, one type of contraception certainly does not suit all. Contraception comes in several different forms, each with differing levels of certainty (when it comes to pregnancy prevention). However, contraception is not only used to prevent unwanted pregnancy. It can also be prescribed to help manage heavy periods or to control hormones for other reasons.
Regardless of your particular contraception needs, your doctor will be glad to help. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. That’s what we’re here for—and, adding this topic to your OBGYN checklist can help you remember to bring it up.
Changes in Discharge
Vaginal discharge is a normal and healthy part of the female reproductive system. The discharge keeps the vagina clean and helps to prevent infection. However, if you notice a change from the norm, it’s time to speak to your OBGYN.
Changes can simply be the result of common yeast infections (which can be treated easily). Your OBGYN can send off a sample to the laboratory and start anti-fungal treatment, which will alleviate any symptoms.
However, changes in discharge can also be a sign of an infection that has been transmitted sexually. These infections can be treated with antibiotics, but earlier treatment can help to reduce the risk of any long-term complications. Very occasionally, a sexually transmitted infection can lead to fertility problems later in life, so it is important to get an appointment quickly for prompt treatment.
Urinary Symptoms
If you have day-to-day concerns about passing urine, it is worth raising these as part of your OBGYN checklist. You may want to discuss any increased frequency of passing urine in the daytime, regularly getting up in the night to empty your bladder, or any discomfort you are experiencing. Your OBGYN can ask further questions or perform an examination to give you the answers you need.
Frequent urination and pain passing urine are commonly caused by bacterial infections. Luckily, these infections can quickly be treated with antibiotics. Your OBGYN can send off a urine sample to be certain that the correct treatment is prescribed and that you get started on it quickly. This not only means that you’ll feel better faster, but it also reduces the risk of the infection spreading into your kidneys.
Unfortunately, beyond infections, urinary incontinence becomes more common in women following childbirth and in later life. It may leave you feeling ashamed, but it doesn’t have to. As there are plenty of treatment options available, there is no need to suffer through it. Speaking in confidence to your OBGYN may help you feel more positive about the future, as it can make you aware of treatment options that you may not have known about otherwise.
Everything You Should Tell Your OBGYN at Your Appointment
Whether you have a routine appointment booked or have made one as a result of new symptoms or concerns, having an OBGYN checklist of everything you want to tell or ask your Doctor is a helpful way to make sure you don’t miss anything. When your OBGYN has the full picture in mind, they will be better able to take a holistic approach to your treatment, making the right decisions both clinically and based on your individual circumstances.
Here at the Woman’s Clinic, we want to help you get the care you need. Get your OBGYN checklist ready and schedule an appointment to see one of our Little Rock gynecologists today! Give us a call at (501) 664-4131, or contact us online for more information.
