First annual exam, women only?

Question

I am 18 and I just had my first annual exam at my Mom's doctor. When I went in they had me change into a gown and checked my breasts and it was ok, but then she said now it's time for the pelvic and the next bit was just awful!!. I had to lie down and they lifted my feet up and spread my legs open. They even put my ankles in things at the end of the couch to hold my legs apart . She put her fingers inside me and I could not see what she did because of a drape but it felt like she put a needle in me. I have never had this exam before, I hated having my legs held up like that. Do they do this every year? I have not had any problems down there and was not expecting an intimate exam.

Answer 1

It's entirely your choice when and if to have pelvic exams, so they absolutely should have asked you first. If they didn't that could be considered assault. You can always, always refuse.

Without pap testing, pelvic exams don't have a lot of value unless you're having some sort of gynecological problem. In the US pap tests aren't recommended until age 21 or three years after first vaginal sexual intercourse, so you aren't old enough to need one yet unless you started having sex at age 15. Of course, sexually active people under 21 may want birth control or STI testing, but neither of those require pelvic exams.

You asked "Do they do that every year?" Again, it's entirely your choice--not the doctor's. Many do recommend annual exams, but that's all it is: a recommendation. Only you can decide if it's worth it to you. Unless you have an abnormal pap, there's no benefit in getting tested annually: according to the American Cancer Society, every two years is just as good as annually.

Finally, you didn't ask, but I would highly, highly recommend you not use the same doctor as your mother. It's just too sticky, and from your description this one sounds horrible (not telling you what they're going to do in advance, etc.) If you want a doctor, choose one of your own.

Answer 2

Yes, the doctor does this every year. The reason they do this every year is to check to make sure that no problems are occurring and then if there is one they can catch it early.

That instrument that you felt that felt like a needle is called a speculum and looks like the bill of a duck.

Also, the doctor should have explained in more detail what she was going to do before she did it and then as she was doing it, as well as that of considering finding another gyn to go to. A really good gynecologist will explain everything that they do as they do it so that they can help you feel more relaxed.

If you have other questions for me please feel free to e-mail or IM me off site any time.

Answer 3

Yeah, that sounds like a typical gyn exam. I agree with other people on here and your doctor should have told you what was going on step by step. It is a good idea to get this done every year.

Answer 4

That is the typical gyn exam, totally normal.
No needle was put inside of you, I assure you.
The gyn should have been explaining what she was doing, step by step. If she didn't, you may want to either ask her to do so when you next see her or find another gyn.

Answer 5

It is not the best we woman have to go through but it is worth it in the long run.Having babies is a lot harder then having a pap smear.LOL.You are sensible as a lot of younger women will not go and have a annual check-up.All the best.

Answer 6

i think of this is a sturdy factor to get checked each twelve months, it could save many lives. this is greater constructive secure than sorry. i'm interior the united kingdom and that i choose that shall we get pap smears earlier 25 and better than each 3 years. particularly our government is saving money by potential of putting those under 25 in possibility.

Answer 7

I've never had it done but it sounds normal. I have friends that have had it done and thats how they described it too. Every female has to do it.

Answer 8

Yes, it is absolutely normal.