What To Expect On Your First Gynecology Visit?

The thought of having to visit a gynecologist can be nerve-wracking, let alone your first visit. The procedures may be quick and important to maintain your overall health. The purpose of these procedures is to annually check your female reproductive organs of any abnormalities. Once completed, you will realize that these kinds of exams are nothing you should worry about or be embarrassed about.  Contact our Gyno Long Island if you have any questions. 

Before the visit

There are several things you should do to prepare for the visit. Most women between the ages of 18 to 21 should start seeing a gynecologist or once you become sexually active. The longest part of your appointment may be the lengthy paperwork you will have to fill out prior to the exam. As well as the talking to your gynecologist can be a lengthy process in order to get to know your history. 

One of the most important aspects of having a successful gynecology visit is to make sure that you will not menstruate during your scheduled exam. Bleeding can affect the accuracy of your results and make it difficult for your doctor to properly perform necessary tests. If you are concerned about having your cycle during that time, your doctor will advise you to reschedule your appointment. 

What to expect during your visit 

During your appointment, before you are physically examined, you will be asked to give a urine sample. This sample can detect pregnancy, kidney infections, diabetes, any other diseases being tested, and with an empty bladder, it makes the exam less uncomfortable. You will also be asked to fill out a series of questions, or your doctor will ask you themselves. These questions consist of: 

• When was your last period?
• How long do your periods last?
• Any spotting between periods?
• Are you sexually active?
• Do you have any other medical conditions?
• Does your family have a history of medical problems?
• Are you using birth control?
• Are you trying to become pregnant?
• Do you suspect you are pregnant?

When answering these questions, it is important, to be honest with your doctor. This is also an opportunity for you to talk or be put on any form of contraception with your doctor. 

For the physical part of the exam, your doctor will ask you to undress completely, put on a dressing gown, lie down on the examination table with your legs propped up in stirrups, and a sheet draped over your legs for personal privacy. At this point, your doctor will ask you to spread your knees apart, and it is time to begin the pelvic exam. Especially for your first time, you may feel uncomfortable. However, it is significant to breathe deeply and try your best to relax. Do not tense your muscles. 

A speculum, which is a sterile medical device, will be inserted into the vagina. The speculum is separated, creating an opening to examine the cervix. Your doctor will look for any signs of irritation, discharge, or any indication of a sexually transmitted disease. 

If you are 21 or older, a pap smear is necessary. The purpose of a pap smear is to check for any precancerous or cancerous cells. During the routine procedure, cells from the cervix are gently scraped away and taken to a lab to be tested. You will find your results within a few days. After this examination, your doctor will insert their gloved and lubricated finger into the vagina while pressing against your stomach with their other hand. 

To conclude the exam, a breast exam is performed. The breast exam is perhaps the easiest part of your visit, as it is painless. Your doctor will open your dressing gown and feel around for any lumps, thickening, or discharge. You do not have to wait for a doctor to give you a breast exam; you can give yourself a personal one. If you need a reliable Gyno Long Island contact Women For Women Obstetrics and Gynecology.

About Women4Women – Gyno Long Island

Women4Women, the name itself is self-explanatory. We are a Long Island-based practice located in New Hyde Park. We are a staff of six certified medical practitioners and prioritize our patient’s overall health. We offer the highest quality services and will go above and beyond for our patients.