Preparation for a gynecologist appointment: important recommendations for women

Regular visits to the gynecologist are an integral part of women's health care. They are particularly important for women of childbearing age who are considering pregnancy or undergoing treatment at a reproductive medicine clinic. It is recommended to consult a doctor at least once a year, or more often in certain cases. However, for the consultation to be as informative and useful as possible, it is necessary to know how to properly prepare for this visit.

When should I make an urgent appointment?

In some cases, it is necessary to quickly contact a specialist when the following symptoms appear:

• lower abdominal pain of varying intensity;
• itching, burning, or discomfort in the area of the external genitalia;
• redness, irritation, or rashes on the mucous membranes;
• changes in the nature of vaginal discharge (color, consistency, odor);
• intermenstrual bleeding;
• menstrual irregularities (delays, cycles that are too short or too long, heavy or light periods).

If these signs are present, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible to rule out any potential pathologies and to start treatment in a timely manner.

How to properly prepare for a routine exam?

If the visit to the gynecologist is planned in advance and is not associated with emergency indications, it is preferable to make an appointment in the first few days after the end of menstruation (unless the doctor has set another term). This will allow for a more accurate diagnosis, as during this period the mucous membranes of the genital organs are less sensitive, and the analysis results will be more reliable.

One day before the visit, it is recommended:

• to refrain from any sexual intercourse to avoid skewing the results of smears and other studies;
• not to use sprays, as this can disrupt the natural microflora of the vagina;
• not to administer medications vaginally (suppositories, tablets, capsules), unless specifically prescribed by a doctor.

Hygiene before the exam:

Before the visit to the gynecologist, you can take a shower, but you should avoid harsh detergents containing antiseptics or disinfectants. The use of intimate gels, creams, sprays, or scented products can affect the results of the examinations. It is therefore preferable to limit yourself to plain water or a mild hypoallergenic soap.

What should I bring?

One of the key moments in preparation is to systematize information related to the menstrual cycle. It is advisable to remember

• the date of the start of the last menstruation;
• the average duration of the cycle;
• the presence of interruptions or unusual symptoms (pain, heavy discharge, etc.).

It is best to note this data or bring a menstrual calendar (paper or electronic). Many women use special smartphone apps that allow them to track the cycle and note any changes.

Characteristics of preparation for transvaginal ultrasound

If a transvaginal ultrasound is planned during the appointment, it is important that the bladder is empty. Unlike abdominal ultrasound where the bladder needs to be full, it can hinder the visualization of the pelvic organs during a transvaginal examination.

Why is preparation particularly important in pregnancy planning and fertility treatment?

For women preparing for pregnancy and undergoing a medically assisted reproduction (MAR) program or infertility treatment, proper preparation for gynecological appointments is particularly important. It allows

• to accurately assess the state of the reproductive system;
• to choose the optimal protocol for ovulation stimulation (if necessary);
• to adjust treatment taking into account the individual characteristics of the body;
• to increase the effectiveness of IVF (in vitro fertilization), including the use of IVF with egg donation or IVF with Double Donation.

Regular examinations and careful preparation not only help preserve women's health but also increase the chances of successful conception within reproductive medicine programs.

You can make an appointment for a consultation with a gynecologist-obstetrician at the reproductive medicine clinic "Natuvitro" in the "Contacts" section of the official website. Visiting a specialist is an important step towards preserving your health and achieving your reproductive goals!