10 rules: what you need to know before your first visit to the gynecologist
For most women, going to the gynecologist is a real torment. And young girls panic at the thought that sooner or later they will have to visit this “terrible” doctor. But in fact, an examination by a gynecologist should not frighten you or cause discomfort.
Contents of the article:
10 most important points
Why are girls so afraid of their first examination by a gynecologist? Because they don”t know what to expect. How can you get rid of these fears? First, carefully study the information and find out exactly how the examination will be carried out. And secondly, understand that it is in your best interests to discuss sensitive issues and features of your body with your gynecologist.
Are you ready for your first visit? Then read the following ten points carefully:
- Don’t delay your first visit and prepare a list of questions that concern you
Experts from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists believe that girls between the ages of 13 and 15 should have their first appointment. After this, it is recommended to visit a gynecologist once a year (if nothing else bothers you). During your first visit, you can ask your doctor any questions you have about your menstrual cycle, contraception, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Lauren Streicher, MD, says it”s smart to schedule your appointment ahead of time. Prepare a list of questions and feel free to discuss any concerns you may have. This allows you to make the most of your time in the office.
- Details of the examination depend on your age
During the first visit, the doctor most likely will not perform an internal examination. The exception is when a girl is already sexually active, if something is bothering her, or if she wants to make sure that she does not have a sexually transmitted disease. The doctor examines the virgin through the anus (rectum) and inserts one or two fingers. He may also examine the breast and take a swab. The risk of developing breast cancer in young girls is low, but regular screening is necessary. Your gynecologist will tell you what changes to look out for and how to perform a self-examination.
A typical internal survey consists of three stages. First, the gynecologist examines the external genitalia (labia, clitoris, and vulva). In addition (if the patient is already sexually active), a gynecoscope is used for examination — it is inserted into the vagina and allows a better view of the vaginal walls and cervix. At the same time, the doctor may take a smear.
Most women don”t like to look into the speculum. However, remember that speculums come in different sizes. If you”re worried you might hurt yourself, ask your obstetrician to make the speculum smaller, says obstetrician Mary Jane Merkin. If you feel tingling or pain, don”t be quiet, adds Dr. Streicher. The good news is that the speculum should remain in the vagina for about a minute, which is plenty of time to perform an examination, says William Schweitzer, MD, PhD.
Once this is completed, the next stage of examination begins. The doctor places one hand on the lower abdomen and inserts one or two fingers into the vagina to feel around and make sure the uterus and ovaries are healthy. This stage also bothers women, but takes about a minute,” says Schweitzer.
Read also: Intimate hygiene of men and women: rules, methods, means
Taking care of your body is an important part of life. Taking care of the comfortable condition of the teeth and oral cavity, skin and hair care, a mandatory shower — all of these.
- You can choose contraceptives without examining the pelvic organs
For most gynecologists, studying medical history and personal habits is enough to write a letter to a contraceptive physician. A very unforgettable girl, the specialist can meanwhile recommend, for example, intrauterine devices, rather than pills, which should be strictly indicated.
- You definitely don”t need to worry about your appearance.
The doctor will not evaluate your appearance. He is only interested in your health. “We really don”t care. We”ve seen it all. To be honest, we pay very little attention to this,” says Streicher. “It is enough to take a shower before the visit. But trying to wash everything from the inside or using perfumed products is definitely not worth it.
If your period comes suddenly and you are planning a smear test or STSP test, you should consult your doctor. He or she may be able to advise you on an appointment to make the test results more accurate.
- It”s okay to discuss periods and sex
First visit to the gynecologist. 5 life hacks for girls on how not to be afraid of being examined (animation)
The doctor will ask if you are sexually active. It”s not a problem. Be honest with him — it”s in your best interests. In addition, you can become infected with something during anal or oral sex. This should also be taken into account. Are you worried about getting pregnant? It is also worth reporting the following.
- You should know everything not only about your health
Your illness, the medications you took, the operation — doctors are interested in everything related to your health. And not only. “It will also help you learn about your mother”s health. And even if someone in your family has thrombophilia, it”s worth telling your doctor. Based on that, he can decide which contraceptive method is right for you,” says Dr. Minkin. What does thrombosis have to do with it? The fact is that drugs containing estrogen can increase the risk of blood clots.
- You have the right to choose a doctor with whom you feel comfortable
It”s okay to change gynecologists because you don”t like them. You can choose either a female or a male doctor. If you are very concerned during your first visit, please tell me directly. Do you need the support of a loved one? If the doctor doesn”t mind, you can take your girlfriend or mother with you.
If you stay calm, I can tell you exactly what I”m doing. “The physician”s job is to make the patient comfortable,” says Dr. Switzer.
- After the inspection they may call you back
For example, report test results. They may also be asked to come back for a follow-up examination. However, details should be clarified in advance. Some clinics will not call the patient if everything is fine with the test.
- Schedule your next visit
Rushing to see a doctor can be very difficult. This is especially true if you live in a small city or have a busy work schedule and finding time to visit is very difficult. If nothing worries you, it is enough to undergo an examination once a year. However, if you have a new partner and sex is not protected, or if you plan to start taking contraceptives soon, you should make an appointment with your doctor before you even leave his office.
