When should you visit a gynecologist?

Question

I am 23 and have never been to a gynecologist, but I am not sexually active (i.e.have never had sex). I had read that you should start going when you become sexually active, is this correct or should I be going anyway? Also, because I have never had sex will the examination be incredibly painful for me? I want to get the HPV vaccine and someone told me you had to get it done before you became sexually active - is this true?

Answer 1

It is either when you become sexually active or turn 18. This is because anyone can get cervical, uterine or ovarian cancer. The best cure is prevention. That is what pap smears and pelvic exams are for. Also breast exams are done.

No the pap smears are not painful even if you have never had intercourse. If you communicate this with your doctor before their are speculums (the instrument inserted to see the cervix) that are very small. Some are as small as a thumb.

About the HPV vaccine that is something to discuss with your doctor. But overall you should start going regardless. Even if you are not sexually active.

Answer 2

Hi, I've never had sex either (I'm 20), but I see my gynecologist once a year. I started seeing her because I had to get on birth control meds to do acutane for my acne. I actually wish I'd seen one earlier, just because birth control has made my life a lot easier. I have really heavy, painful periods, and bc's helped that sooo much. I think it's also good to start seeing a gyn before you become sexually active because getting a good one is important and can take time. Also, s/he can give you good pointers if you have any questions--that was a relief to me. If you get a good gyn, the exam won't be really painful (if it is, tell her). I'd recommend asking around to get recommendations from people in your area--that's what I did. And don't settle for a doc you're not comfortable with, because having a good one is important.

It is much better to get the HPV vaccine before you become sexually active. If you get HPV, the vaccine won't do you any good. And you never can be sure whether your partner will have HPV unless you get a copy of recent STD test results from his/her doc. So I say, better be safe than sorry. That's why the vaccine's being recommended for women younger than 26--docs are trying to get it done on women before they're exposed to HPV.

Answer 3

Go to the gynecologist!!! Im 19. I went when I was 18 1/2 and I am getting another this year in june and Im not sexually active. Yes it does hurt a little and may feel uncomfortable. But with the examine she can tell you if you are all right down there and any problems there are that might be problems later.

Answer 4

When I was 18 I got my first pelvic exam and pap smear but it was not done by a gynecologist. It can be done by a primary care physician. I didn't start seeing a gyn til I was 25 because I was starting to have medical problems with my gyn area.

The current guideline from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is to get your pap smear and pelvic exam at 21 unless you become sexually active, whichever comes first.

Check with your insurance company to find out if you have to start with your primary care dr first or if you can go straight to a gyn.

The reason that I would recommend a gyn over a primary care dr is because a gyn does paps and pelvic exams on a daily basis where primary care drs usually only do them a few times a week.

As for whether or not it can be painful it can be if something is wrong such as an infection but normally no it's just some discomfort because of the pressure such as from the speculum (the instrument that they use to help them see inside.

If it the dr is too rough you can ask them to stop.

You can also ask that this first appt be such where you can talk to the dr in plain clothes before the actual exam because it is important to feel comfortable with the process.

And I too would recommend a female gyn to start out with since this is your first time.

Hope this is of some help.

Answer 5

lots of questions!! first, YES you should first start seeing the gyno when you turn 18 or become sexually active (this is because things can go on down there even if you are NOT ). second, the exam won't be painful if you haven't had sex because they don't open your vagina that far... just far enough to stick a skinny broom-shaped instrument that scrapes off some cervical cells. third, it's true that the HPV vaccine is more effective when taken before you become sexually active, but taking it after you start isn't a bad idea.

Answer 6

going to the gyno. is not painful at all. yes its a little uncomfortable and you would probably prefer a female gyno. but you should go when you turn 18 because even though you are ot sexually active you should get checked up to c if everything is normal. and if u wanna get the hpv vaccine you can get it anytime. good luck

Answer 7

you should visit your og-gyn at least once a year whether you're sexually active or not. this is to check whether you're not forming any disease in your reproductive system. There is a devise being used for virgins. it's not painful but it is just uncomfortable. and yes, the vaccine is also good. consult your ob though

Answer 8

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Answer 9

I think you should go. The examination will most likely be uncomfortable, but that's it. If it's painful, something is wrong with the way the doctor is examining you! Be sure to let him or her know if you are feeling pain. I don't believe there is a vaccine for HPV but a test can be done to see if you have it, which is unlikely, so try not to worry. Annual gynecological exams should be done on every woman over 18 to check for diseases (sexually transmitted or not) and to make sure things are functioning properly.

Aloha :)