Women Health CLINICAL SKILLS FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH BASIC GYNEACOLOGICAL HISTORY TAKING Type of History What to Ask Age when begun? Age stopped? (if menopausal). Last menstrual cycle Heavy periods: Periods As perceived by the woman. Semi-objective: taking days off, interference with daily life and frequency of pad change. Regularity of period: Length of stay and duration of bleeding. Outcomes of all pregnancies. Begin with the first and then go chronologically. Pregnancies Ask about sensitivities Adverse outcomes Difficult decisions. Past medical and surgical history Personal and family history of gynaecological and breast disorders Current and past medications: In women of childbearing age, focus on Medical History thaose that can affect oreganncy e.g. sodium valproate. Uptake of cervical cancer screening. If so: Date of last screening Cervical Cancer Risk Outcomes of last screening Factors Women in same sex relationships are at increased risk. History of HPV vaccination in younger women. All sexual partners and type of sexual activity in the past 6 months. Sexual history Any history of STIs and pelvic infections. Current and past use of contraceptives. Any history of sexual abuse or non-consensual sexual activity: If recent: consider forensic medical examination. As appropriate It has occurred sometime ago, establish whether the woman has reported this to the police, if not, offer to support her to do so if she wishes. Consider the need of psychological support and offer as appropriate. Any history of female genital mutilation.