10 Questions to Ask Your Gynaecologist Before Committing to Surgery
Before deciding on gynaecological surgery, it is normal to have questions about your diagnosis, treatment options, risks, recovery and what the procedure may mean for your future health.
A consultation with your gynaecologist gives you time to talk through these concerns before making a decision. Writing down your questions can help you feel more prepared and make the appointment more useful.
For women in Gosford and across the Central Coast, Dr Kelly Hankins provides assessment and surgical care for a range of gynaecological conditions, including endometriosis, fibroids, prolapse, pelvic pain, ovarian cysts and heavy bleeding.
1. Why are you recommending surgery?
Start by asking why surgery is being discussed. This helps you understand the role of surgery in your care and feel unrushed in making your decision. You may like to ask:
- What is my diagnosis?
- What are you seeing on my ultrasound, MRI or examination?
- How might surgery help with my symptoms or condition?
- What may happen if I delay surgery?
- Is surgery needed now, or can it be reviewed again later?
This can also help you understand if surgery is being discussed for symptom control, diagnosis, fertility planning, bleeding, pain, pressure symptoms or another concern.
2. Are there non-surgical options I can consider first?
Surgery is not always the first step. Depending on your condition, other treatments may be discussed before surgery or used as part of your longer-term care. Ask if any of these may be suitable:
- Medication
- Hormonal treatment
- Pelvic floor physiotherapy
- Pain management
- Monitoring with repeat imaging
- Lifestyle changes that may assist symptoms
For conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, prolapse or heavy bleeding, the right treatment depends on your symptoms, scan results, age, health history and personal goals.
3. What procedure are you recommending?
Different gynaecological conditions can be treated with different procedures. Ask your gynaecologist to explain the name of the procedure and what will happen during surgery in plain English. This can help you understand what is being proposed and why it’s suitable for you. Questions like:
- What procedure are you recommending?
- What part of my body is being treated?
- Will this be done as day surgery or with a hospital stay?
- Why is this procedure being suggested for me?
- Are there other surgical options for my condition?
4. Will the surgery be minimally invasive or open?
Gynaecological procedures can be performed using minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, robotic-assisted surgery or vaginal surgery. In some cases, open abdominal surgery may be needed, based on the condition and surgical findings.
- Will my surgery be laparoscopic, robotic-assisted, hysteroscopic, vaginal or open?
- Why is this surgical method being recommended?
- What are the differences in recovery?
- Could the surgery change to open surgery if needed?
- What factors affect which surgical method is suitable?
This discussion can help you understand what to expect in recovery, your hospital stay and the activity restrictions linked with the procedure.
5. What are the risks and possible benefits?
Every surgery carries risks. In consultation with Dr Kelly Hankins, she will explain both the possible benefits and limitations of the procedure, so you can make a balanced decision. Ask about:
- What symptoms may this surgery assist with?
- What risks are linked with this procedure?
- How common are these risks?
- What happens if a complication occurs?
- Could I need another procedure in the future?
- Are there reasons this surgery may not relieve all of my symptoms?
This is part of informed consent. It can also help set realistic expectations about recovery and longer-term management.
6. What will recovery involve?
Recovery can vary between women. It depends on the procedure, your health, the reason for surgery and how your body responds. Ask about:
- How long you may need in hospital
- Pain relief after surgery
- Time off work
- Driving restrictions
- Heavy lifting and exercise
- Caring for children after surgery
- When you can return to intimacy
- When follow-up will be booked
If you have work, caring or family commitments, tell your gynaecologist early. This allows Dr Kelly Hankins to guide conversations around recovery to help you plan support at home during the first stage of recovery.
7. Could surgery affect my fertility or hormones?
An important discussion if you are planning pregnancy, considering pregnancy later or concerned about hormonal changes. Ask:
- Could this surgery affect future pregnancy?
- Will my uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes be involved?
- Could my periods change after surgery?
- Could this effect menopause timing?
- Do I need to wait before trying to conceive after surgery?
- Would pregnancy or birth need special planning later?
For procedures such as myomectomy, endometriosis surgery, ovarian cyst surgery or hysterectomy, fertility and hormone discussions may be different. Dr Hankins can walk you through what applies to your situation.
8. What happens if my symptoms return?
Some gynaecological conditions can return or continue over time. This can include endometriosis, fibroids, prolapse or pelvic pain. You might like to ask:
- Can this condition come back after surgery?
- How will we monitor symptoms after the procedure?
- What should I look out for during recovery?
- What are my options if symptoms return?
- Will I need medication, physiotherapy or follow-up care?
Surgery is one part of your care, and not always the final step in treatment.
9. What experience do you have with this procedure?
It is completely reasonable to ask about your gynaecologist’s training and experience to help you feel more informed about who is providing your care. Questions like:
- How regularly do you perform this procedure?
- Do you use laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery for this condition?
- Will any other specialists be involved?
- Who will I see after surgery if I have concerns?
- Where will the procedure be performed?
It’s not about challenging your gynaecologist, but feeling more informed before making your decision.
10. What support will I have after surgery?
Post-operative care is an important part of your recovery. Before committing to surgery, ask what happens after the procedure and who you can contact if you are worried. Knowing what support is available can make the recovery period feel more manageable.
- When will my follow-up appointment be?
- Who do I contact if I have pain, bleeding, fever or other concerns?
- Will I need wound care or nursing support?
- Will I need physiotherapy?
- What symptoms should prompt urgent medical review?
What to Bring to Your First Appointment
To make your consultation easier, bring:
- Your referral
- Ultrasound, MRI or CT results
- Blood test results
- A list of medications
- Notes about your symptoms
- Questions you want answered
- A support person, if helpful
It can also help to write down how your symptoms affect work, sleep, exercise, relationships, periods, bladder or bowel function.
Referral to Dr Kelly Hankins
A referral to Dr Kelly Hankins is highly recommended as it may help you access eligible Medicare rebates, as well as provides Dr Hankins with your GP’s findings for more informed care and treatment.
Speak with your GP about your symptoms and ask for a referral to a gynaecologist such as Dr Kelly Hankins for consultation.
Consultation with Dr Kelly Hankins
You do not need to have every answer before your first appointment. Your consultation is a time to ask questions, understand your options and talk through what may be suitable for your health needs and personal goals.
Dr Kelly Hankins consults in Gosford and provides gynaecology care for women across the Central Coast and surrounding areas.
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References:
Johns Hopkins Medical. (n.d.). Questions to Ask Before Surgery. Hopkinsmedicine.org. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/questions-to-ask-before-surgery
HCF. (n.d.). Questions for your doctor about hysterectomy. Hcf.com.au. https://www.hcf.com.au/preparing-for-hospital/hysterectomy/questions-for-your-doctor
Item 127 | Medicare Benefits Schedule. (2025). Health.gov.au. https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=item&q=127&qt=item
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