I don’t want anyone poking around in my stuff – what exactly do they do in there? 

Contrary to popular belief, the gynecologist’s office is not as scary as it seems. Once a female reaches puberty age and starts getting her period or having sex – it’s time to see the OB/GYN. Here’s a few things that will happen while you’re in there:

1: You’ll Undress:

No, you won’t be stark naked with people standing around you. The doctor’s assistant/nurse will ask you to undress and put on a paper robe that opens in the front. This is for the breast exam that usually takes place as well as ease of access for your vaginal examination.

2. Have a Seat: 

Every pap smear is done using a medical examination chair and stirrups. This is where you rest your feet and get into a comfortable position for examination. Don’t be afraid to get into the seat, it’s the best way to get a good view of everything without causing you any pain.

3. He/She will ask questions:

You can select the gender of your gynecologist to fit your comfort level; male or female, he/she should give you the same unbiased, professional advice regardless of gender.

What is the reason for your visit?

Are you experiencing any health issues?

Are you sexually active? If so, are you dating or in a monogamous relationship?

When was the first day of your last period? Do you have irregular periods?

How long does your period last?

What is the amount of flow (light. medium, heavy)? Do you have cramps?

What is your family’s medical history (for instance, has anyone in your family had cancer)?

These are ideas of what may be asked, and depending on your answers there may be more or less questions. Honesty with your OB/GYN is crucial, as your answers may direct them to any issues you may not realize you’re having.

4. The Exam Will Begin

• Your height and weight will be recorded as well as your blood pressure taken. An assistant/attendee may be present as they practice for their clinicals. These are usually students going through various aspects of med school.

• The Pap Smear/Test comes next; your doctor will insert a speculum into the vaginal cavity.The speculum is a metal/plastic tool used to keep the vaginal walls open during examination. Naturally, women tend to close/squeeze their vaginal muscles which makes it more difficult to see inside the vagina and conduct tests properly. It is adjustable to the size of each woman’s individual vagina for comfort purposes, and is disposable or sanitized before and after use.

• During the pap exam, the doctor will swab the vagina and check the fluids for any abnormalities in smell, color or texture.
• She/He will then use a small cyto brush to collect a tiny sample of the cervix – this sample will be sent to a laboratory for testing, which may include gonorrhea and chlamydia as well as cervical cancer and other STD’s/STI’s. The brush is disposed of after one use.

The doctor will do a pelvic exam which requires him/her to insert two fingers into the vaginal cavity. This exam is to check for any obvious abnormalities in the pelvic organs; uterus, cervix and other valuable parts of the body. Changes in texture, moisture and scent indicate various issues or lack thereof.

You’re done! 

That wasn’t so hard, was it? A normal pap exam takes about twenty minutes (not including the waiting room – you’re on your own there), give or take any discussions with your doctor. Your first time may take longer, as he/she will want to make you as comfortable as possible.

If there are any issues during the exam, such as symptoms of an STD or STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection), the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to clear up minor infections. Laboratory tests results usually take one business week to return to the office; if results show infection or disease – the doctor will call you back in for treatment options or call in a prescription to your local pharmacy. Don’t be alarmed if the doctor does not call you – that means your fine. My OB/GYN has each of her patients write themselves post cards with theirmailing addresses; one to mail if our tests came back negative and clear, and one to mail to remind us of our next annual visit.

There’s nothing wrong with trying out different doctors. If your first doctor makes you uncomfortable, try another one. My first OB/GYN upon moving to Florida (from NY) was a little too creepy for my liking. I went to my mother’s GYN and fell in love with her – now we have a great relationship and I recommend her to all my friends. Try asking people you trust for suggestions on where to go. A gynecologist is like a car; you’ve got to be comfortable in it for the ride to be smooth. Gynecologists and Obstetricians are with you from your first time to your first pregnancy – if you choose the right one. I might send mine a cute Christmas gift this year – Hi Donna!

Sources:

Your First Ob-Gyn Visit-

http://www.womantowomangyn.com/index.php/general_health/detail/your_first_ob_gyn_visit/

Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, 21st Edition – http://www.tabers.com/tabersonline/ub/view/Tabers/143344/0/PELVIC_EXAM_WITH_PAP_SMEAR

Mayo Clinic Photos:

http://www.riversideonline.com/health_reference/Test-Procedure/MY00657.cfm