Appointment companion

Say the hard part clearly.

Build a concise note, understand what may happen, and choose how you want an examination discussed and paced.

During an exam, you canAsk whyPauseStop

A patient holding written notes speaks with a clinician seated at the same eye level in a bright consultation room. — Original editorial illustration. Not clinical evidence or a diagnostic image.

What do you want help with?When did it begin?What is different from your usual?How is it affecting you?What context might matter?What do you want from the visit?

Requests that could make the visit easier

Explain each step before touchingUse the smallest appropriate speculumLet me insert the speculum if appropriateOffer a different positionPause when I raise my handDiscuss pain-control optionsHave a support person or chaperone presentAvoid gendered language for anatomy

Before an exam or procedure

Useful questions are part of consent.

A clinician should explain what each step can show before an examination or test begins.

A clinician and patient sit at the same eye level before an examination while discussing a speculum, self-collection swab, specimen cup, and pelvic model. — Original editorial illustration. Not clinical evidence or a diagnostic image.

“Why do you recommend this exam today?”

“What will you do, in what order, and how long will it take?”

“What pain-control options are available?”

“Are there alternatives or reasons to wait?”

“How will I signal that I need a pause?”

“When and how will I receive results?”

ACOGThe Initial Reproductive Health Visit ACOGPain Management for In-Office Uterine and Cervical Procedures UCSF Gender Affirming Health ProgramTransgender Patients and the Physical Examination