What should I expect at the gynecologist?!
Question: I'm 18 and my mom told me I should see a gynecologist soon. So I made an appointment for a couple weeks. What should I expect? My friend went and she said they did something that was kind of painful so I am little nervous.
Answers: I'm 18 and my mom told me I should see a gynecologist soon. So I made an appointment for a couple weeks. What should I expect? My friend went and she said they did something that was kind of painful so I am little nervous.
You will have a few examinations done, which may include the following:
A pelvic exam is a way for your gynaecologist to examine your female organs and check for any gynaecological problems.
You may be worried about your first pelvic exam. It's very normal to be anxious about something when you don't know what to expect. Hopefully after reading this, you will be reassured that it is simple, isn't painful and the actual pelvic exam takes only about 5 minutes. It is also normal to feel embarrassed or uneasy about your first exam, I still feel embarrassed with mine and I've had may many pelvic examinations over the past 10 years due to female related problems I'm experiencing.
However, if you know what to expect, it may help you relax. I'm sure your gyno understands how you feel and will be sensitive and gentle, and answer any questions you may have.
There are other important reasons to have a pelvic exam. These may include:
- Unexplained pain in your lower belly or around the pelvic area, where your vagina is;
- Vaginal discharge or wetness on your underwear that causes itching, burning or smells bad;
- No menstrual periods by age 15 or 16;
- Vaginal bleeding that lasts more than 10 days;
- Missed periods; especially if you are having sex;
- Menstrual cramps so bad that you miss school or work.
During your first check up your gyno will ask you questions about:
- Your general health, allergies and medications you are taking;
- Your menstrual period, such as how old you were when you first got it, how long it lasts, how often it comes, how much you bleed , the first day that your last period started, if you have cramps; and at what age your breasts started to develop.
- Whether you have ever had sex or have been sexually abused.
- If you have vaginal itchiness or an unusual discharge or odor from your vagina.
If you find it comforting your Mum or a friend can go with you for support. After you have given your medical history, been weighed and had your blood pressure checked, you will be asked to put on a gown. You will need to remove your clothes including your underwear and bra. A breast exam is often done as a routine part of this check-up.
Your gyno will explain the steps to the exam and ask you to lie down on the exam table. You will be given a sheet to put over your stomach and legs. You will then be asked to move down to the end of the table and place your feet in stirrups (these are holders for your feet). With your knees bent, you will be asked to let your knees fall to each side allowing your legs to spread apart. This is usually the part when most women feel embarrassed. This feeling is normal too. Just remember that although this is your first exam, this is routine for your gyno and their only concern is for your health.
There are 3 parts to this exam. Sometimes not all parts of the pelvic exam are necessary. Ask your gyno which part or parts will be done for your examination.
Your gyno will first look at the area outside of your vagina, (clitoris, labia, vaginal opening, and rectum).
Now some information about the papsmear. The speculum is an instrument made of metal or plastic. Your gyno will place the speculum into your vagina. After it is inserted, it will be gently opened so that your gyno can see your vagina and your cervix (the opening to your uterus).
After checking your vagina and cervix, your gyno may take a thin plastic stick and a special tiny brush or a small "broom" and gently wipe away some of the cells from your cervix. This is a pap smear, which detects early changes of the cervix before they become cancer. Most girls have normal pap smears.
If you are having vaginal discharge, your gyno will take another sample to check for a possible yeast infection and other causes of discharge. If you are having sex, your gyno will take another sample from the cervix to check for sexually transmitted diseases. When all of these samples have been taken, your doctor will close the speculum and gently take it out.
When the exam is over, your gyno will answer any questions you have and tell you when to make your next appointment. He/she will also talk to you about any medications you may need and tell you when and how you will get the results of the exam.
I hope this information helps you out. Best of luck and remember to try to relax. If at any time during your examination, you feel uncomfortable or anything causes pain, you have the right to stop your gyno and let him/her know.
Good luck. :)
They will give you a pap smear, it when they use a spectrum to open up your vagina to look @ your cervix and take samples of the cells to make sure your ok. It really doesn't hurt that bad just make sure your relaxed and take deep breath's and you'll be fine. make sure to tell them if your sexually active or not, if you are they can make sure you don't have an infection or any STD's. They also might do a breast exam, it can tell if you have any lumps that can be an indication of breast cancer. Make sure if you have any questions don't be afraid to tell them and also make sure you get a pap smear once a year to make sure your ok. good luck.
Don't worry. The Dr. will exam your breast to make sure there are no lumps. Your legs will by put in the stirrups and a devise called a speculum will be inserted in your vagina so the Dr. can see your cervix. He may do a pap smear where he touches the cervix with a long q tip to get a few cells to check for cervical cancer. Its just routine. The Dr. will also press on your lower abdomen to make sure all of your organs are in the correct place. Somehow they can tell by feeling. If you are a virgin make sure you tell the Dr. before hand there may be some other way of doing the exam because I', sure the speculum would rupture your hymen in case you want to keep in in tact as proof of your virginity when you get married. Try to relax. There will always be a nurse in the room with the Dr. during the exam