The thought of your first visit to a gynecologist may seem mysterious or even scary. But it doesn’t have to.
In fact, your first visit is a great chance for you and your gynecologist to get to know each other.
It’s also a good time to get honest, expert information about many different issues, such as:
- Your body and how it’s changing.
- Acne.
- Problems with your period.
- Cramps.
- Diet and exercise.
- Emotional ups and downs or depression.
- Sex, sexuality, and STDs.
- Birth control.
- Drinking, using drugs, and smoking.
Talking with your doctor about these issues is a vital part of staying healthy. You also can find out what to expect at future gynecologic visits. There's no need to feel scared or embarrassed.
If you are nervous about it, talk to your health care provider, your parents, or someone else you trust. Knowing what to expect will help ease your fears.
When should a see an ob-gyn?
Young women should see an ob-gyn:
- When they become sexually active.
- If they problems with their period.
- By the age 21.
Questions Your Gynecologist May Ask
Your health care provider may ask a lot of questions about you and your family. Some of these questions may seem personal. Your provider needs to ask them to best know how to care for you and keep you healthy. Giving open and honest answers to these questions is key to your care.
Questions they may ask include:
- What is the reason for your visit?
- Do you have any health problems?
- Have you started having periods?
- If so, how old were you when you started your period?
- What was the date of your last period?
- How often do you get your period?
- How long does your period last?
- What is the amount of flow (light. medium, heavy)?
- Do you have cramps?
- What is your family’s medical history (for instance, has anyone in your family had cancer)?
- What did you eat yesterday?
- Do you exercise or play sports?
- Do you take any medicines?
- Do you take any vitamins, herbs, or supplements?
- Do you use tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs?
- Have you ever had sex?
- If so, when was the last time you had sex?
- What do you do when you have sex?
- Do you use birth control?
- Within the last year, have you been hit, slapped, kicked, or been physically hurt by someone?
- Are you in a relationship with a person who threatens or physically hurts you?
- Has anyone forced you to have sexual activities that made you feel uncomfortable?
- Do you ever feel sad or as though you have nothing to look forward to?
This is a good time to ask your physician any questions you might have. Don’t be embarrassed. This is a chance to get answers.
Symptoms Requiring Care
It's vital to see your health care provider if you are having any of the following symptoms:
- Severe pain in the lower abdomen.
- Bad cramps during your period.
- Periods that are not regular.
- Pain around the vagina or swelling, itching, or discharge.
- Blood in your urine.
- A missed your period or if you think you may be pregnant.
- Signs of an STD, such as burning or itching or have discharge.
What to Expect During Your First Gynecologic Exam
Most gynecologic visits include a series of physical exams and screenings.
Physical screening
A nurse or medical assistant will measure your height, weight, and blood pressure.
They'll ask you questions about:
- Your most recent period.
- Any previous pregnancies, miscarriages, abortions, or surgeries.
- Your use of birth control.
- Your personal or family health history.
They may give you vaccination shots if you need them. These shots help prevent some infections and are part of routine care.
Next, they'll take you to an examination room. They'll give you a cloth gown and a few minutes to change into it. You or your physician may request to have a nurse, family member, or friend in the room with you.
Physical exam
Many gynecologic examinations start with the patient in a sitting position. During this part of the exam, your heart, lungs, thyroid glands, and breasts may be examined. After this, you may be asked to lie down.
Breast exam
You will be asked to lie on the exam table and open your gown. The provider will examine your breasts by moving his or her fingers around your breasts in a pattern. He or she will check for signs of any problems such as a lump. If the exam is done just before your period, your breasts may be sore.
External genital exam
While you're still lying down and covered by your gown, you'll place your feet in footrests (also called “stirrups”).
The doctor will lift your gown and check your genitals for:
- Unusual color or tone.
- Sores or lesions.
- Any discharge.
If you have any specific questions, you can request a mirror and show the provider any areas that concern you.
Vaginal examination and Pap test
The doctor will then insert a medical instrument, called a speculum, into the vagina. It spreads the walls of the vagina so they can see the cervix. The provider will look at your reproductive organs for signs of problems.
A Pap test is part of the vaginal exam, usually for women who are age 21 and older. It can detect cervical cancer and certain types of infection.
The provider will use a small brush to collect a sample of surface tissue from your cervix. This part of the procedure can be a little uncomfortable and may cause spotting later.
They’ll then send the sample to a lab to be studied for abnormal cells in the cervix.
It's best to have a Pap test when you are not having your period. Also, you shouldn't put anything in the vagina for two to three days before the Pap test.
Bimanual exam
After the doctor removes the speculum they’ll perform the bimanual exam.
Using lubricated gloved fingers and the other hand to put pressure against your abdomen, they may:
- Check the size of your uterus.
- See if there is any pain when your cervix is moved.
- Feel your ovaries.
- Check for abnormalities in the pelvic area.
- Also conduct a rectal exam.
Preparing for Your First Gynecologic Exam
Here are a few suggestions to for preparing for your appointment.
When you call the office, let the scheduler know:
- That this will be your first gynecologic examination.
- If there's a specific reason for your appointment, such as a problem with your period.
- If you prefer to have someone accompany you during your exam. Ask about the office’s policies for bringing someone with you.
If this is a non-emergency visit, try to schedule it between menstrual periods. For two days prior to the exam, do not insert anything into your vagina such as tampons or douches. Also avoid intercourse or other penetration.
If you have questions for the health care provider, write them down ahead of time. Be prepared to discuss your medical history and current medications including vitamins and supplements. Also, bring old medical records if you have them.
Confidentiality
Many young women want to talk to their doctor but are afraid that what they tell them won’t be confidential. They may be concerned that the provider will tell someone else, like their parents.
If you are concerned about confidentiality, you and your physician should talk about it before you answer any questions. Your physician needs to talk about confidentiality with your parents, too. It may be good for all of you to sit down together to discuss this. Or, your doctor may choose to talk alone with each of you.