I have my first gynecologists appointment! Help?!
Question: My mom made an appointment for me to see the gynecologist for the first time and I'm kind of scared, she won't really say what they do. What should I expect? Also, should I shave? Please serious answers only.
Answers: My mom made an appointment for me to see the gynecologist for the first time and I'm kind of scared, she won't really say what they do. What should I expect? Also, should I shave? Please serious answers only.
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 actually just went for a checkup at my gynaecologist this past Friday due to female related problems I'm experiencing, after a bit of a chat I relaxed a bit more and it was basically all done pretty soon.
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 partner, a friend or if you are still young, your Mum 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. :)
i wouldnt shave if you dont normally
Naw, if you dont shave already, dont do it just for the appointment. They will tell you everything they are going to do- but what you can expect is to have them stick a tampon-like thing in your vagina to look around. Its cold! Haha, which kinda sucks- but oh well. Its uncomfortable but it doesnt hurt. Just feels like weird pressure. Ask them a lot of questions if you dont understand whats going on, they will answer anything. And dont be embaressed, they see a lot of vaginas everyday! They arent phazed by them at all
Tell your mom you are scared and need some info about this visit. If she refuses then I would call the Doctors office and ask to speak to a nurse. She will let you know what to expect.
Don't shave-gynecologists don't care.
Here's a link that might help ease your mind....
http://www.webmd.com/video/first-obgyn-v...