Hi. What's it like at a gynecologist? is it scary? I might see one soon. What can I do to prepare? Any stories? What's it like? what happens? Serious answers only. Thanks. :(
2007-12-05 11:04:44 · 27 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Women's Health
do you prefer male or female gynos?
2007-12-05 11:14:17 · update #1
I am in my teen years (13-26)
and am going for a regular checkup
2007-12-05 11:26:21 · update #2
Depending on your age and whether or not you're sexually active...different things happen. My sister (14) just went for the first time and since she wasn't sexually active...the Dr just gave her info about STD's, birth control, and did a cursory exam (not a pelvic).
If you are around 16-18....you may have a pelvic....it's when they place a metal or plastic speculum (a device designed to go inside your vagina to open it a little) it helps the Dr see your cervix and do cultures. The cultures are really just really long cotton swabs that they swab your cervix...it doesn't really hurt BUT it's uncomfortable. If you breathe deeply while they do this it really helps.
And think about yourself....will you feel self-conscious if a man was 2 inches away from your private parts? If so....go to a woman. You can expect a breast exam as well. They will feel your breasts in a circular motion trying to detect lumps & irregularities.
The thing to remember is that ALL Ob/Gyns have seen women's private parts....thousands of them every month and they have seen it ALL. Don't worry about that at all. It's nothing new to them.
Plus they will know it's your first time so they will more than likely talk you thru the exam. And if it's a male Dr there will be a female nurse in the room with you to make sure nothing weird happens. (it's rare so don't worry).
And it's a good time to talk about birth control....if you plan on having sex etc in the next year it's a good idea. Especially since if you're not sick or anything you won't be going back for a year at least.
Good luck. Oh yeah...and some daytime talk show had gyne's on it...they all said the same thing...the *worst* thing that they smelled was dirty feet. So wear clean socks.
2007-12-05 11:14:15 · answer #1 · answered by Miss Sunshine 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A visit to any doctor for the first time is 'scary' ... but it's more scary to visit a gynecologist for the first time. You can't do anything to prepare, beyond taking a bath or shower and washing 'down there' really well. Some gynecologists do a pelvic exam the first time you see them, others give you a 'non-invasive visit' but tell you what the pelvic exam is for so that you can 'get used to the idea' first. I actually like just having the pelvic exam first. The doctor will have you put a gown on, and will have you put your feet into 'stirrups' with your legs spread. The doctor will insert a 'speculum' into your vagina and possibly will 'swab' you inside (a pap smear) and will look inside to see that everything is 'okay' on the inside of you. You may not think this is important, but it is ... first, if there is anything wrong (the doctor will also 'palpate' your belly and be able to 'feel' your ovaries and uterus) you'll be able to get it taken care of, and if there is nothing wrong, then if something does go wrong the doctor will know what you look like when you are healthy and will be able to 'see better' when looking again. DO NOT FEEL EMBARRASSED. Gynecologists are doctors who 'look down there' at every woman they see, and it's just 'another exam' to them. If you are embarrassed, you will 'clench' down there, and that can cause you pain ... so relax, and while you won't 'enjoy' the exam, at least you will KNOW that you are okay, or if you are 'ill' and need treatment. I prefer MALE gynecologists, but many women prefer females. You may ask that a female nurse is in the room to be sure nothing 'wrong' goes on ... if the doctor REFUSES to let a nurse be in the room, too, then you have the RIGHT to refuse to let the doctor examine you down there. It is YOUR body, and YOU have the right to allow or stop any exam, so remember that YOU are 'in control' and everything will go well during your exam.
2007-12-05 11:21:59 · answer #2 · answered by Kris L 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends upon the gynecologist.
If you find a nice understanding one who knows it's your first time and you are um..untouched, you will be ok.
Planned Parenthood is usually good for that.
Just answering a lot of questions, then you will lie back and put your foot in stirrup, they will open you up and take a look. It shouldn't hurt and you need to try to remain relaxed (there's muscles down there that could make things uncomfortable when clenched).
If you are scared, see if your mom could go. Sometimes a nice nurse will hold your hand and soothe you if you're really freaked.
2007-12-05 11:10:06 · answer #3 · answered by AJ 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They will ask you questions about your sexual history, whether you smoke, drink, do drugs etc. They might give a breast exam and will probably give a pelvic exam, which involves inserting a speculum into your vagina and taking some small scrapings from your cervix. They might do a digital (with one finger inside your vagina) exam to assess your ovaries and internal anatomy.
The best thing you can do is relax, especially during the speculum and remember the doctor has done this many, many times and is here to help you better understand your body.
It's not scary, it's scarier to think about what an undetected medical problem can cause to your health. Go! It's worth it.
2007-12-05 11:10:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is normal to feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, or even scared. Many complain that the most objectionable part of the exam is that it feels undignified to have to expose one's genitals to a stranger. You may be less embarrassed if you remember your clinician is highly trained and has probably performed hundreds or thousands of exams. The exam is not an emotional or sexual experience for the clinician. It is okay to have someone with you, such as your mother or close girlfriend.
This site explains your first gyno visit...
it talks about what they will do, how it will feel & what it is for.
2007-12-05 11:07:56 · answer #5 · answered by ? 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hello to you too. It depends what your going for. They will want to know alot of information. Be sure to bring some form of payment. If your going for a Pap test, then they will take a swab and take a sample of fluids from your private area. They will check your breast too. They take your blood pressure and pulse.
After a few times going, it's gets easier. I've had three children and I'm now in my 50's and I'm still shy some. Dr's. are used to looking at private area and think nothing of it. Only we feel they are. After you will say, that's it.
Hope this helped you if this is what your going in for.
2007-12-05 11:17:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They give you a standard physical then they put your legs in stirrups and check you down there. It is a little embarrassing but every woman has to go through it, and it only takes a second. Make sure you feel very comfortable with your doctor, and you'll see it's not such a big deal after all.
Good luck!
2007-12-05 11:12:00 · answer #7 · answered by Excellante 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
ok firstly.. make sure (and u should always anyway no matter what ur seeing your docot for) have a shower!!
secondly if ur talkin about havin a pap test then yeh its a lil embarressing.. i personally had it done by a male doctor and to be honest. id much rather a female, next time i will be sure to ask for a female!! and theres nothing wrng with all u male doctors out there.. just think fro my point of view!
2007-12-05 11:09:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You don't really have to "prepare", just go in relaxed and don't worry, it's not as bad as you've heard. There are some horror stories but the whole appointment only takes about 15 min.
2007-12-05 11:09:29 · answer #9 · answered by Debra M 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Not too bad. Depending on what your problem is you may be totally undressed and put into the stirrups.
Are you going to a woman doctor or a man. They will keep a nurse in the room while they examine you so you are not alone.
But it has to be done.
lyn
2007-12-05 11:08:43 · answer #10 · answered by Lyn B 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋