What other kinds of information does your reproductive healthcare provider want to know?
We would want to know about your menstrual cycle. Period flow varies tremendously from woman to woman. A normal menstrual cycle is between 21 to 35 days intervals, and they should last less than seven days. If you're having such heavy periods that you're soaking through pads or tampons in two or three hours, that would probably need to be evaluated.
You should tell your provider about any discharge that seems different than what you're used to, especially with itching or irritation or burning or odor. Many women who have had recurrent or prior yeast infections who are having similar recurrent type symptoms can use the over-the-counter medicines. But if you're not sure, or if you haven't had them before, it's better to be examined.
If your menstrual cramps are not easily treated with over-the-counter medicines, or if you're all of a sudden having problems or cramps that are getting worse, that should be evaluated. You should also mention if mood symptoms are bothersome or if they interfere with your relationships and your ability to function at work or with family and friends.
Most women experience bladder infections, which is the fairly sudden onset of having to pee all the time, pain or pressure with urination or at the end of urination, blood in your urine, backache and fever. We would want to talk about urinary tract symptoms during the visit.
