Around what time should a girl go to the gyno for the first time? I am 15 and have been menstruating for 2 1/2 years. Also, what exactly happens there? Does anything hurt? I know there is a lot of info on the internet about this but I'd rather hear from real people. Its more comforting. Thanks.
2007-01-28 10:33:40 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Women's Health
I first went when I was 18 and had recently become sexually active. I think that unless you are sexually active or you're having problems, you can wait until you're 18, but I'm not sure.
A gyn exam is not the most comfortable thing in the world, but I wouldn't say it hurts, exactly. The pap smear is the uncomfortable part, because they have to scrape your cervix. It's over pretty quick, though.
When you do go for your first gyn exam, feel free to bring a friend or your mom or someone if it makes you feel more comfortable, or even to ask that a nurse stay with you during the exam. They're usually pretty accommodating, especially when it's your first time.
2007-01-28 10:41:14 · answer #1 · answered by kris 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You should definitely be going for a yearly gyno exam once you start your period. It doesn't usually hurt, but you may feel some pressure when they do your pap smear and pelvic exam. There will be a nurse in the room if your doctor is a male, and even sometimes if your doc is a female. This is to ensure that you feel more comfortable that there isn't anything "funny" going on. Remember that gynos do this kind of stuff day in and day out, so there's no need to be embarrassed. It's not something women look forward to, but it's a necessary part of staying healthy. Everything will be fine. Good luck.
2007-01-28 10:41:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing to be scared about, rather than worrying about what's going to happen or feeling exposed, try to think of it as you doing something positive for your health and use it as an opportunity to ask questions.
I believe it is a little different in the US to the UK, here in the UK the first visit is normally either because of a sexual health concern or for a smear test, where as in the US I believe they do pelvic exams as well as smear tests and possibly swabs if you need them (tests for infections).
It can be a little uncomfortable but the most important point to take note of is that it should not hurt – if it hurts then tell the person doing the exam and they will stop, if need be you can go back another day, if they do cause you pain and do not stop then make them stop, get out of the room and report them to the front desk. You need to make sure they know if you are experiencing pain or discomfort.
You will be asked to undress; they will give you some privacy here and probably give you something to cover up your bottom half, you'll go onto an exam table and either have your feet put into stirrups or just ask you to bend your legs up and let your legs fall to the side. The pelvic exam will probably come first, then the smear test – the doctor should of course wear gloves for this, they should explain everything to you as you go along but if you have any questions let them know.
For a pelvic exam the doctor will insert two fingers into your vagina, then put their other hand on your abdomen and gently push, the doctor will feel around for lumps and bumps, they will ask you if you feel any pain or discomfort.
For the smear test you'll have a speculum put into your vagina to hold the walls of the vagina open, this normally feels like pressure around your abdomen, they will then insert something like a spatula into your vagina to take samples from your cervix – this can be a little uncomfortable, a feeling similar to very mild menstrual cramps. The speculum will be removed and that's you done.
There is a web site specifically for this question - http://www.firstvisit.org
2007-01-28 10:40:57 · answer #3 · answered by Kasha 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think at about 18 or soon after you are sexually active. It is more uncomfortable then painful. Alot of doctors do treir best to make you comfortable. You don't have anything to worry about all women go through it.
2007-01-28 10:43:03 · answer #4 · answered by cubbiecupcake 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well it shudnt hurt much but mine hurt a hell lot.
my gyn had to stop.
im around your age and i was crying bc of pain.
that shudnt happen to you tho
2007-01-28 12:17:02 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋