Well, they just examine you. Its over before you know it. Trust me. They just open it up and check there for any bumps or infections. Is over in like 45 seconds promise. I gave you my word. Don't get me wrong you have every right to be scared if its your first time but like my momma always says, the fear is worse than the actual thing. And guess what? My mom and that quote never ever lets me down.
2006-08-15 10:40:24
·
answer #1
·
answered by BeautifulSin64 4
·
0⤊
0⤋
You could go to a woman gynecologist. Also, a general doctor can do a lot of what gynecologists do. You usually don't "have" to go to one unless you have symptoms in the vaginal area (such as itching and irritation;you could have an infection) or want a contraceptive to keep from getting pregnant, or if you get pregnant or think you are pregnant. Well, when you get to be 40 or so they advise annual exams to prevent cancer. As for the exam, if they do it, they gently insert a special instrument into the vagina. They use a small one if you are a virgin. The doctor looks inside to see if everything looks normal and then takes a swab of mucus to test for infection or cancer. It can be uncomfortable, but some doctors have a gentler manner than others. You could ask to have somebody in the room with you if you are uncomfortable alone. Sometimes doctors have a nurse in the room for this reason too.
2006-08-14 05:51:29
·
answer #2
·
answered by The First Dragon 7
·
0⤊
0⤋
Apparently you're a young girl, or you'd have a more mature view on the procedure.
They get a cell sample to check for cancer or pre-cancerous cells. It's a good idea to start having yearly pap smears by the time you're 18-ish, or when you become sexually active (which ever comes first). Generally, you will be unable to acquire birth control (other than condoms) without having a pelvic exam.
It's slightly uncomfortable, but not painful or agonizing. It's a bit undignified, but worth going through if the alternative could be undetected cancer or other problems.
They insert a device into your pelvic area, called a speculum, that holds your vaginal canal open so the doc can get the sample needed for testing. At worst (for me) it's felt no worse than minor menstrual cramps, and when their done it's over (no pain or discomfort afterward...at least for me).
Male gynos are required to have a female (nurse, tech, someone) present as a "chaperone" nowadays, so rape or impropriety cannot be alleged later.
Just another fun thing about being female...lol!
2006-08-14 05:43:16
·
answer #3
·
answered by . 7
·
0⤊
0⤋
they don't test you for std's unless you ask them too....and its not bad at all....i was afraid too (like terrified) but my mom made me go at 17 and it was really good bc checking for cervical, ovarian, and breast cancer is the smartest thing you can do! don't worry it will be fine. i go to a korean man who is like 70 and its not creepy at all bc he actually delivered me as a baby and he is one of the best in the country but im only 19 so i thought wow this is weird he is older than my dad, but the more you think about it, doctors are only interested in caring for you in an anatomical way and it is completely natural bc they are there to do their job of checking you for problems....doctors shouldnt make you feel uncomfortable and if they do, then leave. There will be a female nurse in there the entire time and if there isnt, leave. Remember that they see hundreds of "down theres" a week, so dont feel weird. It is so important to get checked. Bc if you end up with cancer or something is wrong they are gonna be looking a lot more than once a year.....dont be afraid and good luck!!
2006-08-14 05:46:44
·
answer #4
·
answered by Anonymous
·
1⤊
0⤋
I think they recommend you start seeing a gyn. once you are sexually active.
You lay on the table, put your feet up in stirrups, the doctor inserts an instrument , swabs a sample that they send to a lab to check for cancer.The anticipation is usually worse then the exam.It's over before you know it. You may feel more comfortable having a woman doctor.Believe me, you are not alone, no one likes it!
2006-08-14 05:55:08
·
answer #5
·
answered by ShouldBeWorking 6
·
0⤊
0⤋
Pamela, i take it u are of reproductive age. u should have a female doc.[gyn] as well as a G.P.that should relieve that part of the stress of being exposed.the samples they need u should be able to take & do ur self. but the visiual part u can not get around until they starte use androids in stead of humans. but u can solve all ur unease by shacking up w/a gyn. marrying , living with, etc,etc.
2006-08-15 02:06:03
·
answer #6
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
Don't panic. While there is always the aberrant case of the unprofessional perv who sullies the gynecology profession, almost 99% of all other gyns are professional and ethical. There will always be a nurse present and the exam is done under the most sterile, non-sexual of conditions.
Having routine pelvic exams are important for good reproductive health. A woman should have her first GYN exam when she is first thinking about becoming sexually active, or as soon as she becomes sexually active, or by the time she is age eighteen.
There are many female gynecologists, nurse practitioners, and physician's assistants today if you prefer a woman to provide you with your GYN health care. It’s usually easy to find one in the United States and Canada. Of course, many women still use male health care providers or gynecologists for their GYN exams.
Whomever you choose, it’s essential that you be comfortable and honest with her/him, and that you feel confident that you will receive quality, attentive care. If you are not satisfied with someone you have seen, find someone else.
Before your appointment be ready with some information about your family medical history which you may be asked to provide. Among the most common questions are the following:
When did your last period start? (Or, when was your LMP; LMP= last menstrual. period.)
At what age did you start menstruating?
How long does your period usually last?
These question are an important part of your GYN history and in the future may help you to get pregnant if and when that time comes.
At the visit to the gynecologist you will have a short general physical exam including a breast exam. You will wear some sort of hospital gown and nothing else. For the actual pelvic examination, you will lie down on an examining table with your feet resting in elevated "stirrups" -- props that support your legs in the air. Stirrups might look a little scary, but they are really just there to rest your feet in and keep you more comfortable. Your legs will be spread apart, with your knees falling to each side to expose your genitals. Almost everyone feels uncomfortable and vulnerable the first few times they are in this position... of course, who wouldn't, but it's important to relax and realize that everyone goes through this, and soon you won't feel so uncomfortable. Even the health care provider who is examining you (if it is a woman) goes through the same exam.
The pelvic exam should not hurt and if at any point it does, make sure to let the practitioner know. If it is stressful or uncomfortable, the best way to help is to try to relax with some deep breaths. As with any other medical procedure, if you tense up your muscles and go stiff, the exam becomes more difficult. If you are informed ahead of time about what the exam involves, and you're comfortable with your practitioner, there is no reason to be nervous. She or he will most likely tell you what they are doing when they are doing it. Make sure they know if this is your first pelvic exam.
The External Exam
The practitioner will visually examine your vulva for discoloration, irritation, swelling and other abnormalities, and she will gently feel for glands.
The Internal Exam
There are two parts to the internal exam. The first involves a speculum (speck-you-lum), which is a metal or plastic instrument that the practitioner inserts into the vagina. The speculum is shaped sort of like a duck's bill, and once it is inserted into the vaginal canal it can be gently widened to spread the interior vaginal walls. (The vagina is collapsed in its relaxed state, but it can widen easily to accommodate tampons, fingers, penises, and even babies.) As the vaginal walls are spread, the practitioner is able to see clearly the walls of the vagina itself, and up the vaginal canal to the cervix. In viewing the vaginal canal and the cervix, the practitioner can look for discoloration, abnormal discharge, lesions, growths and signs of infection. It is possible for you to look at your own cervix during this process by propping yourself up on your elbows and using a mirror. Some practitioners ask if you would like to do this, but feel free to ask to if she doesn't mention it first. It is incredibly enlightening to actually see what your anatomy looks like, and it can clear up a lot of confusion.
Pap Smear
Next the practitioner will take a pap smear. She/he uses a long stemmed cotton tipped swab to collect a sample of the cells in the cervix. Some women feel a slight cramping sensation when their cervix is touched. The collected cells are smeared onto a slide and sent to a lab for testing and examination. The pap smear is extremely important for picking up abnormalities of the cells in the cervix which may indicate infection or disease. (See our Pap Smears section for more details.)
Testing For STDs
If you are sexually active, the practitioner will then test for STDs. Be sure to ask the person to do them. She or he will swab the inside of the cervix with what looks like a long cotton swab or two. The speculum is then slid out of the vagina. The samples are sent out to a laboratory where they tested for various STDs. The tests will take a couple days or more depending on how busy the lab is. Ask when your results will be back so you can call them if you want your visit to be totally confidential. If you want to be tested for HIV, syphilis or hepatitis you need to have blood taken. They can do that there also. But, they may not do that routinely, you will need to ask. (See our STDs section for more details.)
There is a blood test now that can show if a person has been infected at any time with genital herpes (HSV). There are also newer blood tests that can tell whether a person has been infected with HSV-I and/or HSV-II. This test will not be done routinely, so that is also something you would ask for if you are or had been sexually active.
Manual Exam
The second part of the pelvic exam is called the manual or bi-manual exam. The practitioner will insert one or two fingers into your vagina and press with her/his other hand on the outside of your lower abdomen. They will use a lubricant on their fingers so it is more comfortable and easier to feel things. The person can then feel the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries, and check for any swelling or tenderness. Once the doctor or nurse practitioner is finished checking your uterus and ovaries, the exam is complete. Even though reading about it may make it seem long, the entire pelvic exam (the parts involving your vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries) really only takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
Breast Exam
The doctor or nurse practitioner will give you a breast exam by pressing with his or her fingers on different parts of your breasts. This is necessary to help look for "normal" lumps (which are quite common and are harmless), cysts, or, in very rare cases, breast cancer. After finishing, he or she may ask you to examine yourself, or may move your fingers to show you how to do it. Although breast cancer is very unusual in teenage girls, it's important that you learn to examine your breasts yourself, since knowing how your breasts feel early on can help you detect problems later. The doctor or nurse practitioner will explain exactly how and when to do breast self-exams and answer any questions you have.
~CoolNurse.com
2006-08-14 05:38:59
·
answer #7
·
answered by Endo 6
·
5⤊
0⤋
If I could undrestand your Question First!!!!!!!!
Maybe we can help you.
2006-08-14 05:36:46
·
answer #8
·
answered by Rainbow Brite 3
·
0⤊
1⤋
duh, they look and prod. sheesh
2006-08-14 05:36:24
·
answer #9
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋