Gynocologist?

[Lunar_Eclipse]

I know, I probably didn't spell it right, but I'm pretty sure you know what I'm talking about. I'm going in to see one on the 10th for the first time. I'm having a woman, but I am nervous, as I have never been touched or looked at by anyone before.

So my question is what is it they do exactly, what should I expect from this check up?

 

[Lady_Fiona]

I know, I probably didn't spell it right, but I'm pretty sure you know what I'm talking about. I'm going in to see one on the 10th for the first time. I'm having a woman, but I am nervous, as I have never been touched or looked at by anyone before.

So my question is what is it they do exactly, what should I expect from this check up?

Lots of looking at ceilings.....inane babble about nothing in particular....biting your bottom lip and taking deep breaths (especially if they haven't warmed it all up)

All in all luvvie, dont worry. They have heard and seen it all before. Deep breath and just think of it as another thing in your life that if you could see from above you would have a fit of the giggles....

 

[sunandshadow]

They will ask you when your last period was, and whether you are sexually active. They'll ask what your concerns are (why you're there). If it's a first visit they may measure your height, weight, blood pressure, and possibly ask for a urine sample. They will do a breast exam, and ask if you do them on yourself like you're supposed to. The internal part only lasts a few minutes while they make sure you're put together correctly and put a q-tip in to get a pap smear. It is uncomfortable but no where near as bad as getting a shot so just ignore it and it will be over quick. Afterward you may spot a little, depending on where in your cycle you are, and the leftover lube will get your underwear gooey, if you have to do anything afterwards bring a spare pair. You may be given brochures or samples of a birth control method, or a prescription, depending on what you went in for.

 

[Lunar_Eclipse]

Thank you guys so much. I'm going in because I need birth control so my PMS wont be so bad I can't work through the cramps. I've been avoiding going for a while, though now that i'm going to be twenty this year, my parents say I'm due for a check-up. I feel a bit better now that I know what she's going to be doing exactly. Thanks a ton^^

 

[bailadora]

You may also want to inquire about getting the HPV vaccine (guards against the most common types of virus that can cause cervical cancer). If I recall correctly, it is best to get it before becoming sexually active.

 

[PertPerth]

You may also want to inquire about getting the HPV vaccine (guards against the most common types of virus that can cause cervical cancer). If I recall correctly, it is best to get it before becoming sexually active.

Quoted for emphasis. It's expensive, but it's better that getting warts! I've had it done - it's a set of 3 jabs.

You might experience some pain with a PAP smear - they have to rub on your cervix to get a decent sample to send to the lab for testing. If asked, request a "thin prep" smear. It will cost ~$20 more, but it FAR more accurate at picking up anything.
Your doctor will most likely also look at your cervix - don't be embarassed, she's seen hundreds and she's got one too! I'm guessing that she'll also feel around your ovaries, check to see if there is abnormal swelling. Sometimes they insert their finger and ask you to cough for that one.

The good thing - if you get the all-clear, you don't have to do it again for 2 years!

 

[Tigera]

Yep, pap smears are a necessary evil. They don't hurt for everyone, and in any case it's quickly over.

If you're like me and have a 'pouty cervix' it can be a little more uncomfortable. This is where the cervix pouts out like a pair of lips, and it can be a bit sensitive. It's not all bad though - my FB loves it!

The more relaxed you are, the less uncomfortable it'll all be. Another thing she might send you for is a pelvic ultrasound - this is to make sure you don't have any polyps or endometriosis which is causing your period pain. This doesn't hurt at all - they even warm the gel these days! The worst bit about this is that you can't go to the bathroom beforehand because you need to have a full bladder, and pushing the probe against your bladder is a but uncomfortable!

Good luck, don't be scared, and I hope everything's ok!

 

[Lunar_Eclipse]

Thanks guys! Uhm, about this shot. Is it really painful? I have a needle phobia honestly. And does it cost much more? Because my parents are paying for it, lucky for me! And is there anything I should do before I go see her?

 

[Tigera]

The shots are not especially pleasant, and I found that the second and third ones got progressively worse.

It is, however a LOT better than some other vaccines - my typhoid one had me aching for three days...

Oh, and just make sure you shower before you go - it's only polite!

 

[Lunar_Eclipse]

Heh thanks. I was intending on bathing^^' esspesually down there sense that's where she'll be looking. should i buy a douche? those are used for cleaning, right?

 

[Tigera]

I personally wouldn't, as I feel like it would wash away any symptoms of things like a yeast infection or whatever.

Your vagina's designed to take care of cleaning itself, so you shouldn't need to do anything, really.

 

[SweetErika]

Make sure you tell the nurse and doctor that it's your first exam and you're nervous. Most practitioners will take extra care to calm fears, explain everything ahead of time and be as gentle as possible when they know patients are new and/or anxious, and giving them the opportunity to make you more comfortable is important.

 

[LadyAllison]

You really shouldn't douche before, because it could interfere with the testing..don't worry too much about cleaning down there...they have seen it all and Im sure a lot worse than what you have. Just have a bath or shower before and you will be good...trust me when I say, they have seen it all and nothing phases them.

 

[PertPerth]

You really shouldn't douche before, because it could interfere with the testing..don't worry too much about cleaning down there...they have seen it all and Im sure a lot worse than what you have. Just have a bath or shower before and you will be good...trust me when I say, they have seen it all and nothing phases them.

So true!

I usually get a bit of cramping and bleeding - but I'm extra sensitive. It's not a needle, it's just a "plastic swab", so don't panic! They have "small" sized speculum, so don't worry about it being your first time. It's never nice to have, but always worth it.

 

[Berwyn]

I think she was talking about the HPV vaccine needle.

Having performed the exams I can say that everyone has given you a great overview of what to expect and great advice. The biggest thing is to let them know this is your very first exam and to try and be as relaxed as you can be (I know, easier said than done). Also, asking for the thin prep is a great idea normally, but if you have never had sex it's not as important on this exam.

The HPV shots are IM (in the muscle) so they might ache for a day or two after. Get it in your non-dominant shoulder. The needle itself is tiny. The vaccine protects against the virus that causes warts, which doesn't sound like much, but that same virus also causes cervical cancer. So, this shot is one of the very few ways we can actually vaccinate against a type of cancer. VERY worth it if you have not yet had sex.

 

[satindesire]

Thank you guys so much. I'm going in because I need birth control so my PMS wont be so bad I can't work through the cramps. I've been avoiding going for a while, though now that i'm going to be twenty this year, my parents say I'm due for a check-up. I feel a bit better now that I know what she's going to be doing exactly. Thanks a ton^^

If you are sexually active, you should have gone before having sex. If you are not sexually active, you should have gone in when you turned 16 or 17.

Do NOT Put This Off Any Longer. The Gynecologist can and has saved countless women's lives for finding lumps in breasts, running pap smears and curing STDs. Fear is not an option...if you are over the age of 16 and/or sexually active, you have to go often, at least yearly.

 

[kaycee217]

Berwyn,

When will the men start getting the HPV vaccine?

 

[infinity706]

The HPV vaccine isn't done being tested in men. Of course, after testing, it'll probably get used in Europe as an additional safeguard before it gets anywhere near lawsuit happy Americans.

 

[fire_breeze]

Read the above advice - the How-To regulars are very wise and practical crowd.

What I did before my first exam is I called and asked them if there was anything I should be aware of/do. They simply said to make sure I haven't had sex for 24 hours before and to relax. You may wish to try the same. It's really not that big of a deal; some discomfort, but the doctors are usually very considerate.

As for the douche. NO NO NO!!! Douching is rarely a good idea unless it's been approved by a licensed doc. Not only does it mess up your results, but it also messes up the delicate cleansing mechanism and the PH balance of the vagina. Just clean water and washing the outer lips should be enough.

Good luck.

 

[bailadora]

The HPV vaccine isn't done being tested in men. Of course, after testing, it'll probably get used in Europe as an additional safeguard before it gets anywhere near lawsuit happy Americans.

You aren't kidding! Actually, if I had my druthers, I'd prefer it first get approved for women beyond the 26 year old cut off. I'd get it in a heartbeat.

 

[Tigera]

I'm pretty sure in Oz the cutoff is 30...

 

[bailadora]

Eh - that's still past the "use by" date for me. *grumbles*

 

[infinity706]

Eh - that's still past the "use by" date for me. *grumbles*

Most likely you already have HPV unless you've been using condoms with everyone all those years. So many people around here have it, you'll likely catch it from your very first partner. It's not like you'd probably know unless you've been tested, since it usually doesn't have any symptoms.

 

[kaycee217]

Most likely you already have HPV unless you've been using condoms with everyone all those years. So many people around here have it, you'll likely catch it from your very first partner. It's not like you'd probably know unless you've been tested, since it usually doesn't have any symptoms.

Even with condoms, there's a good chance to get it (or give it) from a partner.

 

[bailadora]

Most likely you already have HPV unless you've been using condoms with everyone all those years. So many people around here have it, you'll likely catch it from your very first partner. It's not like you'd probably know unless you've been tested, since it usually doesn't have any symptoms.

I'm pretty sure that's true as I once had to deal with cervical dysplasia. That said, there is more than one type of HPV so even though I've been exposed to one type, doesn't necessarily mean I've been exposed to all types covered by the vaccine. Although there is currently no way to test to which strains a woman has been exposed, if one ever develops, I'd have it done in a heartbeat. I'd rather reap some benefit than none at all.