Every woman will want to seek well-woman exams at some point in life. Once females turn twelve to thirteen, they start experiencing changes in their reproductive system and overall body. Therefore, it is good to monitor the functioning of the female reproductive system from that point. While the wellness exams may vary based on your health conditions, it is recommended to seek the well-woman exam at least once annually. Understanding what to do before the gynecological exam appointment enhances success during the checkups. For that reason, Dr. Kyle Scarborough recommends the following steps to help you prepare for the next well-woman exam.
Wait Until Your Menstrual Cycle Is Over
Going for the wellness exam while on your period is a bad idea since the blood can interfere with the Pap smear results. Notably, the gynecologist will monitor whether you have cervical cancer using the Pap smear test during the appointments. However, the traces of blood within the pap smear sample would cover the unusual cervical cells, thus giving out misleading results. Therefore, scheduling the wellness exam with your gynecologist on days outside your monthly period is advisable. However, you should visit your gynecologist if you have excessive bleeding during your menstrual cycle.
Ask Questions
Women’s reproductive system is one of the most delicate systems in the body. It is, therefore, necessary to understand this system’s functioning and the conditions that may hinder its operation. Make a list of the important questions before the well-woman exam appointment. List the questions in a single leaflet to help ensure that you do not forget during the checkups due to anxiety.
Bring Your Medications
You could take certain medications to suppress other health complications such as heart disease, before the day of the appointment. Be sure to carry medicines and supplements that you take to your gynecologist. Through those medications, your specialist will clearly understand your overall health. If you visit when having undesirable symptoms in your reproductive system, your gynecologist will assess whether your medications are responsible for those symptoms. Consequently, they will consult other professionals to recommend other treatment options that do not adversely affect your reproductive system.
Understand the Family Medical History
Certain genetic components can increase the susceptibility to some gynecological conditions. For example, if your parents have had ovarian cancer, you are more predisposed to this condition. Therefore, going through the family history of medical conditions is good. Knowing your family’s medical history will shed light on which tests need to be underscored by the doctor.
Carry Someone With You
Many people have worries about the results after the wellness exams. For example, women undergoing breast cancer screenings are concerned with positive results after the test. Fortunately, having someone you can speak to can help ease the anxiety. Therefore, it is important to inform a friend or relative who understands your plans ahead and request them to come with you during the gynecologist exam.
Women usually undergo many body changes, especially when they turn twelve to thirteen. Therefore, it is good to seek gynecological exams to assess the functioning of the reproductive system and monitor the presence of gynecological conditions. For better experience and success during the well-woman exam appointments, it is good to make the necessary preparations. Make inquiries and discuss your family medical history with the doctor for easier health assessment.