A doctor may ask about sexual activity to assess gynecologic infections, injuries, and the possibility of pregnancy. A woman is asked whether she uses or wants to use birth control and whether she's interested in counseling or other information. The number of pregnancies, dates that they occurred, outcomes, and complications are recorded. The woman is asked whether she is performing breast self-examination, how often, and whether she needs any instruction on technique. The doctor reviews the woman's history of past gynecologic illnesses and usually obtains a full medical and surgical history that includes nongynecologic health problems.
Questions concerning mental, physical, or sexual abuse in the present or the past are important.
Some women are troubled by the gynecologic examination. If a woman lets the doctor know this beforehand, the doctor can take extra time and make sure to answer any questions. A woman is usually asked to empty her bladder before the physical examination and to collect a urine sample for laboratory evaluation. A breast examination may be performed before or after the pelvic examination. With the woman sitting, the doctor inspects the breasts for irregularities, dimpling, tightened skin, lumps, and a discharge.