Women's healthPreventive care

6 ways to get the most out of an OB/GYN appointment

Here’s what gynecologists want their patients to know.

LearnWomen's healthGynecological health6 ways to get the most out of an OB/GYN appointment
Find a provider you trust
Know your body and what’s typical for you
Arrive at your appointment prepared
Ask about other health concerns
Avoid trying to self-treat symptoms first
Don't go it alone

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Whether you’re visiting an OBGYN for the first time or you’ve been going for decades, an annual wellness visit is a great opportunity to discuss health concerns and get information about screenings and treatments. Here are some tips for getting maximum value out of your next visit.

Sources: The American College of Obstetricians an... + 7
  1. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Find an OBGYN. 2022
  2. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Your First Gynecologic Visit. June 2022. Accessed July 22, 2022.
  3. Planned Parenthood. Can you get a pelvic exam when you have your period? June 29, 2020. Accessed July 22, 2022.
  4. John Hopkins Medicine. Pap Test. 2022. Accessed August 24, 2023.
  5. Rachel Urrutia. What’s the difference between a yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis? UNC Health. December 11, 2019.
  6. Mayo Clinic. Pelvic exam. July 24, 2021. Accessed July 26, 2022.
  7. American Cancer Society. The Pap (Papanicolaou) Test. January 3, 2020. Accessed July 26, 2022.
  8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What Should I Know About Screening? December 14, 2021. Accessed July 26, 2022.
Written by Ana Lopez.
Updated onAugust, 2026
Written by Ana Lopez.
Updated onAugust, 2026
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