Preparing For Your Appointment

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions.

Before your appointment

If you have a rash, do not have sexual contact or activity until you are seen by your doctor. This will reduce the risk of transmitting a possible infection to your sex partner. If you do have an STI, your sex partner or partners may need to be evaluated and treated also.

Questions to prepare for your doctor appointment

• What are your main symptoms? How long have you had your symptoms?
• Have you had this problem before? If so, do you know what caused the problem at that time? How was it treated?
• What activities make your symptoms better or worse? What sports do you participate in?
• How and when did an injury occur? How was it treated?
• Have you had any injuries in the past to the same area? Do you have any continuing problems because of the previous injury?
• Do you think that activities related to your job or hobbies caused your symptoms?
• Have you had infections or rashes in the groin area in the past?
• Do you or your sex partner engage in high-risk sexual behaviors? Do you think you have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?
• Does your sex partner have any genital symptoms or problems?
• Have you had any surgeries or procedures in the groin area?
• Have you been told that you have a hernia?
• What home treatment measures have you tried? Did they help?
• What prescription and nonprescription medicines have you taken? Did they help?
• Do you have any health risks?