Visiting the gynecologist is possibly one of the most anxiety-producing doctor’s visits you make. You never really get used to sharing your most intimate health concerns.

As a woman and health care provider, I get it. Gynecology visits can feel intrusive, uncomfortable, and sometimes, painful. However, seeing your gynecology provider is important for your overall health. Regular visits allow us to closely track and monitor any gynecological changes you may have.

So, to help take away some of the anxiety and to better prepare you for your next GYN visit, here’s a list of medical history details you should be prepared to discuss with your GYN provider.

What to know for your next GYN appointment:

Details of menstrual cycle: how often does your period come, how heavy is your bleeding (scant, light, moderate or severe), any cramps experienced (if so, when and how long do they last, intensity of pain, characteristic of pain (dull, sharp, throbbing), what helps pain (heat packs, medications). Any pain outside of period (time of actual bleed)? Any history of skipping cycles (if so, what is the longest timeframe without a cycle?)

History of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): have you ever had an STD and were you treated? Have you ever had an abnormal pap smear? If so, was treated, such as colposcopy or LEEP needed?

Past family history: has any member of your family been diagnosed with ovarian, endometrial, breast or colon cancer? If so, which family member was diagnosed and at what age? Also, knowing any treatment that was implemented would be helpful.

Last mammogram: have you ever had abnormal results that needed further imaging (i.e. US, biopsy)?

Any past hospitalization: have you ever been hospitalized? If so, what was the indication?

OB History: how many children do you have, the form of delivery (vaginal or c-section), any complications during pregnancy, delivery or after? Did you carry to term (at least 37 weeks)?

Contraceptive: what methods are you interested in? Have you tried anything in the past? How did it work for you? Did you have any issues with that particular contraceptive?

Any pertinent GYN history: have you ever been diagnosed with PCOS? If so, when and what treatment was used? Have you had abnormal bleeding? If so, what treatment plan was started?

Don’t let the fact that you don’t know the answer to all of these questions keep you from coming to your GYN appointment. The most important thing is that you come. Having answers to these questions will allow us to better and more specifically treat you, but are not absolutely necessary.

We’re here for you!

Call today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mia and Nurse Practitioner Santanna Thomas to discuss your next Gynecological health!

SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT      CALL US
 

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Dr. Mia is excited to have Santanna at MiBella Wellness Center. Santanna has been a member of the staff since February and was trained by Dr. Mia.

Santanna is dually certified as a Women’s Health and Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. She has always loved mentoring young women and looks forward to impacting change in the lives of the women that she meets. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, member of the Rock City Church Choir, American Association of Nurse Practitioners and Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honors Society.

She is married to Kershun Thomas. They both attend the Rock City Church and are highly active in ministry. They both enjoy traveling and spending time with family and friends.

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