Great tips on preparing for a pelvic exam and/or pap smear. I have a few other tips to add:
1. Be sure to schedule your visit when you are not currently menstruating
2. This is the only doctor that I see on a regular basis, so I also combine it with getting my cholesterol checked. Your doctor can order lab tests to be done, and they are more than happy to do this!
3. My anxiety is reduced if I wear socks during my appointment, as a few doctor's offices I have been to did not have the little "footies" covering the stirrups and my feet were cold!
4. Make a list of questions that you have, write them down, and bring the list with you to the doctor's office.
5. Be sure you know your LMP: the date of your last menstrual period (the date it began), as you will need to know this information, along with any other medications you are taking, and any symptoms or problems you've had in the previous year. Don't be shy---they need to know this information!
There are also other special groups of women who may need more time and attention from their doctor, who will have special needs and concerns, including:
- teens for their first ever visit
- women who have been sexually assaulted in their past
If you are in one of these categories, please be sure to tell the nurse about your special situation, and your doctor and nurses will accommodate your specific needs for your appointment.
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Great tips on preparing for a pelvic exam and/or pap smear. I have a few other tips to add:
1. Be sure to schedule your visit when you are not currently menstruating
2. This is the only doctor that I see on a regular basis, so I also combine it with getting my cholesterol checked. Your doctor can order lab tests to be done, and they are more than happy to do this!
3. My anxiety is reduced if I wear socks during my appointment, as a few doctor's offices I have been to did not have the little "footies" covering the stirrups and my feet were cold!
4. Make a list of questions that you have, write them down, and bring the list with you to the doctor's office.
5. Be sure you know your LMP: the date of your last menstrual period (the date it began), as you will need to know this information, along with any other medications you are taking, and any symptoms or problems you've had in the previous year. Don't be shy---they need to know this information!
There are also other special groups of women who may need more time and attention from their doctor, who will have special needs and concerns, including:
- teens for their first ever visit
- women who have been sexually assaulted in their past
If you are in one of these categories, please be sure to tell the nurse about your special situation, and your doctor and nurses will accommodate your specific needs for your appointment.
June 28, 2009 - 6:46amThis Comment
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