Plan Your First Visit to the Gynecologist

If your first visit to the gynecologist approaches and you feel scared, you should know it is normal!  Going for the first time to a doctor who specializes in your intimate zone usually causes some uncertainty, and many questions come to mind. 

For this reason, we have decided to share our experience and give you some tips to make your first visit to the gynecologist beneficial.

What is a gynecologist doctor?

The first thing you need to be clear about is the difference between general doctors, who you may have had to visit when you’ve felt bad, and the role of a gynecologist. 

Gynecologists are health professionals specializing in pathologies related to female organs such as the vagina, ovaries, and uterus. Therefore, they can accompany you throughout your life, from childhood, through puberty and reaching a mature age.

Your gynecologist will advise you on contraceptive methods, pregnancies, and during pregnancy interruption processes.

Therefore, you must carefully select the health care professional who will treat you. Ideally,  go with someone you feel you can express yourself with in total confidence and without being judged.

Your first visit to the gynecologist will be crucial!

It will be the moment where you will know if the gynecologist is the good one for you, or if it will be better to continue the search until you find the person who makes you feel in complete safety.

At what age should I visit the gynecologist for the first time?

There is not a specific age to attend a gynecological consultation, but you should go if: 

You have doubts about the changes your body is experiencing.After you’re 12, or if you’ve had your first period.You are experiencing pain, itching, or heavy flow.You’ve already started a sex life.You want to choose a contraceptive method.In conclusion, there is no such thing as a particular age to attend to the gynecologist.

In general, it is necessary to be attentive to changes in your body. Going to the gynecologist is a measure of prevention against diseases and an opportunity to obtain valuable information about contraceptive methods, sexuality, and more.

What does a gynecologist do at the first consultation? 

The first visit to the gynecologist will focus primarily on creating your medical history. The doctor will take your weight, height, and blood pressure. In addition, it will ask questions regarding your general health, if you had your first menstruation or if you have started a sexual life, among other topics relating to health. 

Note: if you’re a minor and you’ve already started your sex life, but, uh, you’re not comfortable talking about it with your parents next door, and they’ve insisted on being on your first date, Try to make a second appointment that you can attend on your own or ask an adult you trust to accompany you but not enter. 

Or, discreetly, ask for your doctor’s email "in case you later remember something you haven’t asked", or in case "you ever have an emergency", this way you can resolve your doubts in a safe environment.

Physical examination at the first visit to the gynecologist?

During the first gynecological consultation, you may have a physical exam, as well as you may not. It depends mainly on whether you have already started your sexual life or if you are presenting discomfort in your intimate area or menstrual pains.

Most likely, if you have not started sex and there is no presence of any particular discomfort, the first appointment will be most informative. 

The first appointment will be a space for you to solve your doubts about your body, sexuality, and more; it is an opportunity to acquire information on issues crucial to your health!

If you’ve already started sex, the first date could include a physical review or cytology and a breast exam.

Take advantage of this space to consult on how to perform a proper breast self-examination!

To conclude, if you have already started your sex life or plan to do it soon, you can establish a prevention plan against unwanted pregnancies, STIs, and STDs. 

Note: You can use this virtual contraceptive comparison tool.

5 tips for your first visit to the gynecologist

Leave fear aside and take the opportunity to talk openly with your doctor about your doubts.If you do not feel well with the doctor assigned, do not hesitate to change doctor. You have the right to feel safe at every opportunity. If you’ve already started a sex life, ask about existing birth control methods in your country. Keep the email of your doctor in case of an emergency.Do questions about: vaginal discharge - what signs show abnormalities? - menstruation, cleaning of intimate areas, contraceptives, breast self-examination, and recommended annual examinations. 

In conclusion, take advantage of the visit to the gynecologist to acquire as much knowledge as possible, establish a relationship of trust with the health professional who cares for you, and make it a habit to visit your doctor at least once a year. 

 

Author Bio:

Michell Mor, eHealth Content Specialist at Women First Digital, an organization helping women about contraception and sexual health.

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