Visiting the Gynecologist

This feature was created by Angela

Visiting the gynecologist is not the most lovely way to spend an hour or two, but once you hit 18, or after you're considering having your first sexual experience (whichever comes first) you need to go for annual checkups. It's so important because it's better to catch STDs, cervical cancer, or other problems in the early stages when they are easiest to take care of. At Planned Parenthood, I can attest that all of this only took 15 minutes, so you will be in and out before you know it. Here is a list of the usual procedures of a gynecological exam, so you will know what to expect.

Choosing a Doctor and Making An Appointment: think about if you prefer a male or female doctor. If you do end up with a male one, you should ask for a female nurse or assistant to be present. Don't be embarassed to ask, it's standard procedure. Another thing to consider is to plan your appointment for a time when you won't be having your period. Another thing to bring up is confidentiality. If you don't want the doctor to tell your parents what's going on, just say so. You can also either go to a gynecologist's office or Planned Parenthood. At Planned Parenthood exams are confidential and the payment is flexible based on how much you can afford.

Questions: The doctor will ask you some questions, including the usual information about your period. If you want to be tested for STDs, HIV, or if you want birth control, you should bring this up now. It's important to be honest about your sex life, including your sexual orientation, because this can help the doctor keep you healthy. If you feel uncomfortable with your doctor, do not go back to them. You have every right to seek out a doctor who makes you feel comfortable.

Breast Exam: The doctor will then examine your breasts (using his or her hands, not a mammogram) and instruct you on how to perform a monthly self-exam to check for lumps and other possible signs of breast cancer.

Stirrups: You will have to lay down and put your feet in stirrups so that your legs are spread and raised, allowing the doctor to see your vagina. This is probably one of the more embarassing parts for many girls, but remember, it's nothing new to the gynecologist, and s/he won't be phased by your body. If that helps you feel more comfortable keep it in mind.

Speculum: This is a tong-like instrument that is used to essentially hold open your vagina during the examination. This will be a little uncomfortable, but remember, it will be over soon! Be sure to tell the doctor if it's hurting too much. Initially, the doctor will look for any signs that's something's unhealthy like redness, cuts, or cysts.

Pap Smear: A pap smear is very similiar to a throat culture, if you've ever been checked for strep throat. A long q-tip will be inserted into your vagina and used to swab the cervix to check for cancer. Just remember that even though a throat culture is not exactly fun, it is really only momentarily uncomfortable, not painful. The same goes for the pap smear. Remember to get one of these every year.

Bimanual Vaginal Exam: The speculum is removed and the doctor will insert one or two fingers inside the vagina, while the other hand is on your lower abdomen. He or she will feel around and press on you to feel your organs and check for swelling, growth, or other abnormalities. Just like the other procedures, this should only be uncomfortable. If it ever hurts let your doctor know right then becuase it might mean something is wrong.

Rectal Exam: The doctor will insert a finger into your anus to feel your organs from a different angle.

After that you are done, although you may get some blood drawn to be tested or get a prescription for birth control.

Nervous about your first GYN visit?

Read Angela's story here.

Bibliography:
Drill, Esther, Heather McDonald and Rebecca Odes. "Deal with It!" New York: Pocket Books, 1999.

Planned Parenthood, www.plannedparenthood.org September 7, 2001.