There are many ways you can keep your health in good shape. Regular visits to your gynecologist are strongly recommended for both women and girls. Your gynecologist, a specialist doctor, will monitor and assess your gynecological health. They will also flag any potential issues early so they can be addressed before you have unpleasant side effects or require expensive or invasive treatment.
Women see a gynecologist at 13 and 15 years of age, regardless of when they first started having menstrual cycles. Not all aspects of gynecological treatment will be provided at this age. Annual Pap screenings for cervical cancer are not usually performed until 21.
It can be daunting to visit a gynecologist if you’ve never done so before. It can be helpful to know what to expect so you can answer your questions and make the whole process less stressful. This is what you should know about the likely contents of your first visit to the Gynecologist.
General Physical Examination
This general physical exam, as the name implies, is similar to any other physical examination you may have with your family doctor. This will typically include taking your height, weight, and blood pressure measurements. It may also ask you questions about your health. It will also ask you if you have been diagnosed recently and if any of your regular medications are being taken.
Urine Analysis
A majority of gynecologist visits require you to give a sample of your urine. Your gynecologist can quickly test this sample for abnormalities, such as a bladder infection or diabetes. Although you may be asked to bring your urine sample, most times you will be provided with a paper cup so that you can provide a fresh sample upon arrival.
A Pelvic Exam is not necessary if you are under 21
Your first visit to your gynecologist should not take place before your 21st birthday. Unless you have symptoms or have a problem, a pelvic examination is unlikely to be necessary. An internal pelvic exam is performed slowly and with adequate lubrication. We will examine the area around your navel and insert two fingers into your abdomen to check for abnormalities.
Consultation
Each visit to the gynecologist is filled with questions. Because the more information you provide, the better your doctor will be able to understand your health. Although some of these questions might seem intrusive or embarrassing, it is important to answer them honestly. Some of these questions could be:
- The date of your previous period
- How often do your periods occur
- If you have mood swings, cramps, or other PMS symptoms
- If you feel any discomfort or unpleasant itching from your vagina,
- If you are sexually active
- What kind of birth control do you use if you’re having sex?
We may ask your guardian or parent to leave the room if you are not present at your appointment. This will allow you to talk to us in confidence.
Preparing for your First Gynecologist Visit
Being prepared can help make your first visit with the gynecologist a breeze. You should not schedule your exam in the middle of your period as you shouldn’t be having menstruation at the appointment. Two days before your exam, we recommend you not to:
- Get sex
- Douche
- Any powders, creams, or lubricants can be used
- You can use tampons to put anything in your vagina