Switching to a new gynecologist or going to one for the first time are both big changes, but they’re crucial to staying in control of your health as a woman. To ensure you get the care you need and deserve, there are several questions you should ask your new provider about your wellbeing. Below are three of the most important questions you should ask.

What To Ask Your Gynecologist At Your First Visit

1. What’s My Risk for Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer affects a large number of women every year, and it’s expected to cause over 4,000 deaths in the USA in 2019. With a Pap test, the risk of developing the disease has dropped, as precancerous changes can be caught and treated before cancer develops. However, cervical cancer is still a serious condition, and you should know your risk of developing it so that you can organize your women’s health care regimen accordingly. Several factors increase your risk of developing cervical cancer, including obesity, tobacco use, unhealthy diet, immune deficiency, contact with certain STDs, and a family history of the condition.

2. Is What I’m Experiencing Normal?

If you have any concerning symptoms or unanswered questions, your first appointment with a new gynecologist is the time to mention them. If you’re afraid to ask these questions, it means you aren’t comfortable speaking with your provider, and you should consider looking for a new one. Symptoms like painful sex, severely painful or heavy periods, unusual discharge, and pressure in your pelvis aren’t normal and could indicate medical conditions that need attention, and you need to be comfortable talking to your gynecologist about them. Telling your provider about these experiences and symptoms immediately allows them to provide treatment before any conditions worsen and tailor all future care to your needs.

3. Are There Any Changes You Recommend?

This question opens up a general conversation about your overall wellbeing and any concerns or advice your physician may have. They could request that you come in more frequently for exams if you have high risk for disease, or they could recommend a healthier diet to improve period discomfort. The topic of birth control may also come up, as certain types of birth control can help with period symptoms, acne, and anemia, and also reduce ovarian cancer risks.

Asking this open-ended question will stimulate conversation between you and your gynecologist, allowing the two of you to work together to improve your comfort and health. It gives your doctor the chance to recap everything they’ve told you in the appointment so far.

If you’re searching for advanced and compassionate women’s health care, see a licensed gynecologist at Augusta Health Care for Women in Fishersville, VA. Their staff boasts four experienced doctors who are all Fellows of The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, as well as skilled and certified nurse midwives and nurse practitioners. This elite provider caters to their patients with a second location in Lexington, an online patient portal, a lengthy list of accepted insurances, and after-hours contact options. Learn about their gynecology services online, and call (540) 213-7750 to arrange an appointment.