Most annual checkups with an OB-GYN include a lot of the same things – a look at your vagina and cervix with the help of a speculum, a Pap smear, a manual breast exam, and STI testing. But that doesn’t mean your appointment is just something to check off your to-do list. What you get out of your visit can depend on what you put into it – so here’s how to make sure you make the most of your time in the stirrups.
Write it all down. It’s easy to lose your train of thought when all your goods are on display, so come prepared. Before your appointment, make three lists: one for your health history and medications you take (including herbs and supplements), one for your family health history, and one for all of your questions. If this is a repeat visit to your usual doc, include anything that’s changed, like a family member’s new diagnosis or an update to your medication dosage.
Bring your prescriptions along. Sitting naked on some parchment paper doesn’t always lend itself to the calm recollection of every prescription you take, how much, and when. Bring that list (opens in new tab) – or even the bottles themselves – along to help jog your memory. (Oscar members, no need to lug those bottles. Your Oscar app has all of your prescription info!)
Get there early. Get to the office early enough – Cleveland Clinic recommends (opens in new tab) 15-20 minutes – that filling out forms and getting your vitals checked by a physician’s assistant (aka a PA) doesn’t cut into your one-on-one time with your doc.
Get on the same page. State upfront why (opens in new tab) you’re there. Annual checkup and a question about your birth control? Weird discharge? The PA may ask this while taking your vitals, but make sure you repeat it to your doc too.