What types of appointments can I make with my OBGYN?

To make sure you get all your questions answered, book the right type of appointment. Routine well-woman exams are preventative and may not allow enough time for other health concerns. If you have specific issues to discuss, consider a longer or problem-focused appointment to ensure your provider has the time and resources to address all your needs. Here are types of appointments you could consider:

• Routine Checkup (Well-Woman Exam)

  This is your yearly check-in where they’ll do the basics—like a pelvic exam, a breast check, and a Pap smear if needed. It’s also a great time to talk about things like birth control, periods, or any health questions you have.

• Birth Control Consultation

  If you’re thinking about starting or switching birth control, or just want to explore your options, this appointment is all about figuring out what works best for you, whether it’s the pill, an IUD, or something else.

• Pregnancy Test and Early Prenatal Care

  If you think you might be pregnant, you can come in for a test. If you’re expecting, your gynecologist will guide you through the early stages of pregnancy and help you with prenatal care.

• Menstrual Issues

  If your periods are irregular, too heavy, or causing pain, this is the appointment to figure out what’s going on and find a solution that works for you.

• Pelvic Pain

  If you’ve been dealing with pelvic pain or suspect conditions like endometriosis, your gynecologist can help get to the root of it and recommend a treatment plan.

• STD Testing and Sexual Health

  If you want to get tested for STIs (or it’s been a while), this is a good chance to check on your sexual health and make sure everything’s good.

• Menopause Management

  If you’re in menopause or perimenopause and dealing with symptoms like hot flashes or mood swings, your gynecologist can help you manage these changes and discuss treatments like hormone therapy.

• Breast Check / Breast Concern

  If you’ve noticed any changes in your breasts—like lumps or pain—a breast exam is a good idea to make sure everything’s okay.

• Infertility

  If you’ve been trying to get pregnant and it’s not working, a fertility consultation can help figure out what might be causing the issues and talk through your options. Infertility is defined as > 12 months of trying to conceive unsuccessfully if under the age of 35, and 6 months if over.

• Postpartum Care

  After having a baby, a postpartum check-up helps make sure you’re healing well and can address any concerns, including emotional ones like postpartum depression. You can also talk about birth control options and family planning.

• Colposcopy

  If your Pap smear shows any unusual results, a colposcopy is a more detailed exam of your cervix to figure out what’s going on.

• Gynecologic Surgery Consultation

  If you need surgery, like a hysterectomy or fibroid removal, or you’re interested in discussing permanent sterilization, your gynecologist will talk through the options and what the procedure and recovery will look like.

• Preconception Counseling

  If you’re thinking about getting pregnant soon, a preconception counseling appointment is a great way to go over your health and get tips on how to prepare your body for pregnancy. This could include reviewing your lifestyle, diet, medications, and making sure any potential health issues are under control before you try to conceive.

• Carrier & Genetic Testing

  If you’re planning to get pregnant or are pregnant, genetic testing can help identify if you’re a carrier for certain genetic conditions that could affect your baby. Your gynecologist can offer counseling and recommend testing for conditions like cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, and others, so you can make informed decisions.