What happens at a doctor's appointment?

You can describe pain, bleeding, discharge, feelings or anything else as you experience it.

Questions may cover when symptoms started, how often they occur, your menstrual cycle, medications and other relevant factors.

The doctor first uses the conversation to understand your symptoms. They then consider investigations based on what you describe. For bleeding, blood tests may be useful; for burning during urination, a urine sample may be appropriate; and for a possible infection, specific infection tests may be needed. No single test explains everything.

You can ask what the test is meant to find, what the result could mean and whether there are alternatives. You can say if you are nervous or need more explanation. Before leaving, agree how you will receive results, when you will follow up and what to do if your symptoms continue.

Before an examination, you can ask the doctor to explain what they plan to do and why.

A friend or trusted adult can support you and help you remember information. You can also ask to speak with the doctor alone during part of the appointment. Healthcare professionals can explain the rules about information and participation that apply to your age and situation.

A short note with the main points may make it easier to get started: what bothers you, when it began, any medicines you use and what you hope to get help with. You do not need perfect records. If something is difficult to say aloud, you can show your note to the doctor.