Gynaecologist appointments can seem daunting if you don’t know what to expect. But there’s no need to worry about it – it spells those first precious steps from girlhood to womanhood, and means accepting that your body has changed. Before you go to your first appointment, there are some things to prepare for your visit and some things you should expect before you go. You should have your first appointment between 13 and 15 years old, although some women wait until they start having sexual intercourse before they visit the gynaecologist, or until they have a symptom that they are worried about such as abnormal discharge. But there’s no need to wait until you have something to worry about, like irregular periods or vaginal burning – you can book it at any time. And the sooner you start having exams, the better – they should be regular to keep on top of your health. It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous, but there isn’t anything to worry about. The first appointment in particular is very simple and is more about your GP getting to know you. They will likely ask you about your health up until this point, your family’s medical history, and your sexual health. Being honest with these questions is important, as it will enable the doctor to give you help if you need it.
There are four types of gynaecological exam that you may have during your visit. Each type depends on the length of your appointment, your age, sexual history and whether you have any symptoms that are of a concern. If you’re going to have any tests, your GP will explain them first of all so there’s no need to be anxious. You will most likely be instructed to go to the bathroom or a changing room to undress in private and put on a gown. It’s normal to feel anxious about being naked, but the gown will cover you and your doctor will only uncover the areas they need to examine. All women are tested in the same way and it’s perfectly normal. The four types of exam are as such: a general examination is the same as with any medical examination, such as checking your weight, height and blood pressure. A breast examination which involves the doctor checking your breasts with their fingers to detect whether there are any lumps or abnormal discharge. A pap smear is a scraping of cells from your cervix that involves the doctor using a special brush to gently wipe cells from the cervix which are sent away for testing; this will display any abnormal cells that may be present.
Lastly, you may have a pelvic examination which isn’t tested on women unless they’ve had sex or have experienced worrying symptoms. This involves the gynaecologist asking you to lie on a table with your feet in stirrups with your legs elevated so that they can check your vagina. Using gloves, they will check your vulva to rule out infection, and then open your vagina slightly with a speculum which is a metal or plastic instrument that gently opens the vaginal walls. They may take some cell samples to see if your have any STDs, and they may take the pap smear at the same time. They will also feel your cervix, ovaries and womb by pressing on your abdomen. This examination isn’t usually painful if you’re relaxed, as tensing up makes it more painful. These appointments are a great chance for you to discuss issues you’re worried about and to check the state of your health, and really aren’t anything to worry about.