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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffYour first appointment will likely be with either your primary care provider or a doctor who specializes in conditions that affect women (gynecologist). Because appointments can be brief, and there's often a lot to cover, it's a good idea to be prepared.
What you can do
- Write down your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to your condition.
- Make a list of any medications as well as vitamins or other supplements that you take.
- Take a notebook or notepad with you to write down information during your visit.
- Prepare questions to ask your doctor, listing the most important first in case time runs out.
For a Bartholin's cyst, some basic questions to ask include:
- What's likely causing my symptoms?
- What kind of tests might I need?
- Will the cyst go away on its own, or will I need treatment?
- How long should I wait after treatment before having sex?
- What self-care measures might help relieve my symptoms?
- Will the cyst come back again?
- Do you have any printed material or brochures I can take home with me? What websites do you recommend?
Don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment if you don't understand something.
What to expect from your doctor
Some potential questions your doctor might ask include:
- How long have you been experiencing symptoms?
- How severe are your symptoms?
- Do you experience pain during sex?
- Do you experience pain during normal daily activities?
- Does anything improve your symptoms?
- Does anything make your symptoms worse?
References
- Wechter ME, et al. Management of Bartholin duct cysts and abscesses: A systematic review. Obstetrical and Gynecological Survey. 2009;64:395.
- Chen KT. Disorders of Bartholin's gland. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed March 6, 2012.
- Patil S, et al. Bartholin's cysts and abscesses. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2007;27:241.
- Pundir J, et al. A review of the management of diseases of the Bartholin's gland. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2008;28:161.
- McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2012. 51st ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=8880. Accessed March 6, 2012.
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