Do you ever wonder exactly what essentials you need to take to a gynaecology appointment?
You’re not alone.
We’ve all been there. Even now, I always feel like I’ve forgotten to take something important with me to a hospital appointment. Unfortunately, it’s a little more involved than just taking yourself.
Once you’ve read this post, you’ll know exactly what essentials you need to take to a gynaecology appointment.
Do you ever wonder exactly what essentials you need to take to a gynaecology appointment? You’re not alone. Once you've read this post, you'll know exactly what to take with you. Click To Tweet1. Hospital Letter
The first piece of advice I can give you is to check and see what the appointment letter itself says because it will tell you if there’s something you need to take. An example of this is when you have an ultrasound appointment. The letter may advise you to bring a dressing gown with you.
2. Pain diary/Period Log
Whether it’s your first or your tenth gynaecology appointment, always bring a copy of your pain diary/period log. It’ll help the consultant to help you. It can be difficult to remember the details when you’re at the appointment.
3. Medical records
If you have a copy of your relevant medical records, take them with you. That way, if you do forget something, you’re able to look it up. Something I always forget is the names of the different contraceptive pills I’ve taken previously.
4. Current Medication Information
Make sure you have a list of all the medication you’re currently taking so you’re able to discuss it with your consultant.
5. List of questions
This one is important. You know that feeling when you see your consultant, they ask if you have any questions… And your mind goes completely blank. Think about the questions you may want to ask at your appointment before you go and write them down. This way, you don’t have the added pressure of scrambling to remember what you wanted to ask your consultant in the short amount of time you get to see them.
6. Notebook/Pen
When you have a gynaecology appointment, you can get bombarded with a lot of information at once. It can be hard to remember exactly what was said so take notes if you need to. If you need something clarifying, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification.
7. Book
I’m going to preface what I’m about to write with a little disclaimer. I LOVE the NHS. The staff who work there are heroes who deserve to be paid a lot more than they are. I would be devastated if we lost our NHS because of external factors.
That said…
If you haven’t seen a gynaecologist in the UK before, you won’t know that your appointment may say a certain time, but you can guarantee that the clinic will be running late.
Get yourself a good book whether it’s a physical one or a digital one and get settled in. It’ll help to pass the time and stop you from staring at the clock.
8. Wipes
When you have your initial appointment, you can be certain that the consultant will want to do an internal examination. Just lie back and think of England while it’s going on. After the exam, you’re going to want to clean up so take some suitable wipes with you.
9. Panty liners/Pads
This one follows on from the wipes because no matter how well you clean up, you’ll cough or sneeze and end up with a blob of lube in your knickers. Save yourself the unpleasant, squelchy feeling and use either a panty liner or pads after your exam.
10. Pain relief
Pain relief is a little bit of a strange one to have on this list. Internal examinations can be anything from uncomfortable to painful. If you have pain relief with you, you can take some if you need it.
11. Tissues
I’ve had times where I’ve needed tissues in an appointment. I’ve had times where someone else has needed them and I’ve passed them the pack. In Covid-19 times, we need to look after each other. Especially while we’re having to attend these appointments alone.
You know what? Take two packs of tissues with you, just in case. We’re all in the same boat. Let’s be honest, most of the time, a trip to the gynaecologist doesn’t always end in good news.
12. Hand gel
Taking hand gel to your appointment should go without saying, especially now when there’s a global pandemic. Make sure you don’t forget to take a bottle of hand gel. That way, if any of the dispensers are empty or if you have sensitive skin, you’re covered.
13. Face mask
If, at some point in the future, face masks aren’t a part of everyday life – brilliant! Until then, make sure you remember to take a face mask with you. Your local primary care trust may ask that you change your mask for a surgical one while you’re in the hospital.
Hopefully, this list of essentials you need to take to a gynaecology appointment has helped you to get everything together for your hospital appointment. The list isn’t exhaustive as there are several different things you may need for different types of appointments.
Let me know in the comments if there’s anything I’ve not included that you’d take with you to your hospital appointment.
Lis
This list is so helpful, thank you.
I agree with panty liners or pads. As a trans man, my inner walls are very thin because of hormone therapy, so it’s super easy for me to tear and bleed after an internal examination. It’s always best to be prepared.