Your First Gynecologist Appointment: what you need to know

Every woman and girl should go to preventive gynecological examinations at least once a year. In this way, every woman takes care of her health and reduces the possibility of gynecological disease.

The gynecologists suggest that girls go for their first gynecological examination between 13 and 16 years. Later, as women age and develop, going to gynecological examinations should be regular. Every woman should be aware of the importance of going to gynecological examinations.

Every new experience inevitably carries with it a dose of fear. Fear of the unknown is not an unusual phenomenon. It is the same with the first gynecological examination. It is normal if you are tense, nervous, or feel afraid. To feel calmer, try to find out what awaits you at the first gynecological examination. If you stay informed, you won't have to worry about potential surprises.

Continue reading to find out what you need to know about your first gynecological appointment. If you are well-informed, there will not be space for fear. 

Know why you are going

Understand what you want to find out during this examination in addition to checking your health. Since this is your first visit to the gynecologist, you probably have many questions. Don't let fear and discomfort fool you into forgetting to ask these questions. Write a list of questions and ask them to your gynecologist. Writing will help you ask all the things you wanted, which you may have forgotten due to nervousness.

Know your medical history 

It is important to be well-prepared for the first gynecological examination in terms of knowing your medical history. Therefore, before going to the gynecologist, ask about your family's medical history, possible hereditary diseases, and your mother's medical history. 

In addition, your gynecologist will be interested in your personal medical history, the medications you take, and the surgeries you have had, so be prepared to answer these questions. Your gynecologist must be familiar with everything related to your health to know what the focus should be. 

What the appointment looks like

The first gynecological examination will include measuring your blood pressure and recording your height and weight. If you are under 21 and are not sexually active, the gynecologist will probably not perform a pelvic examination. However, if you are sexually active, have health problems, or want to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases, the gynecologist will perform a pelvic examination. 

Pap tests and pelvic exams are recommended for women 21 and older. A Pap test, which is performed based on a smear from the cervix, determines possible abnormalities that indicate the existence of cervical cancer. In some situations, the gynecologist can also perform a breast examination.

What Occurs During a Pelvic Examination

If the gynecologist decides to perform a pelvic examination, you can expect the performance of an external exam to review the vulva, vaginal and cervical exam, and bimanual exam. A pelvic examination will allow your gynecologist to determine whether your ovaries and uterus are healthy. 

A pelvic examination is very important for a woman's health, so it should not make you uncomfortable. If you have additional questions, don't forget to ask your gynecologist to resolve any doubts. Do this examination regularly to protect your reproductive and overall health. Therefore, do not hesitate to schedule a pelvic exam in Doral Beach, FL, and let the specialists take care of your health.

Be honest with your gynecologist

Be prepared that the gynecologist will ask you many personal questions you must answer honestly. These questions will be related to your sex life and menstruation. Before going to the gynecologist, remind yourself of the first day of your last period and how long they usually last. In addition, the gynecologist can also ask you about the intensity of the bleeding, the pain that accompanies your periods, cramps, mood changes, and the like. 

The gynecologist will also ask questions about your sex life, so try to be honest. If you are not, the gynecologist will not have a real picture of your sexual life and will not respond promptly if necessary. The gynecologist is not there to judge you but to help you if necessary.

Wrapping up

The first gynecological examination can sound like an unpleasant and stressful experience. However, if you get enough information about it, you will understand that there is no need for discomfort and nervousness. Preventive gynecological examinations should be an integral part of every woman's life to preserve her health. Before going to your first gynecological examination, find out what to expect to avoid unnecessary discomfort and fear.