A consultation with an obstetrician-gynaecologist without a gynaecological examination is a broad term referring to a meeting between a patient and a doctor during which a woman’s health is discussed, but no physical gynaecological examination is carried out. Such a consultation serves various purposes: to provide information and advice, to assess symptoms, to consider possible diagnoses, to select or adjust treatment, to monitor the course of the condition, and to answer any questions the patient may have.
How long does a doctor’s consultation without a gynaecological examination take?
- A standard consultation with an obstetrician-gynaecologist without a gynaecological examination lasts between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on the specifics of the case;
- It is recommended that patients who have many questions regarding further treatment or who need to address a number of comorbid conditions book a second-opinion consultation.
How should I prepare for the consultation?
- Make as detailed a list as possible of all the questions you have. Take this list with you to the consultation, as many people may become flustered during the appointment and forget important details. A detailed patient history enables the doctor to help you most effectively;
- Familiarise yourself with your family’s medical history;
- Make a list of any medicines you are currently taking, if any, and their dosages;
- Bring along all relevant medical test results – ultrasound scans, blood tests, etc.
What should I expect during the consultation?
- The doctor will usually ask questions about your current health, any current or past medical conditions, any medicines you are currently taking or have taken in the past, previous hospitalisations and operations, your family medical history, as well as questions about your lifestyle, such as diet, alcohol consumption, smoking and physical activity;
- Tests and recommendations – depending on your medical history and symptoms, your doctor may suggest further tests, such as blood tests, hormone tests or genetic tests, to help better understand your health condition;
- A follow-up consultation may be recommended to discuss the test results and further treatment or preventive measures.