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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffYou're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or primary care provider. However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred immediately to a doctor who specializes in conditions affecting the female reproductive tract (gynecologist).
Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment and what to expect from your doctor.
What you can do
- Ask about any pre-appointment restrictions. At the time you make the appointment, be sure to ask if there's anything you need to do in advance to prepare for any possible tests.
- Write down any symptoms you've had, and for how long.
- Make a list of your key medical information, including any other conditions for which you're being treated and the names of any medications, vitamins or supplements you're taking.
- Take a family member or friend along, if possible. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
- Write down questions to ask your doctor. Creating your list of questions in advance can help you make the most of your time with your doctor.
For signs and symptoms common to a double uterus, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
- What is the most likely cause of my signs and symptoms?
- Are there any other possible causes?
- What treatment approach do you recommend, if any?
- Am I a candidate for surgical treatment? Why or why not?
- Am I at increased risk of problems during pregnancy?
- What options are available to improve my chances of a successful pregnancy, if necessary?
- Should I see a specialist? What will that cost, and will my insurance cover seeing a specialist?
- Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me? What websites do you recommend visiting?
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment at any time that you don't understand something.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask:
- What are your signs and symptoms, and when did you first notice them?
- Are your signs and symptoms continuous, or do they come and go?
- Do you menstruate regularly?
- What is a typical menstrual period like for you?
- Have you ever been pregnant?
- If you have been pregnant, what was the outcome?
- Do you hope to have biological children in the future?
- Are you currently being treated or have you recently been treated for any other medical conditions?
- Iverson RE, et al. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of congenital anomalies of the uterus. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 27, 2010.
- Iverson RE, et al. Surgical management of congenital uterine anomalies. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 27, 2010.
- Lanni SM, et al. Malpresentations. In: Gabbe SG, et al. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/211843402-21/0/1528/163.html?tocnode=57027054&fromURL=163.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06930-7..50019-0_815. Accessed July 27, 2010.
- Katz VL. Congenital abnormalities of the female reproductive tract: Anomalies of the vagina, cervix, uterus, and adnexa. In: Katz VL, et al., eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/211057697-8/1028953340/1524/78.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-02951-3..50015-7--cesec18_322. Accessed July 27, 2010.
- Lin PC. Reproductive Outcomes in women with uterine anomalies. Journal of Women's Health. 2004; 13: 33.
- Gallenberg MM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 29, 2010
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