What are gynecological exams like?

Answer 1

Its not as bad as what it sounds like. The weirest/worst part of it is getting used to someone else touching and seeing your bits.
When you go in, they ask you to either take off your pants or put on a gown then you lie down on the table with your legs in the stirrups (help keep your legs open during the exam). Something to make you laugh- you'll never be far enough down on the table, the doctor will tell you (never fails) "Can you scoot down? More...a little more" till you feel like your butt's falling off the end.
After that, they insert a tool called a "speculum" that widens your vagina so the doctor can see in (sounds scary but its not and its not too uncomfortable). Depending on what the doctor finds out, you may have a pap smear (they scrape a little of the lining which can hurt a little) or other tests run. Don't be worried about it, the doctors are used to girls who have never been before and might be a little weird.

Answer 2

Why is it important?

A woman should start having a gynecological exam once a year when she first becomes sexually active or once she is 18, whichever comes first. A gynecological exam is an important part of health care for women. It protects your sexual and reproductive health.

A Pap smear is a part of the gynecological exam and is a cervical cancer screening test that is looking for abnormal cells or changes on the cervix. Pap smears should be started within 3 years for first sexual intercourse or by age 21 years.

Scheduling a Pap smear and instructions: The best time to schedule a Pap smear is in the middle of your menstrual cycle when you are not bleeding. You should have nothing in your vagina for 24 hours before the examination: no intercourse, no vaginal creams, no vaginal lubricants, no douches or feminine hygiene products.

The pelvic exam is part of the gynecological exam and determines the size, shape, and position of the ovaries and uterus.

What will happen at my appointment?

Before the examination is performed, the health care provider will discuss your menstrual, sexual, and contraceptive history with you. Then, you will be given a private room to remove your clothing and cover up with a paper sheet and vest. After your thyroid, breasts, and abdomen have been examined, you will be asked to lie down on the exam table, place your feet in foot rests at the end of the table and let your knees spread apart.

First, the external genitalia will be inspected visually. Next, a speculum (an instrument which allows visualization of the cervix) will be inserted into the vagina. You will have a sensation of fullness, but it should not be painful. Relaxing will make the exam more comfortable. You may bring your CD player or Ipod. Cells for a Pap smear are collected from the cervix. This can be an uncomfortable procedure, and sometimes mild cramping may occur. The specimen will be sent to a laboratory to be examined for signs of cancer or precancerous cells and other abnormalities.

After the speculum is removed, the health care provider will insert gloved fingers into the vagina and place his/her other hand on your abdomen, applying slight pressure. This pelvic exam is done to determine the size, shape, and position of the uterus and ovaries. Following this, a gloved finger may be inserted into the rectum to detect any abnormalities of the rectum, and to feel the back of the uterus and the ovaries.

The gynecological exam is not a test for sexually transmitted infections. If you do want to be tested, you will have to indicate that to your provider before your exam begins. The exam, however, is an excellent time to be tested and discuss sexually transmitted infections with your health care provider.

If you want more information about the Pap smear and pelvic exam, sexually transmitted infections, or have any other questions, schedule a counseling appointment at the CHECS clinic in the Center for Healthy Student Behaviors at Campus Health Services by calling 966.6586.

Answer 3

They are not bad at all. I was so scared the first time I had one. The doctor makes you feel very comfortable and they talk to you the whole time to get your mind off of it. It goes by very quick, and before you know it they are done. It does not hurt at all. You just need to get used to the fact that someone else is going to be touching you, thats mostly the hardest part.

Answer 4

It all depends on the doctor !!! If you go to a good doctor
for your first visit, it'll make all the difference in the world.
It is uncomfortable, of course, but it's not unbearable.

Answer 5

they are ok and not painfull at all, Very important at least 1 x a year to detect if any thing is wrong .like cervical cancer....std's etc.

Answer 6

Ugh. They always make me feel invaded.