7 Questions Women Should Ask At Their Next Doctor’s Visit

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Medical guidelines change quicker than most doctors can keep up. Some doctors do their best to read up on the newest research and findings, but it’s not a requirement for all. That’s why you can see one doctor who tells you about a new treatment option for your condition and another doctor who has never heard of it. So, while you’d like to think you can rely on your doctor to tell you everything you need to know – and ask you all the relevant questions – sometimes you can’t. You need to advocate for yourself, and take a “There are no dumb questions” approach to your doctor’s visits.

This is especially important for women whose bodies go through tremendous transitions from one phase of life to the next. And it’s even more important for Black women. Research from the Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation shows that non-Black doctors typically spend less time with their Black patients than their white ones. At your next doctor’s visit, be sure to ask your doctor these questions – even if they don’t bring them up.

I Want Kids Down The Line. So, What Now?

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If you and your doctor have not discussed your family planning, it could be time to start. If you know you want children one day and are approaching your mid-30s (which is when fertility drops drastically for a woman, says The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), talk to your doctor about this. Let them know your desires surrounding family planning and your current situation.

For example, if you are 33 years old, unmarried and want to have children one day when you find a partner, tell your doctor this. Then ask what steps you should be taking to work towards that goal. Do you need to consider freezing your eggs? Are there lifestyle changes you can make to boost fertility? Some doctors will not bring this up on their own, as they can see it as an invasion of privacy.

I Don’t Want Kids. Does That Change Anything For Me?

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If you know you never want children, that’s important for you to tell your doctor, too. Some doctors with antiquated ideas believe that every woman eventually plans to have children. If that is your doctor’s stance, they could be making medical recommendations to you based on that assumption.

Let your doctor know if you do not plan on having children. This could change the birth control method they recommend for you, as well as lifestyle recommendations. It might also affect the timing of certain screenings and tests because women who don’t have children can be at an increased risk for certain conditions.

This Happens During/After Sex – Is That Normal?

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Sex should never be painful or uncomfortable. Unfortunately, women can grow up with both overt and subtle messaging that some discomfort for women is normal during sex. But it is not. If you are experiencing anything you don’t like during sex, bring it up at your next doctor’s visit. It could be a symptom of an underlying health condition. Or it could be a simple fix related to a hormonal imbalance, untreated bacterial vaginosis or allergy.

My Period Has Changed – Is That Normal?

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No two periods will be identical. But if you notice drastic changes in your period, mention this to your doctor. Drastic changes can mean a major increase in PMS symptoms, heavier bleeding, lighter bleeding, a significantly shorter period or a significantly longer period. Regularly missing periods is also something to bring up to your doctor.

Menstruation is nobody’s favorite time of the month, and it can generally be a messy, uncomfortable time. So, you might not take notice of these changes. It can be a good idea to keep a period journal where you note what’s normal for you – so you notice when things change.

My Energy Levels Have Dropped. What Is That About?

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There’s a myth that as you get older you just become more tired. But feeling fatigued on a regular basis especially when you are sleeping enough is not necessarily normal. It could be a sign of an underlying issue. Additionally, it might be the sign of a hormonal change – one that your doctor can help guide you through with certain treatments or lifestyle changes. Talk about your energy levels at your next doctor’s visit.

I’ve Made This Dietary Change. Anything I Should Know?

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Even minor dietary changes can lead to a major change in how your body feels. The food group you removed might have been your only source of an important nutrient. Speak to your doctor about major dietary changes – if possible, before you even make them. They can help you decide on a supplement regimen to make sure you don’t miss a beat on vital nutrients because doing so can prevent health concerns down the line.

What Are The Current Cervical Screening Guidelines?

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Cervical screening guidelines are constantly changing. In fact, they just went through another major shift (MADAMENOIRE covers here). Several factors can impact your recommended screening schedule, including previous pap smear results, HPV status, age and more. Speak to your doctor about your history with cervical screenings so they can get you on track checking for and preventing cervical cancer.