My first gyno visit...
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My first gyno visit...
| Wed, 06-16-2004 - 5:00pm |
Hello ladies!
I'm going to the gynocologist for the first time on Friday and am nervous. Can anyone tell me what to expect? Thanks!

Your first gyn visit is really nothing to worry about so just being relaxed will make it go much smoother. You will fill out a medical questionnaire in the waiting room that has questions like when was your last period, how long did it last, how old were you when you got your first period, date last pap smear, and family history. Since it's your first visit the doctor should see you in his office first while you are fully clothed. To discuss the questionnaire, go over any questions, problems, birth control options, and any questions you may have. Be sure to tell the doctor that this is your first gyn visit so they can explain what is going to happen during the exam. Most likely before you go into the exam room you will be asked to provide a urine sample, if not be sure to urinate anyway, the exam will be very uncomfortable if you have a full bladder.
Next, you will go into the exam room where a nurse will take your weight and blood pressure. You will then be instructed to remove all of your clothing (including bra and underwear) and to put on the gown with the opening in the front. I would recommend leaving your socks on so your feet don't get cold. Depending which type of gown your doctor uses, the gown could belong or you will be provided a sheet to cover your lower half.
Then, the doctor will come in (if it is a male doctor a female nurse will be in the room) and have you lay down on the exam table, the doctor will check you abdomen and do a breast exam in both the laying and the seated positions. The doctor should ask you if you are doing regular self breast exams, (VERY IMPORTANT) if you have not been, or have any questions on how to correctly do a self breast exam, this would be the time to ask so the doctor can instruct you.
You will then be asked to put your feet in the stirrups and to scoot your bottom down to the edge of the table and let your knees fall apart. Try not to be embarrassed, I know it's weird and embarrassing to have someone's that close to your private parts in that position, and remember, doctors in this field have seen hundreds of people this way. So just be sure to breathe deeply, relax, and be as relaxed as possible.
Since this is your first exam you can ask the doctor for a mirror so you can watch, I would highly recommend it, the doctor can point out anatomy so you can become familiar with your body. Take deep breaths and try to be very relaxed, if you are tense this will cause muscles in your vagina to tighten and make the rest of the exam very uncomfortable and possibly painful if you are not relaxed. The doctor will examine the outer parts of your vagina first, mainly the inner and outer labia, looking for sores and signs of infection. Next, the doctor will insert a speculum (it looks like a ducks bill with handles, which will be warmed and lubricated,) into your vagina to perform a pap smear. This is the process of collecting cells off of your cervix and testing them for signs of cervical cancer. After the speculum is inserted you may feel some pressure but it should not hurt. If you feel any pain be sure to tell your doctor right away. The doctor will then insert a small wooden spatula or brush (or possible use both) and rub them on various parts of your cervix to collect the cells needed. Once again, this should not hurt, you may feel a slight twinge but nothing more than that, if you do be sure to tell your doctor.
Next, the doctor will remove the speculum and insert two gloved, lubricated fingers into your vagina and place the other hand on your lower abdomen. This is called the bimanual exam, which is used to check your ovaries and uterus. By pressing on your abdomen with one hand the doctor will be able to feel parts of your uterus and ovaries for cysts or growths. Then, they will do rectal exam by inserting a finger into your rectum to feel for masses or growths. The doctor may also do this exam with a finger still in your vagina to check the area between your rectum and vagina for any signs of problems.
The doctor will then leave the room to allow you to get dressed, some even leave wipes so you can clean up, if not, just use tissues. You then may go back into the doctor's office to discuss questions, concerns, or birth control options.
I know this sounds like a long, drawn out, and embarrassing experience, but it is actually very quick, the whole exam only take about 10 to 15 minutes, but it is very important to have this done every year or when your are having problems.
Best of luck and most importantly, just be as relaxed as you possibly can.
Take care,
Tacoma