Gynocologist visit?!
Question: What can i expect from my first gynocologist visit? i'm 20 and going to start a method of birth control because I'm getting married in July.
Answers: What can i expect from my first gynocologist visit? i'm 20 and going to start a method of birth control because I'm getting married in July.
The beginning of the visit will probably be pretty much like a regular check-up. For the gynecological part, they'll give you one of those open-back gowns and leave the room while you change into it, then have you sit on a padded table and lie back with your rear right at the end of the table, and put your heels into "stirrups." (Not really like horse stirrups, just footrests to keep you in the right position.) They'll probably do a breast exam at some point as well.
There will be a visual inspection of your genitals, possibly manual to feel if there's anything just below the surface (so to speak), and then the doctor will take a disposable speculum--a tube-thing--and insert it into your vagina. This part may be difficult if you have not previously been penetrated or are particularly sensitive; try to relax, and if you haven't handled or stretched your vagina much, you can probably tell them and ask if they have any small-sized speculums. Once the speculum is in, they will look inside and take a swab of your cervix. That part will probably feel a little strange, maybe even a cramping sensation or dull pain, but shouldn't be too bad and is over pretty quickly. Afterward, the doctor will remove the speculum, insert two gloved and lubricated fingers, and use the other hand to palpate your ovaries.
And then you're pretty much done and they'll give you some tissues and a wet-wipe to clean up with. You might want to take a pad or pantiliner to put in your underwear afterward, as many women have a little spotting from being poked at, and even if you don't, you may have some of the lubrication working its way out later in the day.
Congratulations for your impending marriage!
As to the first gyn visit:
MY FIRST GYNECOLOGICAL VISIT
The First Gynecological Exam Can Be Less Stressful
When You Know What to Expect
Copyright American Ostepathic Association
Going to the doctor's office for an annual gynecological examination isn't exactly something that women eagerly anticipate. And if you add in the fact that it is a young woman's first gynecological exam, that heightens anxiety even more.
What to Do Before the Exam
Many times, young women wonder what the exam itself is like. "The most important piece of information you can give to young women to put them more at ease about this exam is that it doesn't hurt," says Karen Nichols, D.O., an osteopathic internist in Arizona. "They also should know that they have the right to ask for explanations of procedures at any point during the exam." Because the exam can be a bit intimidating, women may forget some of the questions they had intended to ask their physicians. Dr. Nichols suggests that women write down their questions and bring that list to the appointment.
She encourages patients to ask about anything, even embarrassing or uncomfortable issues, because such matters are probably the most important ones to address. "When dealing with your health, no question can be considered stupid," Dr. Nichols stresses.
During the appointment, it is important that women be ready with information about their family medical history, especially patterns of breast disease or cancers of the reproductive organs. In addition to inquiring about the family, the physician will ask questions about personal health. Among the most common questions are the following:
* At what age did you start menstruating?
* When did your last period start? The physician will want to know the actual date your last period began.
* How long does your period usually last?
* Do you tend to have a light, medium or heavy flow?
* How many pads or tampons do you use the first day of your period?
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 partner or a friend can go with you for support, bear in mind that they don't have to be present in the room when you are having the pelvic examiniation done. 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. :)