Preparing for Your First Gynecological Exam

Once you turn 18 years of age or become sexually active, it is important to begin to get gynecological exams once a year for your reproductive health. Although these exams can be somewhat uncomfortable, they should not hurt. These exams are important for testing for vaginal infections, breast cancer, and cervical diseases. This article will provide in-depth information about what you can expect at your first gynecological exam as well as tips on how to prepare for it.

First, you need to make an appointment for your gynecological exam. You can request a female physician or nurse practitioner if you feel more comfortable having a woman give you the exam. If you are very nervous about your exam, you can also ask your mom or a good, trusted friend to go with you.

The first part of the appointment will be spent with the doctor or nurse practitioner and he or she will ask you questions about your menstrual cycle, your sexual activity, and your general health. He or she will also ask you if you are currently taking or would like to start taking birth control. This is a good time to ask any questions you have about the exam, your reproductive health, your menstrual cycle, birth control, sexually transmitted disease, and so forth.

Next, the nurse practitioner or physician will likely perform a breast exam. If you have a male doctor and feel uncomfortable, you can ask a female nurse to be in the room with you. The practitioner will touch your breasts in order to check for lumps and other signs of breast cancer. He or she will most likely teach you how to do a breast exam on yourself, but if he or she doesn't, you can ask to be taught. Regular breast exams are important for the early detection of breast cancer.

Finally, the doctor will give you a pelvic exam. You will be asked to place your feet in stirrups and to relax your body. This will probably be the most uncomfortable part of the gynecological exam. The practitioner will first touch your vaginal area in order to check for infection, discharge, and warts.

Next, he or she will use a speculum to open up your vagina so that he or she can see your cervix. The practitioner will collect a couple of cell samples from your cervix - one using a soft brush and the other using a curved wooden stick. The part of the exam may be uncomfortable, but it should not hurt. If it does hurt, let your practitioner know right away. After the cells are collected, they will be sent to a lab to determine if cervical cancer is present.

The physician does the last part of the pelvic exam by inserting two fingers into your vagina. He or she will place the other hand on your stomach. Moving his or her hands together will allow the practitioner to feel for signs of infection or cancer in the uterus and ovaries. This part of the exam may also be uncomfortable, but again, it should not hurt. If it does, alert your doctor.

There are a few things you can do to help relax yourself during uncomfortable parts of the exam. You can try deep breathing exercises to calm your body and mind. You can also make small talk with the doctor while he or she performs the exam - talk about the weather, your pets, a new outfit or pair of shoes you bought, what you plan to do over the weekend, your favorite sports team, and so forth. You could also have someone hold your hand, such as your mom, a trusted friend, or a nurse. Bringing a comfort object to hold onto during the exam may also help, such as your favorite stuffed animal. Don't worry about looking silly. Do whatever you need to do in order to comfort and calm yourself.

If you are a mother, talk to your daughter about the exam. Let her know what to expect and how the exam will feel. This should help ease some of the fear of the unknown for your daughter and help her be less nervous. Offer to go with your daughter for moral support.

After the exam is completed, you will have another opportunity to ask your physician any questions you may have. He or she will tell you when to expect the results from your pelvic exam. Ensure your correct phone number and address are on file so the practitioner may contact you with the results.

Gynecological exams, though they can be uncomfortable, are an important part of staying healthy. Utilizing these tips should help you prepare for and remain calm during the exam.

Source:

Planned Parenthood of the Rochester/Syracuse Region Inc.: Your Annual Exam:

http://www.pprsr.org/justforteens/annualexam.cfm#thisismyfirstexam