7 Questions You Need to Ask Your Gynecologist
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If you're secretly regretting going back to that guy's apartment to "watch The Daily Show."
The question to ask: "How can I make sure I don't have any STIs?"
While your doctor may notice something unusual during a pelvic exam or a Pap test, many STIs require specific, separate tests, says Streicher. Contrary to popular belief, there's no one test that can "catch everything." You might need to get a swab for gonorrhea and chlamydia (which doesn't usually present obvious symptoms) or a blood test for herpes, HIV, hepatitis and syphilis. None of these are typically included in a wellness visit—unless you ask.
If you're under 50 or over 74...
The question to ask: When should I get a mammogram?
Everyone agrees that any woman, of any age, should get a suspicious lump or other breast change checked out and that women with a mother or sibling with breast cancer should tell their doctors ASAP. But that's about all they agree on. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says women between 50 and 74 years old should have a screening mammogram every two years. The American Cancer Society and other experts recommend that women start getting a mammogram every year at age 40. You could spend hours—even days—sifting through conflicting information and advice. Let us spare you the frustration: Schedule a 15-minute appointment to talk to your doctor about your situation and your risks (that's ultimately what the fact sheets and guidelines will tell you to do, too).
More on Women's Health
The question to ask: "How can I make sure I don't have any STIs?"
While your doctor may notice something unusual during a pelvic exam or a Pap test, many STIs require specific, separate tests, says Streicher. Contrary to popular belief, there's no one test that can "catch everything." You might need to get a swab for gonorrhea and chlamydia (which doesn't usually present obvious symptoms) or a blood test for herpes, HIV, hepatitis and syphilis. None of these are typically included in a wellness visit—unless you ask.
If you're under 50 or over 74...
The question to ask: When should I get a mammogram?
Everyone agrees that any woman, of any age, should get a suspicious lump or other breast change checked out and that women with a mother or sibling with breast cancer should tell their doctors ASAP. But that's about all they agree on. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says women between 50 and 74 years old should have a screening mammogram every two years. The American Cancer Society and other experts recommend that women start getting a mammogram every year at age 40. You could spend hours—even days—sifting through conflicting information and advice. Let us spare you the frustration: Schedule a 15-minute appointment to talk to your doctor about your situation and your risks (that's ultimately what the fact sheets and guidelines will tell you to do, too).
More on Women's Health
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