It's normal to be nervous about it, but it really isn't too bad at all, just perhaps a little embarrassing if you let it be, you can always think of it as caring for your health and take the opportunity to ask questions. It isn't painful (or if it is they should stop what they are doing and make sure you are comfortable), and they see vaginas all day, unless you have a second head down their it won't phase them.
Male or female makes no real difference, some people say women are better as they know what it feels like, but really no one knows how your body feels but you and sometimes female gynaecologists can have problems like assuming they know best for you as it is what's best for them and their bodies. If you feel more comfortable with a female doctor then you can always ask for one or go elsewhere if they don't have one.
http://www.firstvisit.org - Try this site, it's specifically about first visits to the gyno, it might help you feel a bit better about it :o)
2006-09-07 06:58:46
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answer #1
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answered by Kasha 7
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It's totally normal to be nervous. My doctor is a male and I don't have any problems with uncomfortability. Just remember, he sees about thirty or more vagina's on that table a day and yours isn't going to be any different. Make sure to tell your doctor, if he doesn't already know, that it is your first exam "down there" and he should take it a little bit more gently. It is going to be uncomfortable, physically, I won't lie about that part. But, don't tense up and take deep breaths. Here's a funny story my mom told me the first time I went:
So, one of her office friends went to her gyno appointment and had to give a urine sample. She went to the bathroom and realized there was no toilet paper before it was too late. She grabbed some kleenex out of her purse, did her business, and went into the exam room. When the doctor was examining he started to chuckle a little bit (now imagine your gyno laughing while down there). My mom's friend asked if there was something the matter, and the doctor said not to worry, if she had to be somewhere she'd be there by ten a.m. tomorrow. The woman looked at her doctor oddly when he held up one of his fingers and shower her a postage stamp. Apparently it had stuck to the tissue in the bathroom! Isn't that funny? It's better to tell in person. Well, good luck, don't worry. Everything will be OK!
2006-09-07 14:13:55
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answer #2
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answered by superrix83 4
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Its totally normal to be nervous the first time you go.
Even if the doctor is a guy, he will never examine you without a female nurse in the room.
It is often better to go wearing a loose skirt or dress rather than trousers as when you are examined you can keep these on and you feel a little bit less exposed.
If you feel uncomfort when you are examined try taking long deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth as this helps you relax. The more relaxed you are the less it feels uncomfortable.
If you don't want to see a man at all you could ring up before the appointment and ask for a woman - this is completely ok. I have been examined by males and females and it has been fine.
Don't worry too much I am sure it will be fine. Also you can take your mum or friend with you.
2006-09-07 13:55:56
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answer #3
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answered by Bebe 4
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If you are uncomfortable then you should request a nurse to stand in during your exam. Most doctors (male or female) do this as a standard procedure anyway.
I have always had female gynos but once had a male. I was nervous at first but after the exam was over he was the most personable, informative and helpful doctor I have ever had. He took the time to really explain things and answer my questions. Don't judge a book by it's cover but do what makes you feel most comfortable.
2006-09-07 13:56:50
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answer #4
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answered by Kung Fu Girl 3
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I know you're going to be nervous but just try and relax. They are very professional whether they are male or female. Make sure you follow through and go, your health is your life and I'm sure you would want to know if something isn't right so that you can take care of it in time. Try and think of something else during the exam...your favorite song, a joke or riddle, the ocean waves crashing against the shore. It's something every woman does throughout her life, so you're no different than the rest of us...it's not the most pleasant thing to have to do, but it's not horrible either. Good luck!
2006-09-07 13:55:40
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answer #5
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answered by Anonymous
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Nah ~ it is a very natural thing to see the doctor. Women have been doing it for years and unfortunately, we will be doing it for many more. There isn't anything to it really. Often on a first appointment the Dr. will take a few moments in his office to visit with you, find out why you are there and a few little personal things just to make you feel at ease. I changed dr.'s due to a pregnancy and love my new doctor as well as the doctor i had been seeing for 20 years.
2006-09-07 13:56:13
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answer #6
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answered by JUNONNKI 3
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Well in some states its mandatory or you actually have the right to request a woman nurse to be present in the room,if you are uneasy with having a man gyno.
2006-09-07 13:56:33
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answer #7
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answered by luvhurts004 2
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I was nervous my first time. If it makes you uncomfortable, see if you can request a woman. That made me a lot more comfortable. I have been going for 6 or so years now and I still go to a woman. I just can't bring myself to letting some strange man probe around down there, its already akward as it is.
Let him/her know this is your first PAP and they will do there best to explain things, be gentle, and make it a more pleasant experience.
2006-09-07 13:56:41
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answer #8
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answered by MzHazelnut22 3
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The ol' annual poke and prod is not my favorite thing in the world, but it's not scary and it doesn't hurt ... it's just something we women have to do to stay healthy. Talk to someone who's been already (your mother, an aunt, a friend). If it bothers you that your doctor is male, make an appointment with a female GYN.
2006-09-07 13:56:52
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answer #9
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answered by vita64 5
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It is natural to be nervous when going to that first visit. Just keep in mind he is a doctor and does these exams everyday and will be professional about it. On a personal note I have seen both female and male ob/gyns and I find that male ob/gyns are more compassionate and helpful.
2006-09-07 13:55:56
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answer #10
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answered by cam 5
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