Ask These Questions at Your Next Well-Woman Exam

During a well-woman exam, we take a medical history and ask questions to learn about symptoms and potential gynecologic problems. We rely on you to ask questions about concerns that may not be part of a routine exam.

Here are eight questions about reproductive issues you may want to discuss.

1. Is my period normal?
This question may be surprising because we ask about your periods. But many women don’t mention common problems because they assume there’s nothing unusual about their periods.

Some women live with heavy periods because that’s routine for them. Others believe they must tolerate intense pain because that’s what women experience.

However, these problems are common signs of an underlying health condition. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about your periods.

2. Do I need health screenings?
Health screenings are tests to detect signs of a problem before you have symptoms. With early detection, we can prevent chronic diseases from developing or progressing.

You receive some screenings during your well-woman visit. For example, we take your blood pressure and screen for cervical cancer (Pap or HPV test) and breast cancer (a manual exam). We run blood and urine tests to find signs of many health conditions.

At certain ages, women should have other screenings, like a mammogram. We refer you to highly qualified specialists if it’s time for essential screenings we don’t perform in the office.

3. What if I have urinary problems?
As OB/GYN specialists, we have extensive experience treating bladder problems, including urinary incontinence, urinary tract infections, and interstitial cystitis (chronic pain and the need to urinate frequently).

4. Should I consider genetic testing for breast cancer?
About 13% of women in the general population will have breast cancer. By comparison, more than 60% of women who inherit variations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes develop breast cancer. The same genetic variations also increase your risk of ovarian cancer.

If you have a family history of breast cancer or have any concerns, we can assess your risk and help you decide if genetic testing might give you crucial information for preventing breast cancer.

5. Can you help me with infertility?
Yes, we provide infertility care. We determine why you can’t get pregnant (if possible; sometimes, we can’t find the cause) and treat the gynecologic conditions that often contribute to infertility.

If you’re younger than 35 and can’t get pregnant within one year, or you’re 35 to 40 years old and not pregnant after six months of trying, it’s time to schedule an infertility evaluation.

6. Can anything relieve my menopause symptoms?
Did you know that hot flashes and night sweats go on for seven years or longer? Many women also experience pain during intercourse, vaginal dryness, and urinary tract infections after menopause.

Never put up with menopause symptoms that diminish your quality of life. As menopause and hormone therapy specialists, we offer safe, effective treatments.

7. When should I get tested for STIs?
Anyone sexually active may need testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We can provide personalized recommendations during your well-woman exam.

8. Do I need any vaccines?
While everyone should get a yearly flu vaccine, your age and overall health determine if you need other shots.

Your well-woman exam is the perfect time to discuss and get vaccines for preventing shingles and contagious diseases like COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and pneumococcal infections.

Women depend on us to provide information, guidance, and treatment for various personal issues related to their medical, behavioral, or emotional health.

We work with you to solve any of your problems, so ask us about any of the following challenges during your well-woman exam:

• Losing your sex drive
• Having problems with sex (lack of arousal or orgasms)
• Improving your diet
• Losing weight
• Stopping smoking
• Identifying and dealing with unhealthy or unsafe relationships
• Feeling depressed, anxious, or stressed
• Struggling with alcohol abuse

You may also want to ask when to schedule your daughter’s first gynecology visit or discuss concerns about their reproductive health.

For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Columbia, MD & Greenbelt, MD. We serve patients from Columbia MD, Greenbelt MD, Ellicott City MD, Jessup MD, Savage MD, New Carrollton MD, College Park MD, Beltsville MD, Bowie MD, and surrounding areas.