First Time To A Gynecologist?!


Question: First Time To A Gynecologist?
Im 15, virgin and still have my Hymen.

My mom is saying its getting to the time when I need to start seeing a Gynecologist. I'M VERY SCARED and very uncomfortable to see one, Because you know... its a stranger looking -Down There-

What happens on your first visit? And will the doctor break my Hymen?, Im really scared about that happening.

Answers:

You generally don't need to see a gynaecologist unless you are sexually active, have an infection, have problems with menstrual or vaginal health, or once you're into your twenties when paps are recommended. It's up to YOU if you want to see a gynaecologist or not, no one can force you.

They will start off asking you questions about your menstrual cycles, periods, if you've been sexually active, if you're noticed any problems down below and take some basic details like age. If they want to perform an examination they will ask you to remove the clothing and underwear from the bottom half of you - either giving you a gown or small sheet to cover yourself with - they let you do this in privet, during examinations they should ideally have someone else there with them like a nurse, or if you wanted your mom could be in the room with you.

They will lay you down with your bottom at the end of the table and your feet up so they have clear view - it's not exactly nice having your vulva spread for them to look at like that, but just relax and know it's something we all have to do. They will look at your vulva first - they may move your labia to check for any marks or warts, and they may look round your anus too.

They will insert a speculum, which looks like this http://www.bikudo.com/photo_stock/144039… - not as scary as it looks, it goes into your vagina then they gently open it so they can look inside your vagina. Once that's in they may take swabs from your cervix, vaginal walls, and urethra - the urethra especially can be uncomfortable, but only for a second. You may also get a pelvic exam when they will insert a couple of fingers inside and their hand outside, they feel certain points to feel for unusual lumps or tenderness, again doesn't take long at all. Then that's it.

None of this should hurt - IF IT HURTS ASK THEM TO STOP - it's no good you suffering pain as you don't need to suffer during these exams and making you hurt would just make you less likely to go back to them when you need to, so they have no problem at all stopping. Even if you can't complete the examination that's still totally fine, just reschedule.

Hymens aren't often big enough to cover much of your vaginal opening, even if they are they are made up of tissue which is flexible so can stretch - inserting the speculum or inserting their fingers if doing a pelvic exam may tear your hymen. Your hymen tearing isn't a big deal, the hymen has nothing to do with virginity and actually is most likely to feel like a release of pressure rather than pain - it's their job to make sure it doesn't hurt you, so if your hymen is in tact they will try to avoid tearing. This page explains more about hymens - http://www.scarleteen.com/article/body/m…

It's not scary, just a little embarrassing/uncomfortable - during the exam you can just lay back and relax, they normally have things on the ceiling to look at, or you can talk to them; ask them any questions you have about your sexual/vaginal/menstrual health, or you can also take part in the exam by watching and asking questions. Taking part can help a lot as it puts you in control so makes it a lot more comfortable and gives you a chance to learn a little too.

This page from sex education site Scarleteen gives a better description about what happens, I recommend you read through it; Your First Gynecologist Visit - http://www.scarleteen.com/article/reprod…



There is no medical reason you need to see a gynecologist if you are not or have not been sexually active. The ACOG (American College of Obestetrics and Gynecology) recommend that women start getting a pap/full vaginal exam at the age of 21 or 3 years after their first sexual experience. However if sexually active, getting routine STD testing is recommended.

Since you are smart and haven't had intercourse because you realize you are too young, there is absolutely no reason you need to be seen by a gynecologist. None, zero, zip, nada.

You should get a yearly check up from a doctor and this can be a pediatrician or a family practice doctor. A general check up might involve a simple basic breast exam (nothing to worry about) and a quick check down below, but it doesn't mean you will have a full pelvic exam.

Look up the ACOG guidelines online and share them with your mother. She is being over zealous and you deserve to feel comfortable with a medical provider so that at some point in your life when you need well women care, it won't be something that terrifies you, but is something you know is an important part of being healthy.

Good luck.

I am a medical provider.



Well why do you need to go to a gynecologist? What's your mums reason?
I'm 19 and I've never been to see a gynecologist, but I know I will have to go see one to get a pap smear, and that will be something soon. I'd feel so uncomfortable having a stranger look 'down there' too :/ you could get your best friend or your boyfriend to go with you, if it would make you feel more comfortable?

This link might help..... http://www.girlshealth.gov/body/reproduc…

If you don't want to go, then don't go. IMO, you're a bit too young for all that stuff. Just be honest with your mum. When I was 15, I'd never had a boy look or touch ' down there', so it would be super awkward for a complete stranger to be doing that to me....



i went for the 1st time this month and i'm 16. it okay. honestly don't be nervous. they're a doctor who sees that stuff al the time. its their job. they're not going to judge you.



Why would the doctor break you hymen? He's using his fingers and special tools not his.....




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