The Journey to the Gynecologist

When you step from girlhood to womanhood, your body goes through various physical and hormonal changes. Gynecologists are known to help females with various personal and sensitive health issues. 

Women often feel nervous or uncertainty before they set up an appointment with the gynecologist. If this is your first visit to an ob-gyn, you may feel embarrassed or reluctant to discuss such intimate issues.

To dismiss this nervousness, you need to be fully prepared. Below are a few things that can help you through the process.

Finding the right gynecologist

Searching for the right gynecologist may seem like a difficult job where you would have to talk about some of the intimate issues and sensitive parts of your body. You must never just start and stop with a doctor from your Google search or from your health insurance list. Ask your friends, family members, and co-workers to suggest a good gynecologist for you. You can also ask your primary care provider (if you have/need one) as she manages most of the screening process and can quite possibly direct you to an excellent gynecologist.

One important point to note is that you must mention whether you prefer a female or male gynecologist. Many women feel comfortable to talk to a female gynecologist and sometimes they may have to undress in front of the doctor.

You should also meet with the gynecologist before making the final decision. Ask about his or her past medical experiences, whether he or she is certified and also their opinion on various personal issues such as birth control and much more.

What to expect from a gynecologist?

For the first time, it okay to feel nervous. Usually, the first appointment is very simple where the doctor will ask personal questions about you. You will need to tell your gynecologist about yourself. Discuss your family’s past medical history, your sexual health, and contraceptive options. If you are going through any personal health problems such as irregular periods, discharge of fluid from your reproductive organ, pregnancy tests, and/or sexually transmitted infections. You should also feel comfortable discussing emotional challenges you’re experiencing as well.

Kinds of tests to be expected

Generally, there are 4 types of gynecologic tests and they vary with age and sexual history. Before the test, the doctor will ask you to change into a hospital gown in a private dressing room.

Physical examination: The doctor will check your blood pressure, measure your height and weight.

Pap smear: This may seem uncomfortable to you at first, but it will be alright. The doctor will scrape off some of the cells from your cervix via pap utilizing a special brush. The cells will be sent to examine for the presence of abnormal cells.

Examination of breasts: The doctor will check your breasts for any lumps or abnormal discharge. If necessary, you may also have to go through further breast examinations.

Examination of the reproductive organs: This is mostly performed on women who have certain issues with their reproductive organ or abdomen. You will be asked to lie on the examination chair and place your legs in the stirrups. The doctor will examine your vulva to check for any signs of infection. He or she will perform a more thorough check to the inner walls of your reproductive organ and take samples of your cells. It is a completely safe and pain-free examination.

Your first appointment with the gynecologist can be nerve-wracking, but after a few visits, it will get easier. To maintain good health, visit your gynecologist on a regular basis.