Questions to ask when seeing your gynecologist?

Question:

My doctor normally does a pelvic exam and a pap smear/vaginal exam and never recommends any other tests because I'm "young and healthy", as he puts it. I would think a doctor would recommend a patient to do all possible tests, but he never does blood work, etc. What tests/procedures should I ask for next time I go in for an appointment, which is in a couple of weeks? (I'm 22)

Answers:
If you have no menstrual or vaginal problems then there is no reason to ask for additional tests, unless they are STD tests if you have had unprotected sex. He's right that you are young and healthy, and additional tests can be invasive and expensive, so he won't recommend them unless you actually have a problem.

Normally doing blood test and such are the jobs of a general practioner, but you could ask your obgyn if she/he could be your primary doctor, and then maybe he will take your blood pressure, and check your reflexes.

Are you sexually active? If so, you should get regular STD screenings, as well as keeping up to date with your pap smears. If you're not sexually active, or are in a committed, monogamous relationship with a partner you have already had tested for STDs, and you have been tested since your last sexual partner, and if you are not experiencing anything unusual with your menstrual cycle or reproductive health, no sexual concerns, there are no other tests he needs to be "recommending".

All you should have done at an appointment, which is standard, is get your pelvic exam, discuss your sexual history and recent history of your menstrual cycle, get a pap smear done, and have a breast exam. There is no blood work that needs to be done.

Questions to ask when seeing your gynecologist?

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