i just made my first appointment with a gynocologist....now what?

Question

im really nervous and kind of scared.... what exactly goes on? is it going to hurt? im 19... and this is my first time.... help.... please

Answer 1

First of all, relax. The doc is a professional and has seen it ALL before...
They'll do the standard vital checks, temp, blood pressure, etc. They'll ask lots of questions about your medical history and your sex life. Be honest.. As far as the "exam"...

They insert a metal or plastic speculum into your vagina and then they open it a few notches. This has a slight "pinch" sensation but is not painful, especially if you're nice and relaxed. Close your eyes and go to your "happy" place. He'll put a long q-tip inside you to get a swab. It's a funny sensation but not painful.
He'll put his fingers inside of you and use his other hand to feel your abdomen to feel your ovaries and uterus. He may put one finger into your anus to make sure everything there feels alright. He'll do a breast exam..the same one you should be doing once a month, with your arm raised over your head and your other hand checking the breast in circles, starting on the outside and working towards the nipple. He may squeeze the nipple to check for discharge. If it's a male doctor, he most likely will have a female nurse in the exam room the whole time.

I know it's hard not to be nervous your first time, but you'll be okay!! It's really not that bad...the modesty part is the worst if you're shy about your body. Just make sure you're nice and clean.
Good luck!

Answer 2

Make sure your gynocologist knows that this is your first visit ever. Also let them know that you are nervous. The doctor should be very considerate of your feelings, and should tell you everything they are doing before they actually do it, so you will be prepared and not feel like you're being ignored.

Yes, it is a bit embarrassing laying on the table with your feet in the holders (Styrups sounds so calus). The doctor has done this many times, and i assure you they are only doing what is necessary.

There are many things they might do. They may do a breast exam, and show you how to do it as well. They may look internally, and to me that is the most uncomfortable part. They use something called a speculum to do this. it helps them open you up to see inside, they can check your uterus when they are using the speculum. They may also feel your pelvic area (your lower abdomen), to see if there are any abnormalities.

These were just some of the things you might experience. You may not have all of them done, and there may be other tests/procedures. Just stay calm, let the doctor know of your apprehension, and they will be very helpful.

You can e-mail me if you have any other questions.

I hope i helped!

Answer 3

It's a bit embarassing, but it doesn't take long. They will have you put on the open back hospital gown, lay down on table and scoot your bum to the edge. The doctor will insert a gloved finger into your vagina, then they have this tool that looks menacing but it's not so bad,a little pressure but it shouldn't really hurt bad. They will take a little swab(you won't feel it)and that part is done. They will check your breasts by touching them,they are looking for lumps, or breast tissue that is firmer or more dense. And..........you are done. I know that you will be nervous, but if you have any questions at all,now is the time to ask. Birth control might be an issue to discuss even if you are not sexually active,you could get on birth control ahead of time and you will be prepared for the unexpected. Most doctor offices have a picture taped to the ceiling above the table you're on,so you can focus on the picture and it helps lessen your nerves. Good luck.

Answer 4

I'm 19 and just had my first pap the other day. I kept making appointments and cancelling cause i was so nervous. For me they had me put on this papercloth "shirt" and a piece to put over my legs. Then you lay down and then they put the speculum in you, that is a bit uncomfortable when they open it, for me anyways. Then they look around and scrape your cervix, which people say doesn't hurt, but for me it felt like a pinching for a second. Then the dr took the clamp out and then felt inside me with her fingers..which is just akward not any pain. And that's pretty much it. I was soooo scared too...i've never let anyone see that much of me before.

Answer 5

You have made a GREAT (and long overdue) decision to do this and are to be commended. Yes, it is scary the first time, not knowing what to expect, but rest assured it is not that bad...

Do you have a friend you can discuss this with? Or your mother? Someone that has been through this could be a big help in relieving your apprehension.

Your doctor will perform a breast examination and a pelvic examination. This will be a little embarrassing and a little uncomfortable the first time, but it is vital to ensuring your safety and health. Breast cancer is almost epidemic in our society and you should be doing everything you can to screen for this.

If you have no one to discuss this matter with, you might try calling Planned Parenthood. They usually offer free couseling services. Even though contraception is most likely not your prime objective, they would still be willing and qualified to discuss with you what to expect on your first visit with an OBGYN.

Answer 6

I just went for my first time recently too. It wasn't as bad as I expected. Just remember to relax. Hopefully the doctor examining you is friendly. I had a nurse practitioner and she was so nice. Either way, be open and honest. He/She will come in and talk to you first then leave while you put on a paper gown. (In my case I had to use the bathroom first because I was so nervous!) When she came back she did a breast exam and then pelvic. The entire examination lasted only a few minutes. She then left, I put my clothes on, then she came back in and talked to me before I left.

I was SO nervous my first time, but I realized that they really have seen it all. Good luck and don't worry, it's not as bad as it seems.

Answer 7

You have nothing to be scared about. The doctor will make you feel very comfortable and the nurse will probably be in the room as well. All that is going to happen is the doctors puts a tong type of instrument in there in order to properly collect the tissue needed. It should hurt but it will probably be uncomfortable. Best of luck and don't be scared.

Answer 8

Everyone else has pretty much summed it all up for you, but a few words of advice are to be sure to shave your legs and make sure you are "clean" to avoid embarassment. The whole thing goes by very fast, maybe 5 minutes. You'll spend more time in the waiting room than the actual exam will take.

Answer 9

This site tells you everything you need to know.


http://www.cwhn.ca/resources/young_women/gyno.html