The first visit will include a lot of talking and you will be asked many questions about your health as the gynecologist gets to know you. The doctor will also ask about your family’s medical history and whether you are sexually active or not. You may feel a little uncomfortable answering these questions but it is important that you are honest because this will allow the gynecologist to help you.
Your questions can include any issues to do with menstruation, offensive vaginal discharge, bleeding after intercourse, spotting in between periods, a lighter flow than normal, a heavy flow than normal, pelvic pain or any other unusual pain. Don’t be embarrassed about any questions you want to ask - the gynecologist has heard it all before.
When was your last period? How long do you bleed for? Are your periods regular? Do you feel pain during your periods? If so, how would you describe the pain? Do you experience any pain after sexual intercourse? Do you suffer from any discharge, itching or genital pain? Do you have any other medical issues? Is there a history of any medical conditions in your family? Do you have a specific method of birth control that you are using? When was your last pregnancy? Do you think that you are pregnant? Are you trying to have a baby? What method do you use to prevent sexually transmitted diseases? Do you have more than one sexual partner?
This includes whether you have been admitted to hospital before, have has any surgery in the past, any miscarriages, how many children you have, whether you smoke and whether you a have a problem holding your urine. The doctor may also want to review the contraceptive that you are currently using and will ask you if you’re happy with it and whether it’s causing any side effects.
Usually, you will be provided with a hospital gown and a drape sheet to cover yourself while the exam is being carried out. The gynecologist will ask you to lie down on the bed so that the examination can be preformed. If it makes you feel more comfortable, you can ask to have a family member or friend in the exam room with you.
You will be encouraged to spread your knees wide apart and to breathe deeply in and out to try to relax. This may be difficult for the first visit but it becomes easier with subsequent ones. Try to relax your vaginal and abdominal muscles, as this will make the exam more comfortable. Don’t worry about feeling too exposed as you will usually be provided with a drape sheet to keep you covered throughout the examination. Don’t hesitate to ask the doctor if you have any questions about what they’re doing.
The doctor will then perform a speculum examination where a sterile plastic or metal speculum is inserted into the internal part of the vagina. The speculum is then opened by the doctor and this helps to separate the walls of the vagina to allow the doctor to see the cervix. You may feel some discomfort when the speculum is inserted, however most doctors will warm the speculum and lubricate it to make it more comfortable for you. The gynecologist will then inspect the cervix to look for any abnormalities like irritation, abnormal discharge, or any growths.
The doctor may also do a pap smear by using a tiny brush or spatula to collect some cells from the cervix. The cells are then taken to the laboratory where they are tested for cancerous or precancerous cells. [10] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source When the doctor removes the speculum, the walls of the vagina are checked for irritation and redness.
This is because the different instruments that are inserted into the vagina during the examination may cause bruising or bleeding. Therefore, it is advisable to bring a pad or a panty liner to the exam to prevent staining your clothes.
After the exam, you may need to set up an appointment to discuss the results of any tests. Most laboratory tests take between 3 to 14 days before there are any results. The one exception is a pregnancy test, the result of which are usually available by the end of the visit. You doctor will be happy to walk you through your test results and answer any questions.
