Answers to Your Common OB-GYN Questions

Many women have questions about obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) care, including questions about topics that may feel embarrassing to discuss. But the providers at AHN Women’s Institute work hard to ensure your comfort at every visit, so no question feels off limits.

Whether you’re scheduling your first appointment or noticing changes in your health, AHN Women’s Institute is here to support you through every stage of life.

What to expect at your first appointment

Your first OB-GYN appointment may feel a little intimidating, especially if you are unsure what to expect. At AHN Women’s Institute, our care team ensures you feel comfortable while getting the care you need.

“We’re here to support you through a very personal experience,” said Kelsie Mittereder, DO, an OB-GYN with AHN Women’s Institute. “Patients always have control over their visit, and we want them to feel comfortable asking questions and sharing concerns.”

How to prepare for your visit

There is no perfect way to prepare for an OB-GYN appointment, but it can help to:

• Track your period using a calendar or phone app
• Write down symptoms or questions you want to discuss
• Bring a list of medications you use

Shaving or waxing pubic hair before an appointment is not necessary. Your care team is focused on your health and comfort.

What happens during your visit

Most first appointments begin with a conversation while you are still fully dressed. You may be asked about your period, medical history, sexual health, and any concerns you have about your body or hormones.

If a pelvic exam is recommended, the physician will explain each step beforehand and answer questions before starting the exam. Patients can pause or stop the exam at any time.

During the pelvic exam, which typically takes only a few minutes, the physician may:

• Use a speculum to gently open the vagina so they can view the cervix.
• Perform a Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer and HPV using a small brush that looks like a mascara wand.
• Check the uterus and ovaries with an internal exam.
• Press on the abdomen to assess pelvic organs and tissue health.
• Offer STI testing based on your symptoms or sexual health history.

OB-GYN FAQs

Q: What is an OB-GYN and what do they do?

A: OB-GYN physicians specialize in women’s health. They provide routine checkups, pregnancy care, hormone management, cancer screenings, birth control support, and treatment for conditions like endometriosis and PMOS (formerly known as PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome).

Q: At what age should you first see an OB-GYN?

A: Most patients should begin seeing an OB-GYN around age 21, but you may benefit from care earlier if you experience irregular periods, heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or other concerns.

Q: How often should you see an OB-GYN?

A: Women between ages 21 and 65 should see an OB-GYN once a year. These visits help your physician monitor changes and address concerns early. While a pelvic exam is typically done at each visit, a Pap smear occurs every three years from the ages of 21 to 30 and then every five years from ages 30 to 65.

Q: What symptoms should you not ignore?

A: Heavy bleeding, pain during sex, urinary leakage, missed periods, or symptoms that interfere with daily life should all be discussed with an OB-GYN. Dr. Mittereder says that just because symptoms are common does not necessarily mean they are normal. So, if something is bothering you, it’s worth making an appointment.

Q: What types of birth control are available?

A: Choosing the right kind of birth control varies from patient to patient, depending on your lifestyle, goals, and preferences. Available options include:

• Daily pills
• Weekly patches
• Vaginal rings inserted for 3–4 weeks
• Hormonal injections every 3 months
• Arm implants that last up to 5 years
• Hormonal IUDs inserted every 3 to 8 years
• Non-hormonal IUD that last up to 10 years

Q: Should you discuss your sex life with an OB-GYN?

A: Changes in sex drive, pain during sex, or concerns about sexual health are all common topics discussed at OB-GYN visits. Physicians can help you understand how hormones, stress, relationships, and other factors may affect sexual wellness.

Q: How do you know if you’re in perimenopause or menopause?

A: Perimenopause and menopause are usually identified based on changes in your period, symptoms, and family history. Every woman’s experience is different, but there are common age ranges that physicians use as general guidelines:

• Menstruation: Most girls begin their period between ages 9 and 14, though some may start as late as 16.
• Perimenopause: Often begins around age 40 and can last several years.
• Menopause: Typically occurs around age 51 and is confirmed after going 12 months without a period.

Personalized women’s care at AHN

Every woman’s health journey is different. Whether you are just starting your period, experiencing your first pregnancy, or entering menopause, the care team at AHN Women’s Institute provides personalized support at every stage of life.

To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 412-362-8677 or search online to find an AHN Women’s Institute physician.