What To Expect From Your First Visit To The Gynaecologist

The first visit to the gynaecologist does not need to be filled with the fear and anxiety that is usually associated with this essential stage in a young lady’s life. The key to a successful first visit to the gynaecologist is to go prepared. The visit will be a lot less stressful if you do a little research before hand so that you know what to expect and can take your queries for the doctor. 

Here are some things that you may need to know to make the process easier:

1. When should you schedule your first appointment? 

The first visit to the gynaecologist should be by the age of 15 whether or not you have been sexually active. Visiting the gynaecologist should be an annual to bi-annual occurrence with your regular preventative medical check-ups.

The first visit should come no more than three years after your first sexual experience.

Consider visiting your gynaecologist if you have the following symptoms:

a. Persistent pelvic pain or menstrual pain strong enough to disrupt your schedule or routine each month.

b. Excessive bleeding during periods or bleeding between periods.

c. Unusual discharge, pain or swelling or itching of your vagina or lower abdomen.

d. If you think you or your partner may have a sexually transmitted infection or disease.

e. There is a history of breast, ovarian, uterine or cervical cancers in your family.

Visiting the gynaecologist at these times is important as these symptoms could signal a deeper problem or illness such as HPV or endometriosis which has serious implications for your future fertility and health.

2. What should I expect at this first visit?

A virgin would not be examined in the same way that another person would be. Unless there are serious symptoms and pains the visit would take the form of a consultation. The doctor would advise on reproductive health, STDs and contraception.

Inform the doctor that this is your first visit to a gynaecologist. (S)he will let you know precisely what the visit will entail. If you are not sure ask for clarification.

There is usually a questionnaire or question-answer portion of the consultation. Be honest even with the questions that may seem intrusive and awkward.

The examination itself is virtually pain-free. The doctor would take your blood pressure and check your heartbeat, urine, height and weight. There may also be a blood test to search for hormone imbalances. The doctor will then start the pelvic exam where (s)he feels your lower abdomen and pelvic area while you are lying on your back as a test for tender or sensitive areas. A breast and chest exam will also be conducted to check for lumps or other abnormalities.

You may also receive a speculum or bi-manual exam. The bi-manual exam consists of the doctor inserting one gloved finger into your vagina, while holding your stomach with the other hand. This is to test for tender spots , size and shape of cervix, uterus and ovaries, and for fibroids and other cysts.

The speculum exam is conducted with an instrument that is inserted into your vagina. The doctor can use it to keep the vagina open while examining the vagina walls and the cervix.

If you choose to have a pap smear done – the doctor inserts a brush and spatula to collect cells from your cervix. These cells are sent to the lab to test for any irregularities.

These exams do not hurt. There is, however, some discomfort, but the more relaxed you are the more comfortable and stress free the exam itself will be.

After you dress feel free to ask the doctor what (s)he is looking for with the tests along with any other queries you may have. The doctor may at this point wish to share any findings as well.

This sums up your basic examination by a gynaecologist and there is no reason to be afraid or unsettled by the process. If you feel uncomfortable with the doctor, you can change the doctor or ask for your parent /guardian or a nurse to be present during the examination.

Take that first step towards reproductive health and vitality today. Schedule your appointment with a gynaecolosist!