what should i expect at my first gyno appointment?

Question

I'm sixteen, and I'm going to my first gyno appointment. I'm really nervous.. my mom will be there, so i shouldn't be so nervous.. but still.. what questions should i be prepared for? i'm trying not to be so nervous, but i can't help it.. please give me some good details.

Answer 1

It is OK to be nervous. The first time I went, I had a pap smear done (that's not painful but could be a bit uncomfortable) and my breasts were checked for lumps. You will do just fine, relax :)

Oh, in case you're not sure what a pap smear is: "A Pap smear is a test your doctor does to check for signs of cancer of the cervix. The cervix is part of your uterus (womb). During a Pap smear, your doctor takes a sample of cells from your cervix to be tested.

To take the sample, your doctor will put a special instrument called a speculum into your vagina. This helps open your vagina so the sample can be taken. Your doctor will gently clean your cervix with a cotton swab and then collect a sample of cells with a small brush, a tiny spatula or a cotton swab. This sample is put on a glass slide and sent to a lab to be checked."

It'll all be over before you know it!

Answer 2

I'm guessing you're getting a basic pap smear, but not a mammogram. A mammogram is for women over 40, they go into a machine and do major testing for lumps. Most likely they will check you for breast cancer-which pay attention to how they do this since you should be checking yourself for breast cancer every three months. For your pap smear, it really isn't bad at all. You will have to take your undies and bra off (although they let me put my shirt back on). they will have you sit in a chair type thing with stirrups where you put your feet (you have a cloth type blanket to cover your tummy and stuff. All of the nurses i have had are all really nice and comfort you as much as possible. It is actually a lot quicker than most girls think. First she will go in with her two fingers and kinda feel around for 30 seconds, making sure everything is feeling okay. She usually will put something in you to open you up a little bit, none of this hurts. Also, if you want to be tested for some stds (which i always have just to be safe) she will rub a sponge type material up there quick. This may be a little uncomfortable for one second and may make you bleed afterwards ( i have all times i have gotten one, so make sure you don't wear any good undies lol) although it really isn't a lot of blood at all, just spotting until later that night. Not very much at all though Then she will check your breasts, making sure everything is okay. They usually ask you about your sexual history and stuff like that, always be honest. Don't worry-it will go good and isn't nerve wrecking. Just know that it's better for your health to be clean!

Answer 3

A pelvic exam is a way for your gyneacologist to examine your female organs and check for any gyneacological problems.

You may be worried about your first pelvic exam. It's very normal to be anxious about something when you don't know what to expect. Hopefully after reading this, you will be reassured that it is simple, isn't painful and takes only about 5 minutes. It is also normal to feel embarrassed or uneasy about your first exam, I still feel embarrassed with mine and I've had may many pelvic examinations over the past 9 years due to female related problems I''ve had.. However, if you know what to expect, it may help you relax. I'm sure your gyno understands how you feel and will be sensitive and gentle, and answer any questions you have.

There are no definite rules as to when you should have your first pelvic exam. Most gyno's agree that you should have your first exam in the first few years after you become sexually active or when you turn 18, whichever comes first.

There are other important reasons to have a pelvic exam. These may include:

- Unexplained pain in your lower belly or around the pelvic area, where your vagina is;
- Vaginal discharge or wetness on your underwear that causes itching , burns or smells bad;
- No menstrual periods by age 15 or 16;
- Vaginal bleeding that lasts more than 10 days;
- Missed periods; especially if you are having sex;
- Menstrual cramps so bad that you miss school or work.

During your first checkup your gyno will ask you questions about:

- Your general health, allergies and medications you are taking;
- Your menstrual period, such as how old you were when you first got it, how long it lasts, how often it comes, how much you bleed , the first day that your last period started, if you have cramps; and at what age your breasts started to develop.
- Whether you have ever had sex or have been sexually abused.
- If you have vaginal itchiness or an unusual discharge (drainage) or odor from your vagina.

If you find it comforting a friend or your Mum can go with you. After you have given your medical history, been weighed and had your blood pressure checked, you will be asked to put on a gown. You will need to remove your clothes including your underwear and bra. A breast exam is often done as a routine part of this check-up.

Your gyno will explain the steps to the exam and ask you to lie down on the exam table. You will be given a sheet to put over your stomach and legs. You will then be asked to move down to the end of the table and place your feet in stirrups (these are holders for your feet). With your knees bent, you will be asked to let your knees fall to each side allowing your legs to spread apart. This is usually the part when most adolescent and adult women feel embarrassed. This feeling is normal too. Just remember that although this is your first exam, this is routine for your gyno and their only concern is for your health.

There are 3 parts to this exam. Sometimes not all parts of the pelvic exam are necessary. Ask your gyno which part or parts will be done for your examination.

Your gyno will first look at the area outside of your vagina, (clitoris, labia, vaginal opening, and rectum).

Now some information about the papsmear. The speculum is an instrument made of metal or plastic. Your gyno will place the speculum into your vagina. After it is inserted, it will be gently opened so that your gyno can see your vagina and your cervix (the opening to your uterus).

After checking your vagina and cervix, your gyno may take a thin plastic stick and a special tiny brush or a small "broom" and gently wipe away some of the cells from your cervix. This is a pap smear, which detects early changes of the cervix before they become cancer. Most girls have normal pap smears.

If you are having vaginal discharge, your gyno will take another sample to check for yeast and other causes of discharge. If you are having sex, your gyno will take another sample from the cervix to check for sexually transmitted diseases. When all of these samples have been taken, your doctor will close the speculum and gently take it out.

When the exam is over, your gyno will answer any questions you have and tell you when to make your next appointment. He will also talk to you about any medications you may need and tell you when and how you will get the results of the exam.

I hope this information helps you out. Best of luck and remember relax, if at any time during your examinations, you feel uncomfortable or anything causes pain, you have the right to stop your gyno and let him know.

Answer 4

The first time I went I was 17. I was really nervous! It wasn't
terrible, but it's not fun. They'll probably do a breast exam first and then do the pelvic exam where they push on your stomach to see if you have any pain anywhere and then do a rectal and vaginal exam. During the vaginal exam, they insert a metal tool called a speculum (doesn't hurt-just uncomfortable!) to hold you open so they can see everything.
Then they take a really big cotton swab, and swab the cervical area (also really uncomfortable!) But, it's better to be safe than sorry. Good luck!!

Answer 5

A pap smear(they will put a forceps with a lot of lubrication on it, inside to take the pap smear sample, The doctor will take 1 finger and feel your cervix. Health review, ask if you are sexually active.
It will be uncomfortable, but it should not hurt. Stay calm and relax.

Answer 6

do not be nervous it's nothing im sixteen and the first time i went i was 15 and found out i was pregnant haha but its nothing to be worried about they will do a pelvic exam thats about it ? is there anything specific ur goin for?