An appointment with your health care professional can be particularly stressful when it involves sensitive or intimate concerns about your body. However, addressing these concerns early is crucial for potentially detecting or identifying serious conditions like cancer.

Dr. Kristina Butler, a Mayo Clinic gynecologic oncologist, understands that discussing gynecological health issues can be challenging. Finding a health care professional you trust and coming prepared to your appointment can make all the difference in ensuring your concerns are fully addressed.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for your visit.

Talking about uncomfortable symptoms can feel different from showing up for a breast cancer screening or Pap smear.

"It can be difficult for a woman to bring up that they have an area that is painful on their vulva. I mean, these are very difficult things to talk about, so knowing that there are providers available to talk about these intimate areas is important," says Dr. Butler.

Prepare for your appointment

Preparing for an appointment can help focus the visit.

"I am a proponent of having lists — lists of medications, lists of surgeries they've had, lists of diagnoses that they have, your family history is tremendously important," she says.

And bring copies of any test reports from other facilities, along with your list.

Bring your medical records along to your medical appointment

“It's your right to have your medical records, and so I empower patients to keep those for themselves," she says.

Dr. Butler adds that if patients feel they have unanswered questions they should consider getting a second medical opinion

“Patients have a right to receive opinions from multiple individuals and formulate the best-shared decision for themselves,” she says.

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