What to Expect at Your First Gynecologist Appointment

The idea of visiting a gynecologist might seem daunting and scary at first. You might feel nervous, and scared to have a doctor’s appointment. We are here to debunk any feelings of restlessness you have, and walk you through the steps of your first gynecology visit!

When you first come in, and get signed up with the front desk, a nurse may take a few blood or urine samples as well as take your measurements for your height and weight. Blood pressure measurements will also be administered.

You will then be asked to undress from the waist down, and in privacy for your own comfort, you will be either asked to wear a hospital gown, or be given a sheet to drape across your legs.

The doctor will come back inside and ask a few medical and sexual history questions. Common questions can include questions about your last menstrual cycle, the duration of the cycle, whether you are sexually active, and the type of protection you use. Your doctor is an expert in these questions, so do not feel embarrassed or nervous to truthfully answer the questions, and do not be afraid to ask your own questions. Everything that is said between you and your doctor remains strictly confidential.

You will then be asked to put your feet in stirrups in order for the doctor to have the optimal position of ensuring your proper vaginal health. The physician may first examine the outside of the vaginal area for any bumps, distinctive discharge, or other uncommon appearances. Then she will lubricate her fingers (while wearing latex gloves!) and gently insert them into your vaginal opening to feel for any bumps inside the vagina. At the same time, the doctor will press down on your abdomen. Once again, this should not hurt and is necessary to ensure the health of your body!

After this routine, if you are due for a speculum examination, the doctor will insert a speculum into the vaginal opening and enable it into an open position. While it may seem strange at first, it is not supposed to hurt. Also remember that at any time, if you feel pain or discomfort, speak up and the doctor will adjust as so.

Once the speculum is placed accordingly, the doctor will take a cytobrush and swab a small amount of the cervix. This procedure is called a pap smear where the doctor will take it to a lab and test it for sexually transmitted diseases.

After that, if you have no further questions, the examination is over! The whole process should take no longer then 10 minutes. It is crucial to have appointments with a gynecologist to ensure your optimal health. Once again, do not be embarrassed, nervous, or scared and remember that your doctor sees hundreds of patients who feel the same way. Go out and get checked!