First time going to the OBGYN, I'm freaked out, help please?

Question

I have my first appointment at the gynocolgist's this Thursday. I've been bleeding really irregularly, so I know I need to go.
But it really freaks me out.
Will you tell me what to expect? And if there is anything I should do that would like help me to not freak out.
Thanks

Answer 1

Every woman should be visiting an ob/gyn annually. Visits should start one you're sexually active or turn 18 (which ever happens first.)
Most women talk about dreading the pelvic exam - my mom had me so freaked out that I refused to go until I was 20 (irresponsible, yes, but I wasn't sexually active.) It turns out that while the exam might be a little embarrassing, it's not worth freaking out about.

A nurse will take your weight, blood pressure... all that pre-appointment stuff they do before you see any doctor. Eventually you'll be asked to undress and put on a hospital gown - usually open to the front, so the doctor can do a breast exam.
You sit on the end of the table, the doctor will come in and talk to you, then have you lay back on the table and put your feet in the foot rests/stirrups.
Any good doctor will talk to you about what she's doing... "I'm going to touch you with my hand now..." she'll wear gloves, use her fingers to feel you vaginal walls - she'll use a lubricant, it shouldn't be uncomfortable. If you've had sex or masturbated the exam will feel a bit like that (but without the fun part.)
In order to do a pap smear (a test that screens for pre-cancerous changes to the cervix) the doctor will insert a speculum. This is a metal device that looks a bit like a duck's bill. She'll warm it up with warm water and slide it inside of you. Then the speculum will be widened a bit so the doctor can see while she uses a long stick like device to get a sample of cells - she'll rub it against your cervix, it won't hurt. The speculum might feel like it's stretching you out a little, this is usually my only source of discomfort. It doesn't hurt, it's just not pleasant.

The pelvic exam will only take a few minutes. If you're still nervous let the nurses and doctor know before you get in a vulnerable position. They'll be kind.

You might also want to talk to a woman that you trust... I'm sure she'll help reassure you. Even women who HATE getting a pelvic exam will admit that the exam is quick and painless.

Answer 2

The doctor will ask you some questions, take your medical history, listen to your heart & lungs, then ask you to undress and put on a gown.

When he/she comes back in, you'll lay down, and you'll get a breast exam done (to check for lumps). This is an EXCELLENT time to ask how to do it properly. Most breast lumps are self-detected.

Then he/she will press on your abdomen and maybe listen with a stethoscope. Then you'll put your feet in the stirrups, they'll take a look at the external genitalia, then you'll have a speculum inserted to open your vaginal canal. Next they'll do a visual inspection of your cervix and vaginal canal and then take a small sample of surface cells from your cervix (called a PAP smear) to test for pre-cancerous lesions. Next, they'll remove the speculum, and insert two fingers into the vagina, and press down on you lower abdomen to feel for your fundus (top of the uterus) and ovaries to make sure there aren't any lumps that shouldn't be there.

Then that's it. Start to finish, it should be less than 20 minutes. Be sure to ask ALL of your questions while you have your doctor there with you.

Also, if you're not currently sexually active, NOW is the time to get the new HPV vaccine - it is made to help prevent cervical cancer but must be administered before you start having sex.

Answer 3

exact think of of of it this way, you're able to have self assurance her.. she's an OBGYN and sees those subjects popular, has long long previous to varsity for years examining it, and so on. i'm extremely particular she is conscious of the version between a herpe and a tear. So don't be too frightened. good achievement :)

Answer 4

I know exactly how you feel... I went to the gyno for the first time a couple of months ago. Also for irregular bleeding. I was scared out of my mind...But to tell you the truth. It wasnt as bad as i thought it was going to be... You just got to remember the doctor is a profecional. they know what they are doing. And they arent going to do any thing to make you feel more uncomfortable. My doctor made me feel really relaxed... But if you have a really good friend that is female, Maybe see if she will go with you.. I took my best friend to mine. And while they were doing my Pap test i just talked to her. It really helped relax me. Well i hope some of this helps you... and good luck

Answer 5

don't worry its not that bad. i hope you are going to a good gyn that someone reccommended to you. that can make all thedifference. i love mine. she takes her time and expalins everything to me before she does anything. she has a way of making me feel at ease and i have been going to gyn's for over 20 yrs. if you are anxious talk to her before she starts the exam and let her know and she will help put you at ease