If you're doing well on the pills you're on, there would be no reason to take you off them.
As for the appointment, try not to be nervous. If you're relaxed, it will all go much smoother. First, they'll talk with you about your cycles, when your last period started, how you're doing with your pills and whether you have any concerns. Then the doc will leave the room while you get undressed. You'll have something paper to wear, either a gown or a little jacket and a paper blanket to wrap your lower half in.
Usually they do the breast exam first. You lie back and they press on your breast the way you do if you do self-exams. They'll probably also palpate your abdomen as sort of a first exam of your internal reproductive organs.
Then you'll have to scoot your butt down to the edge of the table and put your feet in stirrups. Then they'll ask you to let your knees fall apart; this is the hardest part because you feel so exposed. But this is where it's important to try to relax because they're going to insert a speculum and open your vagina up a bit to access your cervix. It's not pleasant but it shouldn't hurt at all; if it's uncomfortable, tell your doctor. They'll use a swab to take a sample of cervical cells for the lab (this is the Pap smear) and then take out the speculum.
Usually they'll insert two fingers into your vagina and press down on your lower abdomen with their other hand to feel the location and condition of your uterus and ovaries. Sometimes they will also do a rectal exam, but I haven't had a doctor do one in years.
You should know that you have the right to have a female (like a nurse) in the room if the doc doing the exam is a man. It's all over pretty quickly and it's a little easier if you just remind yourself that you're doing something responsible and good for yourself by keeping tabs on your reproductive health.
2006-08-23 06:11:08
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answer #1
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answered by mockingbird 7
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If you're not having problems with your current BC, then I don't see any reason why the gyno would want to change things up. You can expect the doctor to have you lie down to do a breast and pelvic exam. All of the gyno's that I've been to have been good about explaining what they are doing and talking gently to help you relax. The pelvic only takes a few seconds, and while it is a little uncomfortable, it doesn't hurt at all. Good for you for taking care of yourself!
2006-08-23 06:06:18
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answer #2
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answered by tarheel mom 3
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Unless this is your very first time to the gynecologist, you will more than likely be familiar with this visit. Although these visits may have become fairly routine to you, they can still be somewhat uncomfortable and embarrassing. However, a visit to the obstetrician/gynecologist (Ob/Gyn) can be an empowering experience. An Ob/Gyn can provide valuable information about how the reproductive system works. These doctors can also provide a woman with information about what to expect as she grows older.By acknowledging that you are a little nervous or embarrassed, it may clear the air and set the stage for honest, straightforward communication.
The first few minutes with your obstetrician/gynecologist are fairly predictable. First, there will be a consultation during which the doctor will inquire about your medical history and any recent symptoms or changes in your health. In addition, he/she will focus on gynecological issues, such as "Are you sexually active?" or "Do you ever experience any menstrual irregularities or problems?". Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any new medications. You will want to tell your doctor if you have any questions or if there is a specific reason for this visit. Then, the nurse will come into the room once you have changed and record your weight and blood pressure. Soon after, the doctor will come back into the room. She or he may listen to your heart and lungs, examine your thyroid, and abdomen, and, in some cases, take blood and urine samples. The doctor will also examine your breasts.
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The majority of the visit will consist of a pelvic examination. Before the pelvic exam, remember to urinate. With a full bladder, it is more difficult for the doctor to feel your pelvic organs. The doctor will perform the pelvic exam and a nurse will be present. During the pelvic exam you will be on your back with your bottom at the very end of the table. Your feet will rest in stirrups. The doctor sits at the end of the examination table, allowing him/her to examine your external and internal reproductive organs. This exam can feel awkward and embarrassing. There are several things that you can do to make the experience more comfortable:
Ask for a pillow for your head.
Ask that the stirrups be covered so they are softer and not as icy cold. Or, you might want to keep your socks on for the exam.
During your first visit, or later visits when you may feel more comfortable, you might want to ask for a mirror so that you can watch and follow as the doctor examines the vulva, the urethra and the clitoris.
Ask your doctor to tell you what he or she will be doing next so you know what to expect.
Take deep breaths and try to relax. (The pelvic area consists of several muscle groups, so you will feel better if these muscles are loose and relaxed.)
If you are embarrassed, express your feelings to the doctor. Remember that this is routine for him/her and that he/she should try to make it as quick, comfortable and minimally embarrassing as possible.
After looking at the vulva, the doctor will begin the pelvic examination. The initial part of the pelvic exam is done with a speculum. The speculum is an instrument that is inserted into the vagina and allows a doctor to see the vaginal walls and the cervix. It may be plastic or metal. If it's metal, it may be cold. You can ask the doctor to run it under warm water to make it more comfortable. When the doctor begins the exam, you will feel the speculum and the doctor's hands in the area of your vulva and vagina. It may be uncomfortable, but it should not be painful. It feels more like a pressure. Again, it is helpful to be relaxed so that the muscles will be less tense. Take several deep breaths, close your eyes, and try to think about something else. If it will make things easier, ask your doctor to explain each thing that he or she is doing.
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It is possible that the doctor will perform a rectal exam. Take a few deep breaths and relax. He or she will insert one gloved finger into your rectum while the other remains in your vagina. The purpose of this exam is to confirm the findings of the pelvic exam and to get additional information that will help the doctor complete his or her evaluation of you. Also, the doctor may use this test to look for "occult blood" which is imperceptible blood that is found in a stool. If any indication of occult blood is found, the doctor will recommend further evaluation of your intestines.
Another test that your doctor may conduct is a sonogram. Sonography has become a very important tool in completing a thorough evaluation of a patient. Some doctors will be able to perform this test in their own offices. If not, they will refer you to a specialist. A sonogram is used to evaluate a patient for any abnormalities, complaints, or symptoms found in the pelvic area.
The best way to stay healthy is by visiting the gynecologist before you have to. It's important to your overall health to schedule at least one well-care visit every year.
2006-08-23 09:00:02
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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There is nothing to be nervous about. When you go the ob/gyn she will first ask you a couple of questions about your period, your health and your sexual activities. Since you are on birth control she will ask you how they are working for you. She won't take you off them unless you are unhappy with them or they are giving you side effects. Then you will put on an apron (while the gyno is not present of course) and they will probably do a quick breast exam then you will lay on the bed with both of your feet in stirrups. A pap smear only takes about one minute. The doctor will take a sample from your cervix to check for any cancerous looking cells. She will put two fingers into your vagina and feel on your tummy. She will also put this device in you to hold you open. It is a little uncomfortable but nothing to worry about.
2006-08-23 06:11:39
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answer #4
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answered by Pink Princess 6
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They say breathing deeply is one of the greatest ways to relax. Just count to 10 and let the gyno do her job. I'm sure she has done this a million times. Expect being half naked and uncomfortable. My doctor always ends up talking to me and seeing how school is going (though I just graduated) I am also on birth control pills and had the opposite problem. I had issues taking certain pills but she helped find the right one for me. And when i go in, they give me a free month of pills for having an appointment. Every woman has to do this and it is healthy. You will be just fine.
2006-08-23 06:06:31
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answer #5
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answered by JenM_02 2
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I think every woman and girl are scared, no matter what age you are. no, if you're not having any problems the DR. will not take you off birth control. they have to do a pap smear to make sure you don't have cancer. If you can make yourself relax and it will be over in 5 minutes. then they will let you get dressed and you can ask them questions and they will ask you some . once you leave you be glad you got it over with for now. next year when, time to go again you will be freaking out again . We all do. but, it has to be done ! Good Luck.
2006-08-23 06:13:39
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answer #6
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answered by Becca 2
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She wont take you off BC unless there is a problem like an STD or infection that BC could complicate. Its not as bad as people make it out to be. You will go to a room and get undressed then wait for her to come in. While u are laying down she will feel your breast and your stomach. She will insert her fingers and press on your stomach and she will insert clamps (Which may be uncomfy but not hurt) then she will take a swab which might feel like a light scratch. Then its done. Ohhhh... some places the doctor will insert a finger in your rectum but its really fast and she uses KY so you will be ok.
2006-08-23 06:07:46
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answer #7
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answered by Ashes 3
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Don't be nervous. It is easy! What they will do is do a self-breast exam to feel for lumps. Then they will feel around on your stomach. Then they will go down there and insert a clamp that will spread you open. This will feel uncomfortable, but it won't hurt. Then they go up there with these long scraper things...theres 2 (think like a toothbrush). They scrape some cells. Then they put their finger up there to make sure things feel ok. It takes less than 5 minutes. It may be uncomfortable, but it won't hurt. Good Luck!
2006-08-23 06:06:26
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answer #8
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answered by Jess 2
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first thing is that the procedure is really fast, like three minutes or so. also, you have to realize that they do them all day long. they wont even remember what your "body" looks like. I was SOOOOO scared my first time, and i still get nervous, but it will be ok. its really fast. they will keep you on the same pills, and they know that you are going so that you can STAY on the pills. all i can say is wear clean socks (since your feet will be right by the dr's head) and treat yourself to something afterwards, like a new shirt or lunch or something. it will be ok honey :)
2006-08-23 06:07:51
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answer #9
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answered by you suck 1
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you shouldnt worry about anything
its just routine
im not sure what theyre going to do cuz i cnt remember my first time but it may just be a check and i dont think that she would take you off of the birth control if youre not having problems and if its helping you
good luck sweetie
2006-08-23 06:05:12
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answer #10
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answered by blondieLONGLEGS 1
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