It can be challenging to know what types of gynecological concerns warrant an office visit, which can be discussed on telehealth, and what issues can really wait until life gets a little more back to normal. An OB/GYN explains:
In my community, the majority of people are sheltering at home and avoiding the hospital. The hospital wards are eerily quiet, except for labor and delivery and theunits. While this is good in theory, we are seeing a lot of patients who are ignoring worrisome symptoms for too long, due to fear of COVID-19. Conditions that could have been treated easily in the office if the patient had come in quickly are progressing to more serious issues that now need emergency surgery or hospitalization.
I don't mean a twinge or cramp that goes away in an hour or two, but severe pain that doesn't go away with rest or acetaminophen.If heavy periods are your norm, now is probably not the time for a workup; but new onset heavy bleeding is concerning."Heavy" bleeding would be soaking your pad or tampon more than once an hour for more than 24 hours. If you feel weak, dizzy, or lightheaded with the bleeding that is especially worrisome.
In-person appointments for annual exams and chronic conditions can likely wait until after the COVID-19 crisis. However, there are some health concerns that be handled remotely. These are issues patients typically ask about at the end of their annual exams, often right as I'm walking out the door. These concerns are important enough deserve a visit all to themselves, as I usually don’t have time to fully explore them at a routine check-up.
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