During your visit your doctor will try to determine with is the most likely cause of your symptoms.
Your doctor will need to gather information to help create a prioritized list of conditions. Your doctor will start gathering this information by taking a detailed history and performing a physical exam. This will help the doctor determine what test will need to be ordered.
History
Your doctor will ask detailed questions about your symptoms and how they affect your quality of life. Questions about your ob/gyn, medical, surgical, & family history are also important. The patient questionnaire is an important step in this process.
Physical exam
Your doctor will perform an exam to determine if there are any abnormalities present. This step is important because it helps your doctor determine what tests need to be ordered or if medication, physical therapy or if surgery would be best.
Tests
Common tests include blood test, cultures to test for infections, tissue biopsies, or radiology tests. Pelvic ultrasound is commonly performed when a patient had pain or heavy periods. Your doctor may decide that a CT scan or MRI may be needed as well. A special ultrasound called a Saline Infusion Sonogram or SIS can is helpful in determining the cause of heavy periods. An in office hysteroscopy is another test that can help your doctor see if the lining of your uterus is normal.
