OB-GYNs care for reproductive and sexual health, pregnancy, and many hormone-related concerns. Many people feel nervous or embarrassed about these topics, but clinicians discuss them every day. A written list keeps the conversation on track.
Before the visit
Note the date of your last period, how regular your cycles are, and any changes. Write down symptoms you have noticed, medications and supplements you take, and any family history of conditions affecting women's health.
For routine care
- Which screenings are right for me, and how often?
- Am I up to date on vaccines that relate to reproductive health?
- Is what I am experiencing with my cycle typical for me?
- How can I tell when pain or bleeding deserves a call?
If you are thinking about contraception
- What options exist, and how do they differ in effectiveness, side effects, and convenience?
- How would each fit with my health history and medications?
- What happens if I want to stop or switch?
If you are planning or expecting a pregnancy
- What should I start or stop doing before conception?
- Which of my medications are safe to continue?
- What does prenatal care look like, and how often are visits?
- Who will deliver, and where?
For midlife and beyond
Ask about changes in cycles, sleep, mood, or comfort, and what options exist to manage them. There is rarely a single right answer, and your preferences matter.
Your visit, your pace
You can ask for a chaperone, request that a step be explained, or pause during an exam. If you do not feel comfortable with a clinician, you are free to choose another.