The prospect of a first-time visit to the gynecologist can be overwhelming. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare can make the experience less stressful. Here are five things to know before your first gyno exam.
- If you’re nervous, you can bring along someone you trust
Going to your first gyno exam may be a nerve-wracking experience. The good news is, you totally don’t have to go alone. It is totally okay to bring someone you trust if this would make you feel less nervous and more comfortable.
Of course, you can bring along your mother or even your best friend. Basically, you can come with someone whom you know will make you less nervous during your first visit to the gyno.
Make sure this is someone you can trust because this person will be there to listen to your direct communication with your gyno.
Your gyno will expect you to answer truthfully all kinds of questions about reproductive health, and maybe even your sexual activeness. Your doctor will keep all information you’ve provided confidential, of course.
Hopefully, you bring along someone who will keep things confidential as well.
- It is important to drink water before your appointment
During your first gyno exam, you will be tested for medical problems you may not yet be aware of. The gyno will want to do a urine analysis or for short, a urinalysis.
This test is done to check for any irregular bacteria growth that may affect the health of your reproductive system. This test can also see any infections in the bladder, and can even see a possibility for diabetes.
To do this test, your gyno or nurse will ask you to urinate into a cup. That said, it would be a good idea to drink at least a glass of water before your appointment. This will make peeing a lot easier later on.
It may even be a good idea to bring a water bottle with you so you can drink some water when you are in the gyno’s office.
Dr. Ross mentions in an interview with Teen Vogue that by providing a urine sample in a cup, gynecologists can carry out a ‘dipstick’ analysis. This straightforward in-office test helps identify potential issues in your body that you might not be conscious of. For instance, the presence of bacteria could indicate a bladder infection, while detecting sugar (glucose) might point towards diabetes.
- It’s totally acceptable to reschedule if your period suddenly comes
So, you have made your appointment ahead of time. You were sure the day of your appointment would not coincide with your period.
But something else happened and now your period falls on the day of your pre-made appointment. What should you do? Would it be impolite and unprofessional to cancel? The answer is not at all.
It is totally acceptable to reschedule your appointment if your period suddenly comes on the day of your agreed appointment. Your gyno or the nurse will totally understand that. Your body is not a clock and sometimes your period cycles vary.
This can totally happen and your gyno and the nurse will totally understand. Don’t force an appointment if you’re bleeding as the exam could be uncomfortable.
Having your period during a gyno exam could also affect the result. It is best to reschedule and come another time.
- A pelvic exam is not necessary if you’re not 21 yet
Your first gyno exam is usually recommended once you are pubescent. For many girls, this phase starts at the age of 13 to 15. During this time, when you make your first gyno visit, you will not need to do a pelvic exam or pap smear.
This type of exam is usually done to check for cervical cancer, but girls under the age of 21 do not need this exam at all.
As stated by The Mayo Clinic, females below the age of 21 typically do not require invasive vaginal examinations unless they are dealing with specific medical conditions or risks. While the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggests pelvic exams for women aged 21 and above, the organization clarifies that these exams are not essential for screening sexually transmitted diseases. They are only recommended if a woman has initiated oral contraceptive use, as this can potentially impact the vaginal and cervical linings.
That said, if you are concerned about the possibility of gynecologic cancers, you can do a pap smear test once you turn 21 years of age.
So then, what happens on your first gyno exam if your first visit is when you are under 21 years of age? What will the physician check for? Most of the time, the physician will check for any irregularities with your period.
- You don’t need to shave your legs or pubic hair
Some girls worry that their gyno might be offended by the natural appearance of their bodily hair. With that said, you might be worried if it would show good manners to shave your legs or even pubic hair before your appointment.
That’s kind of good thinking on your end. However, this is not actually necessary at all. Gynos are doctors who have dealt with all kinds of the vulva and pubic hair. They don’t care. Really, they don’t.
Gynos are not beauticians, so they don’t pay attention to that kind of thing. Your gyno is there to examine your health, not your physical appearance. That said, shaving before an appointment is not necessary nor would it affect your examination.
According to Women’s Health, Draion M. Burch, D.O., a board-certified ob-gyn and sexual health advisor for Astroglide, emphasizes that there’s no requirement to shave your legs or wax your vulva. He explains that these aspects aren’t of concern during medical appointments. Whether you choose to remove all hair, wax it, laser it, or have full pubic hair, it doesn’t impact the nature of the examination or procedure.
If shaving your legs and pubic hair is just part of your hygiene routine, you can totally do it. But you don’t have to.
In conclusion, we discussed the five basic things every woman should know before their first gynecological exam. Knowing basic questions and information can help women ask relevant questions to their healthcare providers about their reproductive health.
What Should I Wear To My First Gyno Appointment?
Your first gynecologist appointment can be a nerve-wracking experience for many young women. It is a significant milestone in your reproductive health journey, and it is essential to be well-prepared, both mentally and physically. One of the common concerns for women going to their first gynecologist appointment is what to wear. In this paper, we will discuss some of the appropriate clothing options for your first gyno appointment.
First and foremost, it is crucial to wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing. You may have to remove some of your clothes during the examination, so it is essential to wear something that will not restrict your movement or make you feel uncomfortable. Tight-fitting clothes can also make the examination process more challenging for the gynecologist, so it is best to avoid them.
It is recommended to wear a two-piece outfit, such as a top and a skirt or pants, as it will make the examination process more convenient. A dress is also a suitable option, but it may be more challenging to remove during the exam. Additionally, wearing a two-piece outfit will make it easier for you to change into a medical gown, which is usually provided by the gynecologist’s office.
When choosing your outfit, it is best to opt for something that you feel comfortable and confident in. Your gynecologist may ask you some personal questions, and feeling comfortable in your clothes can help you relax and feel more at ease during the appointment.
It is important to note that you do not have to wear anything special or revealing for your gyno appointment. Your gynecologist is a medical professional, and their main concern is your health and well-being, not your appearance. Therefore, there is no need to wear any special lingerie or revealing clothing for the appointment.
Some women may feel more comfortable wearing a bra during the examination, while others may not mind being topless. It is entirely up to you and your comfort level. However, it is advisable to wear a bra that you can easily remove if needed. Additionally, if you are comfortable going topless, it may be helpful to bring a light jacket or cardigan to cover yourself during the appointment.
Another essential aspect to consider is your menstrual cycle. If you are expecting your period around the time of your appointment, it is best to reschedule. Having your period can make the examination uncomfortable and may affect the accuracy of certain tests. If you are unsure about your cycle, it is always best to mention it to your gynecologist during the appointment.
Lastly, it is crucial to maintain proper hygiene for your gyno appointment. Make sure to shower or clean your genital area before the appointment. Avoid using any scented products, such as perfumes or vaginal sprays, as they can interfere with the results of the examination. It is also advisable to avoid sexual intercourse before the appointment to prevent any potential infections.
In conclusion, what you wear to your first gynecologist appointment should prioritize comfort, practicality, and your personal preferences. Wearing loose-fitting, comfortable clothing will make the examination process more convenient for you and your gynecologist. Remember that your gynecologist is a medical professional, and their main concern is your health and well-being, not your appearance. With proper preparation and attire, you can make your first gyno appointment a more comfortable and positive experience.
