First Visit to the Gynecologist - When to Go? What to Expect?

First visit to the gynecologist and hair

Sitting astride a mythical gynecological chair, taking a cytology test, an ultrasound examination – I am aware that the idea of ​​what a first visit to a gynecologist actually looks like can evoke many emotions in young people.

First of all, we need to realize that a gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in taking care of the reproductive organs and that what makes us feel uncomfortable is everyday life for them. What does this mean for you? That you don't have to run to a beautician for a bikini wax on the occasion of a gynecological examination if you haven't shaved in a month - seriously, there is absolutely no need for that. Razor manufacturers really want us to believe that there is no intimate hygiene without their products, but that's simply not true. What kind of underwear you wear doesn't matter either - what matters is that you are fresh and that's it ;) Be yourself and prepare for the visit according to your own preferences, because the doctor will not (or at least SHOULD NOT!) assess your intimate hairstyle in this respect (exception: assessment of pubic hair in case of puberty disorders / hormonal disorders).

First visit to the gynecologist - questions you can ask

Before your first visit to the gynecologist, you certainly have many questions in your head. You wonder whether to ask them, whether they are not stupid or immoral... The main rule that every person should know: there are no stupid questions in the gynecologist's office! Here we talk about contraception, vaginal discharge, sex, problems with intercourse, problems with getting pregnant and everything related to having a vulva, vagina or uterus. You do not have to be ashamed of anything in front of the doctor, although I understand that at first you may feel discomfort, especially if you are shy by nature.

If the gynecologist doesn't ask you any questions at the end of your visit, it's a good time to ask them yourself. It's a good idea to write them all down on a piece of paper before your visit - then you won't forget anything (and I understand perfectly well that stress can arise during your first visit to the gynecologist). It's important that you have the answers to all your doubts after the consultation.

First gynecological examination – who to go to?

Okay, but who is the best person to make an appointment with for your first gynecologist visit?

Gynecologists, like people, are different. It is best to talk honestly with women close to you and simply do a "casting". If you do not feel too confident, consider whether there is something that will positively affect your comfort during the visit. For example, some people prefer female gynecologists to male gynecologists - because they feel more comfortable with someone who also acts as a patient from time to time. But you know, there is no rule about this, men are also competent and professional. You choose :) At the same time, be aware of the available options - for example, in the case of endocrine problems, it is worth going to a gynecologist with a specialization in gynecological endocrinology.

Please remember that as a minor, you should not be alone in the office – instead, you should come to the doctor with your legal guardian.

And one more thing: you don't need a referral to see a gynecologist.

What does the first visit to the gynecologist look like?

Questions that may be asked

Okay, the questions are written down, the gynecologist has been chosen, but what will actually happen in this office during the first visit?

Initially, you will have a conversation during which the doctor will take a general history. Why did you come to the office – is it for a specific reason or is it just a check-up? Have you not yet started having sex or are you already having sex? Are you pregnant?

You will also be asked about your health. Do you have any illnesses? Do you take any medications on a regular basis? Have you noticed any intimate problems, disturbing symptoms (for example painful periods)? Have you had any surgeries? Is there a history of cancer in your family?

There will probably also be a question about breast self-examination. And the most important one, which surprises every time (here fanfare): when did your last period appear (this is the exact date of the first day of bleeding) and how long is your menstrual cycle? This information is essential because the doctor needs to know what phase of the cycle you are in and what to expect during the examination.

When it comes to the consultation date, it is worth considering your menstrual cycle and scheduling a visit after your period has ended. This preparation is also good for you and your peace of mind – I think you yourself, as a patient, would simply feel uncomfortable if bleeding occurred during the visit.

In the context of your period, its regularity ("regularity" means 2 to 3 days of fluctuation), heavy bleeding, and any intermenstrual bleeding are also important. Also, remember how old you were when you had your first period.

I know this all sounds like schoolyard questioning, but believe me, the interview is just as important as the examination itself.

We talked, now what? About what to expect during a gynecological examination

Oh, that beloved gynecological chair! You'll soon have a chance to try it out live.

In most offices, you can use the toilet earlier and put on a tulle skirt or slippers, usually provided for patients. It is still worth taking a longer T-shirt or your own skirt for your first visit, so that you do not have to worry about your well-being if you do not have disposable products. Such accessories will make you feel less embarrassed.

After changing, go back to the doctor and approach the chair. To get on it, sit calmly on it (if it's too high, use the platform) and lean back. Only then put your legs on the supports and push your bottom down as far as possible - just so that you feel like you're about to slide off. This will make the examination less unpleasant, and you definitely won't fall.

Let's face it, a gynecological speculum is not the best thing that could have happened to you. Try to relax though - everything will go much more smoothly that way. When it comes to a pap smear, in most cases you won't even feel it - the doctor uses a special rubber brush to take a swab from the cervical canal and its vaginal part. When taking a vaginal smear - the same thing, just a cotton bud with a longer stick :)

In the case of examination of people who have not had sex, during the first visit the gynecologist is interested in the external genitalia. He assesses the skin, lymph nodes, hymen , and also palpates the abdomen. In exceptional situations, only when necessary, he uses an extremely small speculum that does not damage the hymen. It is possible to perform a per rectum examination, which helps in assessing the reproductive organ through the walls of the rectum, and transrectal ultrasound to visualize the uterus, ovaries and the entire pelvis.

We have had a gynecological examination – now it is time for a transvaginal ultrasound. Our visit is going smoothly! The doctor assesses not only our uterus and ovaries, but also the entire pelvis for the presence of other structural changes or fluid in the abdominal cavity. The phase of our cycle is important here (a question about the last period). Depending on the day of the cycle, our endometrium (uterine lining), ovaries and the follicles located in them look different. Sometimes the result of the ultrasound may be a recommendation for a repeat examination after menstruation, when the endometrium is super thin and the morphology of the follicles changes.

There is also a transrectal version of this examination. The patient lies on her side, with her back to the doctor, who inserts a probe through the anus. And this is where the differences end, because the gynecologist assesses the entire pelvis in exactly the same way.

Is a breast examination necessary during every consultation? During the first visit – definitely yes. The doctor will show you the technique and recommend an examination, which you should perform regularly once a month. I know from experience that it varies, but you have to remember one thing – breasts are always examined in the same phase of the cycle, because your period also affects them. If you have a family history – your mother, grandmother or aunt had breast cancer – it is a good idea to have an ultrasound, but you have to take into account that this usually involves a visit to an ultrasound specialist.

The first gynecological visit is almost over

We go back to the bathroom to finally get dressed and sit back down on the chair we started from. Phew… Okay, but when is the next visit? Every year! I know from experience that it can be hard to be systematic in life, but regular check-ups are simply important for your health – seriously, don’t put off your consultations until tomorrow. It’s best to choose one month when you will visit your gynecologist for a check-up and a smear test. Of course, if you are using contraception, have specific illnesses, or simply when your doctor decides so for some reason, the visits will be more frequent, but assuming that nothing is wrong with you, a check-up once a year should be enough.

I hope I've helped you cope with the stress that your first visit to the gynecologist can cause. Now you know what to expect, what the consultation looks like, what the tests involve, what you can be asked about and what you can ask yourself (everything!). This guide has been created to best prepare you for this stressful day.