Your healthcare provider will review your medical history and history of symptoms. They understand that urinary symptoms and experiences can be hard to talk about, and they are there to support you.

Your healthcare provider may also ask questions about:

• how recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) have impacted the things that are important to you, like taking care of yourself, your job, your hobbies, and your sleep
• your medical history, because some health conditions are important for your healthcare provider to know about when considering UTIs
• the medicines and supplements you are taking
• any allergies you have
• birth control methods you use
• what triggers your UTIs (sex can trigger UTIs for some people, so your healthcare provider may ask about your sexual history)

These questions will help your healthcare provider understand your condition, rule out other conditions, and learn about things that might be involved in your UTIs, including what might trigger a UTI.

You will have a pelvic exam where your healthcare provider will check for things that could impact UTIs, like:

• differences in the structure of your urinary system
• pelvic organ prolapse, which is when a pelvic organ (such as your bladder) has moved from its normal position and is pressing against your vagina

Other things to tell your healthcare provider

You are the most important part of your healthcare team. Tell your healthcare provider about the impact that recurrent UTIs are having on the things that are important to you, like your job, hobbies and interests, and relationships. Let them know about the things in your life that can impact your ability to manage your health, like problems with money, housing, and access to transportation, or not having enough support or help.

Making the most of your appointment

If you don’t understand what your healthcare team is telling you, let them know right away. Be open and honest. You might say:

• “It sounded like you said that I should… Did I understand that correctly?”
• “Can you show me a picture or model to help me understand?”

Learn more about working with your healthcare team and making the most of your appointment.