Every woman is bound to have her first gynecologist visit. Some women are a bit nervous about this exam since they don’t know what to expect. And also it can be an awkward interaction the first time you’re doing it. However, the first appointment is nothing to be scared about. Gynecological exams should be an annual thing and every woman should do them. So, let’s see what you can expect at the first appointment and see that there is nothing to worry about.
When Should Your First Visit Be?
All gynecologists will recommend scheduling your first gynecology appointment when you are between the ages of 13 and 17. Additionally, since this can be a young age, you can always be open with your doctor and let them know if you are scared or nervous. This will help your doctor help you relax and put you at ease. Plus, they will know to explain everything that they are doing and provide advice on how to keep you healthy.
What Happens at the First Visit?
Usually, on your first visit, your doctor will want to talk about you and your health. Also, they will tell you what you can expect at the first visit and all future appointments. What’s more, the first visit often doesn’t involve a pelvic exam. However, if you do have some health issues, such as heavy periods or painful ones, or other issues, your doctor will do the pelvic exam and may even ask you to do some tests.
What’s for sure, your first visit will have a lot of questions. This is how your doctor gets to know you in order to be able to help you in the best possible way. The questions may feel a bit awkward to you, but it is key to answer them and to be honest. You should discuss your periods, sexual activity, any issues you may have noticed, etc. And you don’t have to worry about any of these questions and answers being told to your parents, since doctors care about confidentiality. So, to prepare, here are potential questions your doctor may ask you on your first visit:
- Do you have regular or irregular periods?
- How painful are your period cramps?
- Do you have uncomfortable itching?
- Are you sexually active?
- If you are, do you use protection or any form of birth control?
The Type of the Exam
Your doctor will provide you with a general physical exam on your first visit. This means that they may check your blood pressure, heart rate, and weight, and they might even take some blood for testing, if necessary. If you are having sex, they will even take a swab to test you for any sexually transmitted infections.
Additionally, your doctor will examine your external genitalia. This involves looking around the area around your vagina called the vulva. Also, they will perform a bimanual exam. This is done by your doctor who lubricates their two fingers which they will insert into your vagina. With the other hand, they will apply some light pressure on your abdomen. This helps the doctor to feel your uterus and ovaries to check for any cysts. This part of the exam might be uncomfortable but it shouldn’t hurt. If it does hurt, you should tell your doctor.
Pap Smear
Last but not least, your doctor will probably do a Pap smear on your first visit. During this part of the exam, the doctor will insert a speculum into your vagina to open up the canal. Then, they will take a cotton swab and rub it against the walls of your cervix to get a sample. Then, they will send that swab to the lab to perform the Pap test.
This test is recommended for all women to do at least once a year. This test can help see any changes in the cells in the cervix which may indicate you have cancer. However, those tests are nothing to worry about since they can come back positive due to an infection. You should always talk to your doctor about getting a Pap smear regularly and discuss the results to see if there is more action needed.
As you can see, the first gynecology appointment is nothing to worry about. Yes, it may get uncomfortable for the first time, but it is essential to take care of your vaginal health and have regular exams. Talk to your doctor about how nervous you are, and remember to always be honest with them. If you are not, they cannot perform a thorough exam.
About the Guest Author – Sadie Brooks
Journalist graduate, travel aficionado, and someone with endless curiosity. Lives in San Francisco, and enjoys reading, cooking, and comedy songs.
“Run from what’s comfortable. Be notorious”
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