Preparing for an appointment

Your first appointment may be with your primary care doctor or with a doctor who specializes in conditions affecting the female reproductive tract (gynecologist) or the reproductive tract and urinary system (urogynecologist, urologist).

What you can do

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

• Make a list of any symptoms you've had and for how long.
• List your key medical information, including other conditions for which you're being treated and any medications, vitamins or supplements you're taking.
• Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember all the information you'll receive.
• Write down questions to ask your doctor, listing the most important ones first in case time runs short.

For small bowel prolapse, basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• Is the prolapse causing my symptoms?
• What treatment approach do you recommend?
• What will happen if I choose not to have the prolapse treated?
• What is the risk that this problem will recur at any time in the future?
• Do I need to follow any restrictions to prevent progression?
• Are there any self-care steps I can take?
• Should I see a specialist?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment as they occur to you.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask questions such as:

• What symptoms do you have?
• When did you first notice these symptoms?
• Have your symptoms gotten worse over time?
• Do you have pelvic pain? If yes, how severe is the pain?
• Does anything seem to trigger your symptoms, such as coughing or heavy lifting?
• Do you have urine leakage (urinary incontinence)?
• Have you had an ongoing (chronic) or severe cough?
• Do you often lift heavy objects during work or daily activities?
• Do you strain during bowel movements?
• Do you have any other medical conditions?
• What medications, vitamins or supplements do you take?
• Have you been pregnant and had vaginal deliveries?
• Do you wish to have children in the future?