what does a gynecologist visit consist of

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Q&a: what to expect at your ob-gyn appointment.

Aug 27, 2018 Cedars-Sinai Staff

Seeing a gynecologist for the first time can be a scary prospect. You may feel uncomfortable or embarrassed, but there's no reason to—a visit to your OB-GYN plays an important part in protecting your health and it shouldn't be a bad experience.

Knowing what to expect can help ease the anxiety around your first appointment, so we asked OB-GYN  Dr. Matthew Siedhoff  to give us a step-by-step of what a visit to the OB-GYN should look like.

Q: Can you walk me through what a typical appointment looks like?

Dr. Siedhoff:  We'll start with vital signs, a list of medications, and background history. Then, we'll ask open-ended questions about any pressing questions or concerns that need to be addressed that day.

Then, we'll dive into specific questions about menstrual periods, pelvic pain, fertility issues, sexual history, bowel or bladder dysfunction, and anything that seems new or different to the patient, like a lump in the breasts or pelvic discomfort.

Matthew T. Siedhoff, MD

Q: what about the physical examination.

Dr. Siedhoff:  Typically, it will include a breast exam, abdominal exam, and a pelvic exam. We usually do the pelvic exam last, because it is the most sensitive part.

I typically will step out of the room, allow the patient to get undressed, and then we use a sheet to cover the patient's legs. Then I come in with a chaperone or nurse, who should always be present during the exam portion.

If it's the first time the patient has had a pelvic exam, I typically will ask the patient if she wants to see the equipment we use—like the speculum.

Then, I ask the patient to put her feet in the footrests. I stand up by the patient's head while she slides down to the edge of the table, so I can move the pillow down with her. The next step is a visual external pelvic exam and an internal pelvic exam with my fingers. The final step is a speculum exam, if needed.

Read:  Redesigning the OB-GYN Visit

Q: How should I prepare before my first OB-GYN appointment?

Dr. Siedhoff:  The best thing to do is to come prepared with a list of questions and an idea of what your menstrual pattern looks like. For questions, consider contraception options, pregnancy planning, and fertility issues. A lot of times, patients leave the doctor's office and say, "I wish I'd asked that," and then they're too shy to reach out again.

Another thing to think about is whether somebody else is going to be there. Sometimes it can be helpful, but sometimes it can be an impediment. We usually try to get parents out of the room at some point so that we can ask questions that we don't know if the patient is comfortable answering in front of their parents, like sexual practices.

Q: Is there anything else I need to know ahead of time?

Dr. Siedhoff:  We always, at some point, ask if people feel safe at home—if there are any concerns or incidents of partner violence, domestic violence, or harassment. We also screen for mood disorders and ask about depression, substance abuse, and alcohol use.

The OB-GYN is a specialist in that part of the body, but they also serve as a primary care provider in a lot of ways. For young women, that may be the only doctor that they see on a regular basis.

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Gynecology exam guide: what to expect on your first 'gyno' visit.

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The day you’ve been dreading has finally arrived, and you’re most likely anxious as your palms are sweaty and knees are shaking because it’s time for your first gynecologist (gyno) visit. This experience may be compared to when a woman gets her first period, or buys her first bra, except this time, it’s more invasive and has to do with your lady parts, specifically your vagina. Before you walk into the clinic and open your legs to a world of stirrups and Pap smears, put your anxiety aside and relax with this step-by-step gynecology exam guide that will help you take control of your body and your health as a woman.

Pre-Gyno Visit

Choose your gyno.

Before you call the closest gyno near you, it’s important to do your research, ask your friends, look at reviews, and try to find a doctor that is right for you. “The first GYN visit should not be viewed with apprehension,” Dr. Georges Sylvestre , board certified in obstetrics and gynecology in New York, maternal-fetal medicine and assistant professor, Weill Cornell Medical College, told Medical Daily in an email. “Do you prefer a female doc?” “Do you prefer a doctor who can speak your first language?” “Do you need a doctor who can relate to important cultural issues about sex and womanhood?” “If you find the right doctor, he or she might the one you'll go to for your birth control in your teens and twenties, pregnancies and babies in your 30's and forties, then for your menopause,” he said.

Go Back in Time

After you choose your gyno, it’s important for you to go back in time and think about your sexual history and menstrual history. The number of partners, the age you started having sex, and how you prevent pregnancy/sexually transmitted diseases is all relevant information you should tell your gyno. Ladies, it’s also important to keep track of your menstrual cycle by recording your last period, the length of your periods, how heavy and frequent they are, and if you experience any period-related problems like cramps. Dr. Sara Mornar , obstetrician and gynecologist in Texas, tells Medical Daily women should be prepared to share their medical background and menstrual and contraceptive information with their doctor.

To Shave or Not to Shave?

The age-old question of whether to shave or not to shave your hoo-hah has crossed the minds of many women before their first gyno visit. Before you schedule a bikini wax, or run to the pharmacy to stock up on razors and shaving cream, it’s important to know there is no need to shave before seeing your gyno. Gynecologists do not expect their patients to shave their vulva since pubic hair is not as dense as the hair on the scalp, and it can easily be moved aside during the examination.

The only expectation your gyno has is to practice basic hygiene — take a shower or a bath within 24 hours . Women should not use spermicide, medications, lubricants, or douche a day before the exam because this could interfere with the accuracy of a Pap test. The night before the exam is not an ideal time to get busy between the sheets, either. Intercourse without a condom the night before a Pap smear may obscure cervical cells which then cannot be read accurately.

The Waiting Room

So you’ve made it this far and have managed to stir up the courage to bare your hoo-hah to your gyno for the very first time. The waiting room is similar to any visit at the doctors' where the receptionist will hand you a pile of forms to fill out. Questions range from the number of sexual partners you’ve had (if any) to the date of your last period. It’s important to answer these questions carefully and honestly so your gyno can accurately assess you and keep track of your health. This information stays confidential between your gyno and you.

Behind Closed Doors: The Exam Room

The most frightening part of your first gyno visit has arrived — going into the exam room. If you’re still nervous at this point, tell your nurses and doctors and let them know it’s your first time, so they can guide you step-by-step on the procedure. Like a regular doctor’s visit, the nurse will take your height, weight, and blood pressure.

After the basics, you will be left alone to change into a gown as you remove all your clothing – including your underwear. The doctor will shortly knock on your door and will ask you a series of questions ranging from if you’re sexually active to your periods and how long they last. Your gyno will even ask you if you want to have an STD or HIV/AIDs testing on the day of your first gyno exam, too.

Breast Exam

During a gyno exam, your doctor will ask you to lay back and check your breast and underarms for any lumps. According to Woman’s Hospital your gyno will check for breast abnormalities that include lumps, nipple discharge, and skin changes. Women should do breast self-exams regularly, and if you’re not sure how to do this, you can ask your gyno and he or she will show you how.

Pelvic Exam

After the breast exam comes the moment of truth for every woman — the pelvic exam. Your doctor will lay you on your back and gently press several areas of your lower stomach to see if you experience any discomfort prior to the exam. At the initial start of the exam, the dreaded instruments, the speculum and the spatula, will be used to examine your vagina. Mayo Clinic says the speculum — the plastic or metal-hinged instrument — will help spread open your vaginal walls so your gyno can view your vagina and cervix. If your pelvic exam includes a Pap test, your doctor will collect a sample of your cervical cells before removing the speculum. After this is removed, your gyno will examine your other pelvic organs for signs of abnormalities. After this the exam is officially done, you have survived your first gyno exam.

YOU Ask the Questions

Whether you choose to ask them before or after your exam, or when your gyno asks if you have any questions, it’s time to ask everything you’ve wanted to know from your periods to sex. A common misconception women have is that their gyno will judge them and therefore fear asking questions about birth control, STDs, and infidelities, among many others. However, Sylvestre says, “Again, any questions are okay: about your periods, sex, pain during sex, fear of your first intercourse, dildos, orgasm (or lack of), pregnancy, and abortion. Again, don't be shy, s/he heard it all.”

Like Sylvestre, Mornar recommends patients to ask their gynos: “Why are PAP smears necessary? How often do I need one? When do i need a mammogram? How do I prevent pregnancy and transmission of diseases? What is HPV, and do I need the vaccine for it?”

What Does Your First Gyno Visit Mean?

You’re finally done with the exam, and exit the clinic, but you may ask yourself: what does this first visit mean for your health? “The breast screening is looking for abnormalities such as lumps or masses,” Mornar said. She advises women to start getting Pap smears by the age of 21, and mammograms by the age of 40 and older, depending on family history.

Unlike the breast screening, the Pap exam can reveal signs of cervical cancer, ovarian cysts, fibroids in the uterus, and other possible reason for heavy periods. A clean bill of health at a gyno exam can signify that “her Pap is normal, that she has no STD, that her organs are fine,” Sylvestre said.

Women should have their first gynecological exam when they are 18 years old, but it is recommended earlier than 18 if they are sexually active or have a medical problem requiring a pelvic exam.

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10 Things to Know Before Your First Gyno Exam

By Kristin Canning

If you have a vagina , there will come a time when you have to see a gynecologist —it’s an essential part of maintaining your health. But that first gyno exam can seem totally foreign—and even scary. The thought of discussing sensitive health topics and letting a total stranger examine your vagina might make you want to skip the appointment altogether.

But here’s the thing: Seeing an ob/gyn doesn’t have to be intimidating or uncomfortable; in fact, it can even be pretty damn empowering. Below, you’ll find exactly what you can expect from your first ob/gyn appointment—including how to best prep for it, how to stay calm when you’re feeling uneasy, and how to leave feeling confident about your sexual and reproductive health.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends girls have their first ob/gyn appointment between the ages of 13 and 15, with a yearly wellness visit after that. You might have specific things to bring up with your doctor during your first appointment, like period issues, birth control options, and testing for sexually transmitted infections .

It’s smart to be clear about why you’re seeing the ob/gyn, Lauren Streicher, M.D. , associate professor of obstetrics and gynecologist at Northwestern University and author of Sex Rx: Hormones, Health, and Your Best Sex Ever , tells SELF. That way, you can make sure to discuss everything on your mind and be a better advocate for yourself. “For a new patient, most doctors will schedule 20 to 30 minutes,” says Dr. Streicher. “If you prepare before you get there, you can maximize your time and get your questions answered.” Plus, preparing can help you combat pre-exam nerves.

Regardless of your age, a medical professional will do a general physical exam to check your height, weight, and blood pressure before an ob/gyn checks you out.

Your doctor typically won’t perform a pelvic exam to check out your reproductive organs during your first ob/gyn visit. The exception is if you’re sexually active, want STI testing, or have other health concerns like abnormal bleeding or very painful periods .

If you’re 21 or older, however, a pelvic exam is recommended, along with a Pap test . During a Pap test, your doctor will swab your cervix (the lower portion of your uterus that connects to your vagina) to collect a sample of cervical cells to check for abnormalities that could indicate cervical cancer (which is rare and often treatable, so try not to stress!).

Your ob/gyn may also perform a breast exam. Even though young women have a low breast-cancer risk, your doctor will likely use this as an opportunity to show you how to examine your breasts and identify any changes, says Dr. Streicher.

A typical pelvic exam consists of three parts, according to the ACOG. The first is an external genital exam to look at your vulva, which includes everything you can see on the outside of your body, like your labia, clitoris, and the opening of your vagina. If your doctor offers you a mirror so you can see what’s up down there—or if you want to request one—don’t be shy! An ob/gyn visit is the perfect time to make sure you know the name, location, and purpose of all the parts of your vulva.

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Your doctor will also perform a vaginal and cervical exam with a speculum, which is a device they’ll insert into your vagina and expand to get a better view of your vaginal walls and cervix. While the speculum is inserted, your doctor will use a soft brush or a flat scraping device to take samples for your Pap test and to test for certain STIs.

Real talk: This part can be kind of weird. “Most people are uncomfortable with the speculum,” Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Yale School of Medicine and creator of MadameOvary.com , tells SELF. Pro tip: Speculums come in different sizes, so if you’re worried about it hurting, you can let your doctor know and ask them to try something smaller. “And if you feel pinching or pain, you can say something,” says Dr. Streicher. The good part is that a speculum only needs to be in your vagina for around a minute for a doctor to perform a thorough exam, William Schweizer, M.D. , clinical associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at New York University Langone Health, tells SELF.

Once that’s done, your doctor will conduct a bimanual exam to study your reproductive organs. With a hand on your lower abdomen, they’ll insert one or two of their gloved, lubricated fingers into your vagina and feel around to make sure your uterus and ovaries are healthy. This is another part that can make people anxious, but it also only takes around a minute, Dr. Schweizer says.

Most doctors don’t require a pelvic exam to prescribe birth control —they’re able to make an informed decision based on your medical history and personal habits. If you’re curious about birth control options, they’ll start by asking questions about your behavior and preferences to help figure out what’s best for you. For example, pills might not be a great option if you know you’re super forgetful, Dr. Minkin says, so your doctor may recommend a “set it and forget it” method like an IUD or an implant that can last anywhere from 3 to 10 years, depending on the type. For some methods, you can usually walk out of the office with a prescription that day.

Though you might feel exposed during your first gyno exam, remember that your doc isn’t judging any aspect of your body, whether it’s your pubic hair or the length of your labia. Their purpose is to evaluate you medically, full stop. “We really don’t care, we’ve seen it all, and honestly, we barely notice,” says Dr. Streicher. If you’re able to, you can shower and rinse your labia with water before an appointment (no douching or perfume, though, because that can boost your risk of irritation or infection). If you can’t do this, it’s so not a big deal.

You also don’t need to worry about being on your period unless you’re specifically going to have your doctor examine your discharge, adds Dr. Streicher. Having your period may also affect the results of your Pap test or any STI testing, so you should give your doctor’s office a call to see if it still makes sense to come in or if you should postpone your appointment.

You’ll need to know the first day of your last period , so make sure you’re keeping track of that in the month leading up to your exam. You should also mention any pain, cramps, heavy bleeding, irregularity, or mood changes you get with your period. Your ob/gyn can prescribe birth control to help with period symptoms or look for signs of conditions like endometriosis , a condition that can cause pain, heavy periods, and trouble getting pregnant.

Your doctor will also ask about your sexual activity. Don’t be afraid to be open and honest here—your ob/gyn will keep everything confidential and won’t judge you. “It’s their job to support you. You have to answer honestly because STI screening will be based on that,” says Dr. Schweizer. Keep in mind that your oral sex and anal sex history count here, too, as both can lead to STIs. If you’re worried you might be pregnant because you’re sexually active and you’ve missed a period, be honest about that, too, and ask your doctor for a pregnancy test.

Your doctor will ask you about any medical conditions you have, medications you’re on, and past surgeries. That stuff can be hard to remember, especially when you’re nervous, so it can help to write everything down beforehand, says Dr. Streicher. That includes any relevant dates.

They’ll also want to know your family’s medical history. “It’s especially helpful to know about your mom’s health history and any family history of blood clots, as that can inform what birth control methods are best for you,” says Dr. Minkin. Contraception that contains estrogen, like the combined hormonal birth control pill, may put users at a higher risk of blood clots, according to the Mayo Clinic. The risk is still really small overall, but there are options that pose less of a risk if you have a personal or family history of blood clots, like the arm implant, an IUD, and progestin-only pills.

Also, if you haven’t gotten your vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV), now’s the time to ask about that. The vaccine protects against cancers caused by an HPV infection, including cancers of the cervix, vagina, and vulva, as well as cancers of the anus, back of the throat, and penis.

That starts from before you even arrive. You may find you’re more at ease talking to and being examined by either a male or female ob/gyn . It’s OK to research different medical practitioners in your area and choose based on who you think you’d feel most comfortable with. (Of course, you might be limited due to your insurance or one of your parent’s preferences, but it’s perfectly fine to do your best to choose who you’re going to see.)

Then, if you are anxious when you arrive or at any time in your appointment, tell your doctor, says Dr. Schweizer. “Let them know it’s your first time and you’re nervous. You can ask to have a nurse come hold your hand, or you can even bring in headphones and music if that helps.” If your doctor’s OK with it, you can also bring someone into the room with you—like a close friend or parent—if you need a little extra support, says Dr. Minkin.

You can even keep an eye on what the doctor is doing to ease your anxiety: “Sometimes it helps to see what the doctor is doing, so I offer to hold up a mirror if patients want to see what’s going on. And if you want to be told what I’m doing, step-by-step, I will,” says Dr. Schweizer. “It’s the doctor’s job to make you feel comfortable.”

If you got any tests done during your appointment, your doctor’s office may call to inform you of the results, or ask you to come in to review results or be retested. If you have STI testing, the results may be ready in a day to two weeks, says Dr. Minkin, and Pap test results typically come in one to two weeks.

Some offices won’t call you if your tests don’t show anything unusual, though, so be sure to clarify what you can expect before you leave your appointment. You can also sign off to have someone else, like a parent or close relative, get your test results if you’re super nervous.

Current guidelines only call for an pelvic exam every three years, though your doctor may suggest you get them more frequently, depending on your medical history or any health issues. But most women will go for a yearly wellness visit to renew their birth control prescription, have their well-woman visit, get STI testing, or check in on any other sexual health concerns they have. It’s especially important to get regular STI testing if you have new sex partners or if you’re having unprotected sex, says Dr. Minkin. Sometimes it’s difficult to get an appointment on an ob/gyn’s calendar, so it can be helpful to schedule your next appointment before you head out.

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SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

Well-Woman Visits

(gynecologic preventive care).

• Pelvic Examination |
• Breast Examination |
• Psychosocial Screening and Counseling |

Periodic well-woman visits may be provided by a gynecologist, other women's health clinician, or primary care clinician.

Recommendations vary regarding the frequency of primary care or gynecologic preventive care visits. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends well-woman visits every year for all women who are sexually active or > 18 years. The ACOG recommends that these visits include screening, evaluation, counseling, and immunizations based on age and risk factors.

Well-woman visits should include taking a comprehensive medical history, including current symptoms or concerns as well as medical, surgical, gynecologic , obstetric, family, and social history, as well as medications and allergies. Although these visits are typically called "well-woman" visits, taking a gynecologic history may also be relevant for patients who are gender diverse ( 1 ).

During a well-woman visit, patients may be screened for or counseled about

Breast cancer

Cervical cancer

Sexually transmitted infections

Contraception

Preconception care

Perimenopause and menopause

Depending on history of vaccination for human papillomavirus (HPV) and age of the patient, HPV vaccination should be offered. People who are not infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) but are at high risk (eg, having a partner who is living with HIV, high-risk sexual behaviors, or illicit injection drug use) should be counseled about and offered preexposure prophylaxis with antiretrovirals (PrEP) , if appropriate ( 2 ).

General health screening and counseling, such as for diabetes , hypertension , or dyslipidemia and other topics, and to encourage a healthy diet and physical activity, are addressed as part of a well-woman visit by primary care clinicians and some gynecologists.

Pelvic Examination

The decision to perform a pelvic examination should be a shared decision between the patient and clinician ( 3 ). Pelvic examinations may be performed if indicated based on symptoms, as part of routine preventive care screening, or if a woman expresses a preference for the examination after reviewing the risks and benefits. There are inadequate data to support recommendations for or against performing a routine screening pelvic examination among asymptomatic nonpregnant patients who are not at increased risk of any specific gynecologic disease (eg, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer) ( 4 ). Also, pelvic examination is not indicated for initiation or renewal of contraception, except for an intrauterine device .

Women with risk factors for gynecologic cancer (eg, history of cervical dysplasia, in-utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol [DES], or prior gynecologic malignancy) may require more frequent screening and should be managed according to current guidelines.

Breast Examination

Like the pelvic examination, the decision to perform a breast examination should be a shared decision between the patient and clinician and performed when indicated by medical history or symptoms or if the patient expresses a preference for the examination ( 5 ).

Psychosocial Screening and Counseling

Assessment and counseling should be provided regarding

Intimate partner violence

Mental health

Substance use, including alcohol misuse and smoking cessation

All patients should be asked about domestic violence, including intimate partner violence , at their initial primary care or gynecologic or obstetric visit (and again at regular intervals) ( 6 ). Methods include self-administered questionnaires and a directed interview by a clinician. In patients who do not report they are experiencing abuse, findings that suggest current or past abuse include the following:

Frequent emergency department visits

Delay in seeking treatment for injuries

Inconsistent explanations for injuries

Head and neck injuries

Chronic unexplained abdominal pain or headaches

Psychiatric symptoms

Frequent sexually transmitted infections

Prior delivery of a low-birth-weight infant ( 7 )

Older adults with evidence of neglect or physical injury

1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ Committee on Gynecologic Practice : Opinion No. 823: Health care for transgender and gender diverse individuals. Obstet Gynecol 137 (3):e75–e88, 2021. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004294

2. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists  (ACOG) : ACOG Practice Advisory: Preexposure Prophylaxis for the Prevention of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, June 2022

3. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ Committee on Gynecologic Practice : Opinion No. 754: The utility of and indications for routine pelvic examination. Obstet Gynecol 132 (4):e174–e180, 2018 (reaffirmed 2020). doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000002895

4. US Preventive Services Task Force, Bibbins-Domingo K, Grossman DC, et al : Gynecological Conditions: Periodic Screening With the Pelvic Examination. March, 2017

5. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ Committee on Gynecologic Practice : Practice Bulletin Number 179: Breast Cancer Risk Assessment and Screening in Average-Risk Women.  Obstet Gynecol . 2017 (reaffirmed 2021);130(1):e1-e16. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000002158

6. Feltner C, Wallace I, Berkman N, et al . Screening for Intimate Partner Violence, Elder Abuse, and Abuse of Vulnerable Adults: An Evidence Review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2018 Oct. (Evidence Synthesis, No. 169.) Appendix F Table 1, IPV Screening Instruments. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK533715/table/appf.tab1/

7. Laelago T, Belachew T, Tamrat M . Effect of intimate partner violence on birth outcomes.  Afr Health Sci . 2017;17(3):681-689. doi:10.4314/ahs.v17i3.10

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What to Expect At A Gynecologist Appointment

Let’s start today’s topic off with a firm understanding of what role different doctors play in a woman’s life. A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in women’s reproductive health . Obstetricians care for women during their pregnancy and just after the baby is born; they also deliver babies. An OBGYN, on the other hand, is trained to do all of these things. 

Now, because they deal with such personal and sensitive topics, the thought of visiting an OBGYN may make you feel nervous, embarrassed, and reluctant to discuss your most intimate issues with someone who is essentially a stranger. We get it, it may feel a little uncomfortable. So that’s why we’re here to take the dread out of your annual appointments with some tips on feeling more comfortable with your OBGYN and an idea of what you can expect at your checkups. 

When Should You First Visit the Gyno?

College should not be your first rodeo with a gynecologist. We highly recommend that between the ages of 13 and 15 you touch base with a gynecologist, find out what we do, and tell us a little about your medical history if you feel so inclined. It doesn’t have to be a super long or in-depth visit, but we find that in establishing a relationship with your gyno from a young age, you’re setting yourself up for a much better and more comfortable relationship later. If you don’t feel entirely comfortable disclosing to your gyno, find another provider. You have a choice in the matter because it’s your care. 

Preparing for Your Visit

Avoid having sex or douching within 24 hours of your pending appointment as this can irritate your vagina and impact the results of your Pap test. 

Before you even enter the office, you should be clear on the purpose of the visit. Not all visits require an exam. There are numerous other situations in which an exam is not necessary; for example, the first time you meet your gynecologist which mimics more of a meet and greet than a typical doctor’s office visit. Or maybe you just want to discuss your contraceptive options, family planning, your irregular periods, etc. But one thing is for sure: there shouldn’t be any surprises on either your or your provider’s end going into your appointment. 

What Happens at a Gynecologist Visit

When you get to your appointment, it is your gyno’s job to make sure everyone is on the same page and review how exactly how this exam will go. If an exam is taking place, have them go over the specifics that entails: will there be a breast or pelvic exam? How do these things work? It’s important to remember that nothing should be happening to you during your appointment without your consent or feeling “comfortable” about it. 

Your medical history should and will be discussed thoroughly including (but not limited to) your surgical history, current medications, family history, inquiries into your smoking, drinking, and drug habits, and reviewing medical issues you may have. Even though we’re a gynecologist, we aren’t here just to talk about your sexual history; getting to know you a little more personally in terms of your medical history helps us provide the best care to you that we possibly can. 

Generally, your appointment will start with a health check. The nurse will take your weight and blood pressure; you may also have to provide blood and urine samples. Then you’ll move into the physical exam in which you’ll be asked to undress and change into a gown that opens in the front and a sheet to cover your lap. 

Your OBGYN will ask you questions typically about your personal and family health history, periods and any problems they may cause, if you’re sexually active and how often, birth control options, vaccine history, and any sexually transmitted diseases you’ve had or think you might have. Questions might get personal but it’s important that you provide your doctor with completely honest answers for her/him to provide the best care possible. You should also use this time to ask questions that you might have about any of the above topics or more. You may feel embarrassed asking them but trust us when we say, we’ve heard it all before. 

As a part of your physical exam, the doctor will examine the outside of your vagina for abnormalities and then examine your reproductive organs from the inside. During this exam, your knees will be bent, your feet up in stirrups and the gynecologist will use a speculum to hold the vagina open while she exams it and your cervix. This shouldn’t feel painful, more like pressure. Your gyno will then take a sample of cells from your cervix using a small brush for a Pap test; the cells will then be sent to a lab and checked for abnormalities that could signify cervical cancer or HPV.

If you are sexually active, your doctor will likely test you for sexually transmitted diseases with a cotton swab during your pelvic exam and/or checking your blood test. Your OBGYN might also do a breast exam to check for any lumps or abnormalities.

After your exam, a nurse will follow up with any test results over the phone or by email. 

Your Mid-Atlantic Women’s Care physician and office staff will do everything within our power to make sure you understand the different elements of your exam and feel as comfortable as possible.

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What to expect at your annual exam

Here at Women’s Health Specialists , we know that the idea of your first annual gynecological exam might make you nervous, but never fear! Once you’ve become more familiar with the exam process and the procedures and questions involved, you’ll be much more likely to feel calm and at ease when the time for your exam comes around. Your annual exam is a standard and efficient procedure that goes a long way toward ensuring you maintain excellent overall health. 

Your regularly-scheduled annual exam allows the Women’s Health Specialists experts to check your feminine organs to ensure they’re all in good health and promote the best possible overall well-being. The actual physical part of the exam should take roughly around 10 minutes. In addition, there will be portions before and after the exam during which you can ask any questions you may have and answer any questions.  

 Read on to learn more! 

What to do before your annual examination. 

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists recommends that you begin receiving your well-woman visit (the standard name for your annual gynecological examination) between 18-21. Additionally, you should begin receiving your exams three years after you become sexually active. 

Of course, if you begin to experience any sort of gynecological symptoms, it is recommended that you schedule an exam to deal with them directly. Common symptoms you may experience include any irregularity or change in your menstrual cycle, abnormal or major pelvic or vaginal pain, unexpected vaginal bleeding or discharge, tenderness, sores, swelling, lumps, itching, or unexpected changes to the breasts. 

If it is your first time receiving a gynecological appointment, you should probably tell your doctor it’s your first exam. This will help your specialist to provide you with the answers to many women’s questions during their first examination. It’ll also give them the insight they need to make you feel as comfortable and confident as possible. Remember, this is a normal and important part of every woman’s life! 

You’re welcome to have a friend or family member accompany you if you feel that would be helpful to make you feel more relaxed. We can also provide you with an additional nurse as a chaperone if you like. 

Besides that, you won’t have much to worry about when it comes to preparing for your first exam. You should avoid using douche, vaginal creams, or sexual intercourse for 24 hours before your exam. Additionally, be sure to call and reschedule if you begin your period when you are supposed to come in for your exam. 

What the Gynecological Exam Includes

Your physical exam will include the following standard features: an internal and external pelvic exam, a breast exam, a pap smear, and a urine sample. We’ll go over each of these below: 

Pelvic Exam

Your pelvic exam during the gynecological review consists of four primary steps. These are an external genital exam, a speculum exam, a Pap Smear test, and a bimanual exam. 

During the exam, you’ll be asked to lie on the examination table in a dressing gown, at which point you’ll place your feet in the foot rests. You’ll have a sheet draped across your legs to provide personal privacy. Once you’ve prepared yourself and gotten comfortable, your doctor will ask you to spread your knees, at which point, she’ll encourage you to relax and breathe deeply. It’s important at this point to avoid tensing your muscles, as this will impede the progress of your exam. If you’ve relaxed and are breathing deeply, this will make the process much faster and more comfortable overall. In the event that you’ve brought a friend or family member or asked for a chaperone, they will be positioned in such a way as to ensure your privacy. 

At this point, your doctor will perform a visual examination of the vulva and labia. Your doctor is checking for irregularities, including any irritation, swelling, redness or cysts, as well as visual signs and symptoms of any sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). 

Cervical Exam

After the genital exam, your doctor will insert a speculum into the vagina. The speculum is used to gently separate the vaginal walls in order to allow your doctor to examine the cervix. This may be accompanied by pressure or brief discomfort, but you can communicate with your doctor to ensure that it is within your tolerance for discomfort.  

When the speculum is opened, your cervix will be examined. The clinician is looking for signs of irritation, atypical discharge, or indications of sexually transmitted disease. With the speculum still in place, your healthcare provider will continue with the Pap Smear test.

The Pap Smear is designed to check for precancerous or cancerous cells. Your Pap Smear will be a quick procedure during which cervical cells will be obtained (painlessly!) and checked to ensure they’re healthy and cancer free. This is a vital test for your overall health, as early detection is a major factor when it comes to the successful treatment of cervical and other cancers. 

Your Pap Smear results will be available within the next few weeks, so don’t worry! The next step is the bimanual exam. 

Bimanual Exam 

The bimanual exam is performed after the speculum has been removed and consists of insertion of a gloved and lubricated finger into the vagina. With their other hand, your doctor will press down on your stomach. This is important for determining the health of your internal organs. Just like with the other portions of your exam, communicate with your doctor to let them know how you’re doing. Some slight discomfort is normal, but you will never have to deal with more than you can handle. 

Breast Exam

The breast exam is brief and painless. Your health care provider will manually palpate your breast, feeling for lumps, thickening, or discharge. They will also teach you how to give yourself a personal breast exam.

Urine Sample

You will be asked to provide a urine sample. Urine is used to check for kidney health, various infections, and/or pregnancy.

Q&A with Your Gynecologist

A normal and important aspect of your exam is a question and answer portion with your doctor. During this session, answer any questions regarding your family history, current and recent health, as well as sexual activity. You will also receive questions related to your menstrual cycle, contraception, STD prevention, illnesses, surgeries, any pregnancies you may have had, as well as alcohol and drug use. 

Even though some of these questions can be quite personal, it is vital that you feel comfortable being entirely honest. Women’s Health Specialists takes great care to ensure that all of your answers are entirely confidential. This is also a great time to ask any questions you may have, so feel free! 

Call Today to Schedule Your Exam 

Thanks so much for taking the time to read more about what to expect during your yearly exam. We know your health is important to you, and you can rest assured that when you come to see Women’s Health Specialists of Germantown , it’s important to us, too. We’re not just experts in women’s health, we’re your friends and neighbors, and we take pride in offering the best care available. Call today to schedule your appointment! 

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Prenatal care: 1st trimester visits

Pregnancy and prenatal care go hand in hand. During the first trimester, prenatal care includes blood tests, a physical exam, conversations about lifestyle and more.

Prenatal care is an important part of a healthy pregnancy. Whether you choose a family physician, obstetrician, midwife or group prenatal care, here's what to expect during the first few prenatal appointments.

The 1st visit

When you find out you're pregnant, make your first prenatal appointment. Set aside time for the first visit to go over your medical history and talk about any risk factors for pregnancy problems that you may have.

Medical history

Your health care provider might ask about:

• Your menstrual cycle, gynecological history and any past pregnancies
• Your personal and family medical history
• Exposure to anything that could be toxic
• Medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins or supplements
• Your lifestyle, including your use of tobacco, alcohol, caffeine and recreational drugs
• Travel to areas where malaria, tuberculosis, Zika virus, mpox — also called monkeypox — or other infectious diseases are common

Share information about sensitive issues, such as domestic abuse or past drug use, too. This will help your health care provider take the best care of you — and your baby.

Your due date is not a prediction of when you will have your baby. It's simply the date that you will be 40 weeks pregnant. Few people give birth on their due dates. Still, establishing your due date — or estimated date of delivery — is important. It allows your health care provider to monitor your baby's growth and the progress of your pregnancy. Your due date also helps with scheduling tests and procedures, so they are done at the right time.

To estimate your due date, your health care provider will use the date your last period started, add seven days and count back three months. The due date will be about 40 weeks from the first day of your last period. Your health care provider can use a fetal ultrasound to help confirm the date. Typically, if the due date calculated with your last period and the due date calculated with an early ultrasound differ by more than seven days, the ultrasound is used to set the due date.

Physical exam

To find out how much weight you need to gain for a healthy pregnancy, your health care provider will measure your weight and height and calculate your body mass index.

Your health care provider might do a physical exam, including a breast exam and a pelvic exam. You might need a Pap test, depending on how long it's been since your last Pap test. Depending on your situation, you may need exams of your heart, lungs and thyroid.

At your first prenatal visit, blood tests might be done to:

• Check your blood type. This includes your Rh status. Rh factor is an inherited trait that refers to a protein found on the surface of red blood cells. Your pregnancy might need special care if you're Rh negative and your baby's father is Rh positive.
• Measure your hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein found in red blood cells that allows the cells to carry oxygen from your lungs to other parts of your body. Hemoglobin also carries carbon dioxide from other parts of your body to your lungs so that it can be exhaled. Low hemoglobin or a low level of red blood cells is a sign of anemia. Anemia can make you feel very tired, and it may affect your pregnancy.
• Check immunity to certain infections. This typically includes rubella and chickenpox (varicella) — unless proof of vaccination or natural immunity is documented in your medical history.
• Detect exposure to other infections. Your health care provider will suggest blood tests to detect infections such as hepatitis B, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and HIV , the virus that causes AIDS . A urine sample might also be tested for signs of a bladder or urinary tract infection.

Tests for fetal concerns

Prenatal tests can provide valuable information about your baby's health. Your health care provider will typically offer a variety of prenatal genetic screening tests. They may include ultrasound or blood tests to check for certain fetal genetic problems, such as Down syndrome.

Lifestyle issues

Your health care provider might discuss the importance of nutrition and prenatal vitamins. Ask about exercise, sex, dental care, vaccinations and travel during pregnancy, as well as other lifestyle issues. You might also talk about your work environment and the use of medications during pregnancy. If you smoke, ask your health care provider for suggestions to help you quit.

Discomforts of pregnancy

You might notice changes in your body early in your pregnancy. Your breasts might be tender and swollen. Nausea with or without vomiting (morning sickness) is also common. Talk to your health care provider if your morning sickness is severe.

Other 1st trimester visits

Your next prenatal visits — often scheduled about every four weeks during the first trimester — might be shorter than the first. Near the end of the first trimester — by about 12 to 14 weeks of pregnancy — you might be able to hear your baby's heartbeat with a small device, called a Doppler, that bounces sound waves off your baby's heart. Your health care provider may offer a first trimester ultrasound, too.

Your prenatal appointments are an ideal time to discuss questions you have. During your first visit, find out how to reach your health care team between appointments in case concerns come up. Knowing help is available can offer peace of mind.

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• Lockwood CJ, et al. Prenatal care: Initial assessment. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed July 9, 2018.
• Prenatal care and tests. Office on Women's Health. https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/youre-pregnant-now-what/prenatal-care-and-tests. Accessed July 9, 2018.
• Cunningham FG, et al., eds. Prenatal care. In: Williams Obstetrics. 25th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Education; 2018. https://www.accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed July 9, 2018.
• Lockwood CJ, et al. Prenatal care: Second and third trimesters. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed July 9, 2018.
• WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience. World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/publications/maternal_perinatal_health/anc-positive-pregnancy-experience/en/. Accessed July 9, 2018.
• Bastian LA, et al. Clinical manifestations and early diagnosis of pregnancy. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed July 9, 2018.

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What’s Included in an Annual Gynecological Exam?

If you’ve never been to the gynecologist, the thought of scheduling an appointment with an OB-GYN can fill you with anxiousness. After all, he or she will be examining the most private portion of your body.

However, taking care of your reproductive health is crucial. And while a gynecologist can provide you with information about birth control and protection against sexually transmitted diseases, you should still get examined by an OB-GYN even if you’re a virgin.

This is because in addition to reproductive issues, these types of visits also provide the following services:

– Verify that everything is developing the way it should – Screen for cervical cancer – Analyze your vaginal discharge (especially if it has changed in color or consistency)

If you are having sex, then the benefits of getting examined are even more, since you do want to ensure your overall health.

What is an Annual Gynecological Examination?

Ok. So now that you know of the benefits of going to the gynecologist, it’s always a good idea to understand some of the examinations that can happen during those visits.

A Well-Woman Examination is a once-a-year visit to your gynecologist to get an overview of your reproductive healthcare.

The gynecologist will begin by asking you questions about your medical and gynecological history. He or she will take note of your vitals, such as blood pressure, height, and weight.

The doctor will also ask you questions about your health and life. Some of the inquiries will be about your school, work, and family life, as well as basic questions about your diet and health status. This is because all of these circumstances factor into your overall well-being.

What Does an Annual Gynecological Exam Consist Of?

In addition to having a standard physical exam, you will also receive a pelvic exam, breast exam, and pap smear. Below is an overview of what happens during each of them.

1. Pelvic Exam

Pelvic exams are a standard procedure that’s recommended as soon as a woman becomes sexually active. If you’re still a virgin, we recommend scheduling them once you turn 21.

This simple exam may take only a few minutes, but is extremely important to every woman’s health. You’ll be given a paper robe and the doctor’s assistant will step out of the room to give you privacy to change into it.

Once you’re wearing the robe, you can sit on the examination table while you wait for the doctor to come in. The gynecologist will knock on the door before entering the office, to make sure that you’re ready for your exam.

When the OB-GYN comes in, he or she will introduce themselves and ask that you lay down on the examination table and place your feet on stirrups. These are two metal foot rests on each end of the table. Your doctor will then ask you to relax and will insert a metal tool called a speculum into your vagina. The speculum will be lubricated for easier insertion and will feel cold to the touch. However, this procedure does not hurt at all.

The reason the doctor inserts the speculum into the vagina is to open it up a bit to be able to conduct the examination. During this exam, the gynecologist will check your reproductive organs, including your vulva, vagina, cervix, and uterus.

Your physician will check for ovarian cysts, sexually transmitted infections, or certain cancers. The procedure is quick, painless and vital to your health.

2. Pap Smear

You’ll also have a pap smear performed during your pelvic exam. The procedure consists of gathering cells from your cervix by using an extended swab. It should be noted that not all pelvic exams will require a pap smear test. Paps are typically recommended every three to five years. Its purpose is to test the cells in your cervix for any signs of pre-cancerous or cancerous cells. This is especially important if you have a family history of cancer or if you’ve had unprotected sex.

During your Well Woman exam, a physician will also discuss a number of different vaccines. We offer Gardasil to protect women from the human papillomavirus (HPV) . During your exam, you can talk to your physician about which vaccine is right for you.

3. Breast Exam

Breast exams are very important in order to detect breast cancer early. When you get your annual exam, a breast exam will also be performed. This will happen while you’re still laying down on the examination table. The gynecologist will ask you to place one arm behind your head, and will use circular motions around each of your breasts to see if the breast tissue feels normal or if there are any noticeable lumps.

Although this examination is only done once a year, it’s also important to check yourself on a regular basis for breast cancer. You can do so every time you take a shower.

Learn how to give yourself a breast exam here .

How to Prepare for Annual Gynecological Exam

The first thing you need to do is to relax. Gynecologists do these types of tests on a daily basis, and they’ve heard every story under the sun. We are not here to judge you or make you feel vulnerable. There is nothing you can say that they’ll consider weird or unusual. Although that can sometimes be easier said than done, once you get the appointment over with, you’ll see that it sounds a lot scarier in your mind than what it actually it is in reality.

Also, keep the following pointers in mind:

– Decide whether you’d feel more comfortable with a male or female doctor before making the appointment.

– Take notes of everything you may want to discuss: Whether you’re considering having sex for the first time, whether you’re already having sex, information about your partners, whether you use birth control, whether you use protection against sexually transmitted diseases, whether you’ve noticed any changes in your period, have experienced pain or irritation, or whether there are any changes in your vaginal discharge.

– Schedule the appointment for a time when you won’t be on your period. Although it’s really not that big of a deal if you are, it’ll make you feel more at ease during your first visit.

– Drink liquids before your appointment, since you’ll have to pee in a cup before your exam.

– Always be honest with your gynecologist. Even if a detail seems too private because it has to do with your sexual life, it’s likely relevant to safeguard your health. It bears repeating: An OB-GYN is here to help you; never to judge you.

Call OB-GYN Women’s Centre of Lakewood Ranch for More Information

At OB-GYN Women’s Centre of Lakewood Ranch, we provide a variety of services for every woman. We are passionate about ensuring women’s health. Remember to have your Well Woman Exam every year. Call us today to schedule an appointment .

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Visit To The Gynecologist – Everything You Should Know

Posted by Shubhanshu Sharma | Pregnancy

It’s tough to differentiate between what is normal and what is a sign of a potential health problem when it comes to reproductive or sexual health. Talking about these to someone might feel odd, but the person who can give you the correct professional help is a gynecologist. A gynecologist is your go-to doctor who specializes in women’s health, specifically with a focus on the female reproductive system. Read on to know when to visit and everything you should expect from a visit to the gynecologist.

When To Visit A Gynecologist?

We advise you to visit the gynecologist for doubts and concerns about your pelvis, vulva, vagina, or to deal with any pain and abnormality “down there”.

You can visit them to discuss the following conditions :

• Painful or missed periods
• Vaginal odor
• Swelling bumps or growths around your labia
• Sexual discomfort including vaginal dryness and pain during sex
• Female sexual dysfunction
• Sexual history
• Urinary or fecal incontinence
• Family planning including sterilization, abortion , and contraception
• Problems in tissues that support the pelvic organs, including ligaments and muscles
• Pelvic inflammatory diseases, including abscesses
• Cancers of the reproductive tract, the breasts, and pregnancy-related tumors

Gynecologists make sure pregnant women are aware of essential information, knowing that first-time pregnancy can be confusing. They also help you to maintain a calm mind, advise the mother to opt for yoga, and break various myths and superstitions about women’s bodies. The gynecologist is like a mentor and a guiding light especially in terms of the diet intake for the mother.

At What Age Is It Appropriate To See A Gynecologist?

A gynecologist can treat a girl or a woman at any change. But, you can start visiting them from the age of 13 to 15 years of age. Building up a relationship with a doctor enables a girl or woman to be more comfortable asking questions about their reproductive and sexual health. This is why an occasional visit to the gynecologist is important.

Do I Need To Shave Before Seeing A Gynecologist?

It is not necessary to shave or wax before you see a gynecologist. Although, it is important to maintain basic hygiene.

What To Expect From A Visit To The Gynecologist?

It is important to make sure you keep some information in mind before visiting the gynecologist:

• Be honest. Honesty is undoubtedly the best policy. It builds trust, and the doctor can judge better about your whole situation, which in turn helps you!
• A gynecological examination may be uneasy but mostly is not painful.
• If you have a period at the same time your appointment is scheduled, you can go ahead with the visit if comfortable, but it may be better to postpone until and unless you have symptoms that need urgent attention.
• We advise you to avoid any sexual activity or use of tampons for at least two days before a gynecologist examination.
• If you have a weird odor or different-colored discharge down there that creates a problem, the gynecologist needs to know.

Are you feeling anxious to go visit a gynecologist? You can have someone at the visit. They can be either in the room or outside the door. Trust us, you’ll feel more comfortable about any of your problems concerning your menstruation, pregnancy , etc. You can also ask for important tips on your overall health and lifestyle that’ll help you live a healthy life.

FAQs On Visit To The Gynecologist

What do i need to know before going to a gynecologist .

You need to know that being nervous before going to a gynecologist is absolutely natural and okay. There is no reason for you to be scared and you can always take a friend or a relative along with you. Make sure that you are honest and tell them about the health problem you’re facing. It can be related to your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or just an informative visit.

What Does A Gynaecologist Check-Up Consist Of?

A gynecologist check-up sometimes may require you to do a physical check-up. That may include a breast exam, pelvic exam, urine sample, etc. 

What Should I Talk To My Gynaecologist About?

You can talk to your gynecologist about things like irregular or painful periods, vaginal odor, strange bumps or skin around the labia, vaginal dryness and pain during sex, urinary or fecal problems, family planing and cancer.

What Happens On Your First Visit To The Gynecologist?

On your first visit, the gynecologist will check your weight, height and blood pressure. Depending on the purpose of the visit and your medical condition, you can be asked for a urine sample, breast examination, etc.

About The Author

Shubhanshu Sharma

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Recently, my wife and I decided we want to become parents, so we think it’d be wise to consult with a specialist to get some tips about pregnancy and conceiving. We liked that you talked about when it’s a good time to visit a gynecologist, and since we’re interested in family planning, we’ll be sure to start looking for one. Thank you for the insight on who to consult when wanting to start a family.

It was fascinating to know that the gynecologist will check your medical condition on the first visit. My friend wants to make sure she’s healthy. I should tell her to take a women’s health exam to ensure she’s healthy.

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