Going to the Gynecologist

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Getting your first period is exciting; it means you’re becoming a woman. But you probably have a lot of questions, too. Here are some answers to questions most girls have.

Q. How should I prepare for my first visit? A. Don’t use yeast medications, spermicides or douches in the 24 hours before your exam. If you’re sexually active, it’s best not to have sex the day before. Write your questions down so you don’t forget them when you get in the office. When you arrive, ask if they will want a urine specimen. If not, urinate before you see the doctor. The examination will be more comfortable.

Q. When is the best time to schedule a gynecological exam ? A. Generally it’s the week after your period. Breasts tend to be least lumpy, so any serious lumps will be easier to feel. The worst time is the week before your period. Breasts may be swollen and sore. You can have a pelvic exam during your period, but try to avoid it. The presence of blood makes Pap smears hard to read.

Q. What should the doctor know? A. Be honest. Don’t withhold health information because you’re embarrassed. Doctors are professionals. They need to have all the facts to take care of you properly. Most will tell you that they’ve seen it all. With that in mind, make sure your doctor knows.

  • Your family’s medical history
  • Your entire sexual and gynecological history
  • If you’re using birth control or are at risk for a sexually transmitted disease
  • If you’ve had unprotected or forced intercourse
  • If you’ve experienced any unusual bleeding
  • If you’ve had any discomfort or itchiness
Go ahead and ask your questions. Remember that list you wrote up before your appointment? Pull it out of your purse and refer to it so you don’t forget anything. Make sure you understand the doctor’s explanation. Ask until you understand.

Q. What can I expect during the breast exam? A. Your doctor should spend at least 30 seconds on each breast. Also, you should be doing breast exams at home to familiarize yourself with your own anatomy and to notice any changes or lumps. Lumps are often fibroids or cysts, but the more comfortable you are with examining your breasts, the more likely you are to find any growths or tumors. Not sure how to do a self-exam? It’s easy. Your doctor can show you how. Request a card or pamphlet with how-to information to refer to at home.

Q. How can you get the most thorough pelvic exam? A. The doctor will first examine the external surface of your vagina, feeling for bumps or sores. These might be an indication of an ingrown hair, a blocked gland, a herpes blister or a genital wart. Next a speculum, a device that holds the walls of the vagina open, will be inserted. The doctor will examine your vaginal walls for sores and inflammation and your cervix for discharge, signs of infection and damage. He or she will probably take a Pap smear, a little scraping of cervical cells. It doesn’t hurt, but it might feel weird. Afterward, a little spotting is normal, but tell your doctor if it’s more than a few droplets of blood.

Breathe deeply. Count the dots in the tiles on the ceiling. Let your mind wander. Make small talk. Do whatever it takes to relax your muscles. Relaxation makes the whole thing more comfortable for you. As the gynecological exam progresses, most doctors will tell you what they are seeing. If not, just ask what’s happening. “Everything look normal?” is a great question.

Next is the manual exam. The doctor inserts two gloved, lubricated fingers into your vagina while pressing gently on your abdomen. This is how she or he checks out the surface of your uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. It usually doesn’t hurt. Try to relax. Breathe slowly and deeply.

Finally, a rectal exam. If your doctor doesn’t make this exam a regular practice, ask for it. It’s important. This step, in which one finger is in the vagina and the other is in the rectum, helps detect rectal lesions and growths (an early sign of colon cancer) and helps find endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and any misalignment of the uterus and other pelvic organs.

Q. Anything else I should know? A. The doctor should summarize the outcome of your exam and give you a chance to ask more questions. Find out when you can expect the results of your Pap test, and have them mailed to you. (Call if you don’t get them.) Now is a good time to discuss any other health concerns you have. If the doctor seems to be in a hurry, find out if there is another time when you can talk in more detail. Getting your questions answered is important.

You should not feel awkward, uncomfortable or dissatisfied with your physician/patient relationship. If that’s the case, check your health insurance plan to see if changing doctors is an option. Nothing is more important than your health.

Q. What if I get a prescription? A. If your doctor gives you a prescription, here are some questions to ask about it: What is this? What does it do? Any foods I should avoid while taking it? Are there any other drugs that interact badly with this? How long do I have to take this? Will I need to refill the prescription or make another appointment to see you? Is there a generic version that’s cheaper?

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What others are saying.

alesia , 6/11/2008 9:38:17 AM
never been never going!

celeste, 6/14/2008 6:23:17 PM
alesia, going to your obgyn is a normal and routine part of being a woman. Its not painful, but is a little uncomfortable. And the best part is this-it can save your life! Cervical cancer can kill-and your doctor will screen your cells for this. Also, if you are sexually active, he or she can test you for sexually transmitted diseases-some of which are harmful to your health, and must be treated with medicines only your doctor can give you. Well worth the once a year visit that only takes half an hour of your time.

carrie, 6/17/2008 2:49:52 PM
i've never been(cuz i dont need to yet) and although its important, it would be sooooo awkward for me!! especially if it was a boy, it should be illegal for boys to be gynecolegists!! theres no way a girl could be more comfortable with a boy then a girl, no way!! i would die of embarassment if i had a boy gynecologist, a girl is bad enough, but a boy??? no way!

celeste, 6/18/2008 2:39:18 PM
Well, some docs say you need to go about a year after your first period. Or when you become sexually active. It's weird, and awkward, but a doctor is a professional. I have had the same doctor since I was 16(a year after my first period and while I was still a virgin) and I'm 30 now. He's like a part of my family! I knwo it sounds strange, but you just do it....go once a year, and during your exam, just look up at the ceiling and count the tiles, or just hum a little song to yoruself. Bottom line, is you ahve to go eventually.
And a pelvic exam is a medical procedure. A male doctor or a female doctor is simply doing their job when they perform an exam on you. And whether you ahev a male or female doctor, there will be a nurse there as well as teh doctor. You say a boy doctor...but a doctor is a doctor. As I said before-they are professionals, and its a simple medical procedure-my advice is to find a doctor with the help of your mom or other adult in your life and stick with the same doctor. 'it helps to know your doctor well. Good luck, Carrie.

Elizabeth, 6/23/2008 9:59:58 AM
These articles have been very helpful. My daughter is eleven and going through many body changes. I expect her to start her period any time now. I am so glad I have found someplace to get help for the many questions we both will have about this event in our lives. My appreciation is beyond words. Thanks, Kotex.

Tim Drummond, 6/25/2008 6:19:55 PM
this really help me understand what my girlfriend was talking about.

doris, 6/29/2008 5:21:35 AM
thanks. this helped me a lot

isabela, 7/14/2008 12:18:09 AM
normal or not ...its sickening and highly disturbing to me
...i'll be scarred for life

Britt, 7/15/2008 6:03:40 PM
I am not looking forward to my first gyno visit....a few friends of mine have went and told me that the PAP Smear was violating to them, and sort of painful. I dont know...but yeah, I'm still a virgin (I'm 16 btw...) and the speculum might hurt me. But this article has helped me some, and this information has made me understand what would go on during the visit.

a person, 7/15/2008 10:42:03 PM
my aunts sister is a nurse practitioner who deals with this stuff and she said to me you dont go to the gyno until u have a problem! i will never EVER go unless i have a problem..... ewwwwww

ashley, 7/16/2008 11:57:23 PM
i feel the same way but ive been on my period for a month i think i have a problem

me, 7/17/2008 9:24:39 PM
....good to go whether you are sexually active or not.... HPV, cervical cancer, breast cancer, good to take preventative measures... cancer is very common.

Also, if you are sexually active, it is even more important to have an exam at least once a year.

marcy , 7/23/2008 1:51:08 PM
i'm 13 and i've had my period for a year. When do you think I will have to go? I am soooo dreading ot.

Michaela, 8/3/2008 10:13:39 PM
okayy. so i've been on my period for about 4 years now, and for the most part, my period has been normal.
butt... lately its been coming late. this has happened for atleast 2 months.
idk wats wrong! (im not sexually active) does anyone know wat might be causing this wierd change?
it was wierd cuz i started getting killer cramps 2 weeks before i even started for this month. and i should've started on the 28th but it did'nt come till the 31'st or the 1'st of this month....
is it time for me to see a gyno??

Hanna, 8/4/2008 5:37:23 PM
You're supposed to have your first visit when you're 16. So marcy, no worries! its okay. its not anything to dread... :) You don't need it at all before you turn 16, so forget about it until then. :)

Ms_gyno, 8/8/2008 12:38:33 AM
The gynecologist is nothing to be afraid of. They understand exactly how uncomfortable you are and are amazingly sympathetic to that. Shyness should never keep you from protecting your health. As SOON as you are sexually active you should begin annual gynecological visits. No Exceptions.
Also, it is offensive to the practice to say that men should not be gynecologists - just because they do not share the same anatomy does not mean it is inappropriate for them to practice. If you are uncomfortable with having your doctor be a male, it is 100% acceptable to ask for a female doctor. Your comfort in the exam room is of upmost importance.

Bubbles, 9/8/2008 11:30:19 PM
I am 14 and I have only had my peroid for about 6 months. My sister is 17 and she hasn't gone to a gynecologist. When are you suppose to go? I am not only asking for me but her also. My mom doesn't really talk about this stuff, so I wanted to ask u guys. This website is alot of help. Thanks you guys and Kotex. :)

Sara , 10/13/2008 9:11:32 AM
i have not been to the gynecolgist but i am kind of scared of going should i be worried and does it hurt?

Mesha, 10/26/2008 8:39:37 AM
Going to the gyno is no big deal. Its not as bad as people make it seem. It doesn't even hurt. If you're nerves you could always look at the ceiling or send text messages like I do. That trip to the gyno could save your life. Don't wait until you think you have a problem to go, it just might be too late to fix the problem then. I have a male doctor and its not at all weird or uncomfortable, as I thought it would be. I have been going to him for the past 3 years.

monica, 10/28/2008 7:48:13 AM
I enjoy going to the gyno, I get to ask questions about my body that i'd never ask anyone else and have true/correct answers. The anual tests could save my life,too. A little uncomfortable but needed to stay healthy.

emerald, 11/18/2008 11:56:34 PM
I have never had most of this done i feel like i was cheated out of my health. I glad that i am on the hunt for a new gyno. loved the information

chanelle, 11/20/2008 9:21:10 PM
I'm fourteen and I am having my first gyno appointment tomorrow. I'm really kind of freaked out about it. I lost my virginity this summer, but we only did it once, and he was a virgin too, and we decided not to do it again. But I'm scared that something will become of it in my body. Not to mention how akward it must be.. help! =|

kecia, 11/24/2008 10:21:37 PM
i am 16 and have never gone to the gyno. i was wondering like what i would wear? should i shave or anything down there?? BTW everything on this site helped me!!
thanks alot!!!

softballsam13, 12/2/2008 1:07:31 PM
Speaking from experience: Don't worry about your first exam so much. I know where you are coming from though. I never went until I was 23 and was avoiding going even though I was having problems. A good friend of mine actually dialed her gynos number and handed me the phone. If not for her decision to do so I wouldn't have found about a potentially fatal condition I have had since birth. So find a close friend or your mother and go for it... It is not that bad, honestly.

Mel, 12/19/2008 3:35:29 PM
I was wondering if the doctor does an internal exam even if you're a virgin.

Age30, 12/31/2008 9:23:01 PM
Mel,

The first time I went I was about 18 and had never been sexually active. The internal exam was painful for me, and the doctor stopped. The doctor will use his/her judgment as to how thorough your exam should be. And by the way, when I say it was painful, that was my experience but I think that varies a lot from person to person.

Side note: I also had A LOT of trouble trying to use tampons as a teen, even though I was following the directions and actually had my mom trying to help. (I always seemed to get my period during beach vacations but despite many attempts I was never able to get a tampon in due to the pain.) Some virgins may have no pain at all, but others will. Everything you read will say that inserting a tampon doesn't hurt if you are doing it correctly, but that may not be true if you are a virgin. Don't think there is something wrong with you or with your technique if, as a virgin, you find it impossible to insert a tampon. (If you are not a virgin, then it is true that using tampons should not hurt at all.)

Karen, 1/7/2009 9:02:29 PM
Mel, When I was a teenager I had a lot of trouble inserting a tampon until I tried the plastic applicators instead of the cardboard ones. Worked well, I used them from the age of 14 until now at the age of 47.

Also, for anyone out there that is embarrassed to be examined by a gyno. , why not try a female doctor. You may be more at ease with a lady than a man. That's just all part of growing up and just think about it this way, everyone is in the same boat. Nobody likes to go to the gynocologist. Good Luck!

Sarah, 1/15/2009 9:39:39 AM
Yeh the gyno?? I dont think so. I mean some one looking down there?? WEIRD! ALso, i gott go my gram. had vignal cancer cuz she never went. So i gotta go! HELP!!!!!!!

Megan, 1/16/2009 7:44:13 AM
Ill be 21 in a couple days n have never been to the gyno. i've had pain in my right side for a couple months n its scaring me to death. my mom and grandmother had ovarian cysts n im hoping thats all it is but im so afraid they'll find cancer. also, in the past couple months my cramps have gotten worse n that came with the pain in the side. HELP!!!

Lindsey, 1/16/2009 11:29:50 AM
This is for all the young ladies who have never been.

The good news:

NO it does not hurt. I will say that much. Its painless and usually doesn't take longer than 5-10 minutes.

The not so good news:

You sit in a chair that leans back and you have to put your feet in stir-ups so god any everyone gets a very clear view of what's under your dress. And they usually have cold hands. Which always makes me jump when they touch me.

I am a very sensual person and am very comfortable with my sexuality, but this is some thing I will never like. I lose sleep over going to the gyno. And I HATE THE NURSES. They just walk in and stare at your crotch, like you are a specimen under a microscope. They do not introduce themselves. they just walk in and look at your crotch and talk to the doctor like your not even there. I hate the gyno and must say that while it is not painful i would rather have a root canal.

Rebecca, 1/23/2009 2:06:27 AM
I'm 13, 14 in june and i'm scared of going to the gyno. My lil sis is almost 12 and she will prob. start her "." soon and then have to go and i might have to go as well. I don't even have my "." yet. Or my mom might make me go cuz she says i'm a late bloomer cuz she started when she was 12. am I a late bloomer? And should i have to go if i don't even have my period. I"m really worried about it. I'm mean wouldn' it hurt having someones hand and all down there in you???? Please tell me.

katherine, 1/25/2009 9:03:00 PM
So this may be a stupid question, but...... does a pap smear afect your period... like will it cause your period to be late?

Dana, 1/27/2009 5:50:00 PM
Hello everyone, this my be a crazy question and I'm certainly new to the tampon world, but do tampons expire?

Ashley, 2/1/2009 1:07:29 AM
Dana,
I don't think so. I'm not sure, but i've read the box over and over again, and nothing ever comes up as "expires in..."
I'm 13, and i got my period last november. When should i visit the gyno ?

Jessica, 2/7/2009 12:10:16 PM
This article was very helpful. I'm twenty now, but I started going since I was 15. I never had an uncomfortable experience at the gyno and my ob/gyno is a male. Him and the staff are all very nice.There is nothing to be afraid or embarassed about. The annual check ups are not painful. Until I read this article, I had no idea that the pap smear involved scraping the inside of the cervical walls. I didn't even notice or feel anything.

Andie, 2/8/2009 6:10:45 PM
uuuumm........ i am a little scared to go i am only 13 but still if i have to go at 16 that is not far off. do i have to go to a special place or can i just go to my regular doctor(a women, yes!) if there is anyone that can help me please help i think i will try to talk to my aunt about it but still it is odd for someone to be down there

deary!, 2/17/2009 12:47:00 PM
pls i want to get pregant and i ve tryed all the methods pls what will i do?

Shannon, 2/22/2009 10:37:42 PM
One of the things that I love about my gyn is that she is FACOG. She has additional training in the field. I know that each state is different but the new ones that have never been might want to check into seeing if there are any in their areas. Also since my gyn is a female, it is just her and I when I have an exam which makes me a lot more comfortable I dont feel like I am flashing everyone. My doctor also in a college town so sometimes when I go and ask questions, I know that she has seen it all or almost everything. Hope it helps.

kate(urgent) please awnser, 2/24/2009 11:03:58 AM
i just got my period 4 weeks ago, i am supposed to get my next one in two days. the problem is, in two days i am going on a vacation......that includes swimming..... which means tampons....and i am very scared to insert one... can someone please tell me how to put one in!!!!!!!!!!!

abby_URGEENNTT, 3/4/2009 2:39:32 PM
i'm 14 and my period sttiilll hasn't come ! i'm really worried and i'm afraid to talk to anyone . i don't know any other person that doesn't have it and idk , i need someone to help me !

kiddo, 3/6/2009 7:00:08 PM
abby your not the only one with these kinds of problem,it`s okay if you miss your period during the 1st and 2nd year.but it all depends.just don`t worry about it if your still a virgin,and sometimes your cycle changes.

Maya Ali, 3/19/2009 4:28:20 AM
I wanted to know is the female douche kit safe and effective and can a virgin use it? If so how?

Nogard , 3/24/2009 2:07:34 PM
hey maya ali, um whats a female douche kit?

Rachel, 4/7/2009 4:42:32 PM
I just started mine this year (15 years old). I have a HUGE anxiety problem. So even reading this article got me nervous. I know this is supposed to happen, but how does anyone keep calm. I have ADD too. So anyone got advice for a first visit so I can keep calm?

Maria, 4/12/2009 10:00:17 PM
well i have a 10 year old daughter and i am noticing changes in her body that are pointing to her period!!!!! its pertty scary to see ur little girl go through such changes.....( i was 9 years old) when i started my period!

Kelly, 4/23/2009 9:04:31 PM
Just wanted to say that there is nothing to be nervous about when going to the gynocologist, although you probably will be at first. If it makes you more comfortable choosing a female doctor, then do so. But, male or female, they are doctors, and professionals. Remind yourself that you are but one of many patients he or she has seen. And, don't be shy about asking questions! There is no such thing as a stupid question, and the doctor has probably heard them all.

krissi, 4/25/2009 12:05:49 AM
umm yah i have 2 go 2 the gyno and my doctor is a DUDE!!!! ok i know ppl say that it is nothing to worry about,but its a GUY and i dont want a guy looking in my vajayjay!!!i would not mind if it was a girl,but GOD!!he is soooo not looking in that area!!!!!
HEEEEEEEEEEEELP!!! -krissi

Moon, 5/2/2009 7:13:09 PM
I am 13 (TURNED IN MARCH), and I started my first period on August 11th, 08. My mom or doctor has never mentioned anything about going to the gyno, and quite frankly im scared to death!

I cry just reading this article. I mean, i know its very silly and highly important to my health, but I just /cant/ do it. Any advice besides feeding me the crap on its my health? Is there a chance I wont even have to go?

Spunk Ransom's wife, 5/3/2009 1:13:23 AM
okay umm now that i know what they do i will NEVER go to a gynecologist. EVER!! no one could ever drag me to a place like that! OUCH!

Kate, 5/4/2009 12:05:06 AM
I did not go to the gyno until I was 21 because that was recommended for my age, lack of sexual activity and healthy family history/lifestyle. I had a pleasant experience with my OBGYN (who is a male) and have no complaints. First, I recommend to any first-timers to have a doctor recommended to them. Ask your mom if she likes hers. Or an aunt or neighbor or older woman you are close to. Personal references are important. Secondly, if you are old enough to get a period, you are old enough to visit the OBGYN. Therefore, you are old enough to have a mature, calm and collected conversation about such things. You don't have to go into gruesome detail, but you also don't have to get squeamish about using technical words or terminology. Relax! It's a totally normal thing, and it's how the Creator intended for it to be!

kayle, 5/7/2009 9:25:34 AM
i think this is really helpful i am 18 and my mom never took me and i dont know if she is thinking of taking me wat do u guys think should i be going? in a way i like this because she does not medle in my buisness and ask me weird stuff

me, 5/9/2009 11:04:57 PM
i will NEVER go! to gross!

Haley, 5/18/2009 11:55:40 AM
I am 19 and haven't yet gone to the gyno. I recently just became sexually active, but now I don't know if I should or not. But thinking about going terrifies me!

AEG, 5/19/2009 5:10:22 PM
Hey all, if you're sexually active, you HAVE to go to the gyno every year -- HPV is very common and can cause cancer, not to mention other bad stis like chlamydia that you might not notice. If you're not sexually active, reasons to go would be history of cysts or cancer (breast, cervical) in your family. If you're having outercourse or oral sex, then you might need to go because HPV is transmitted skin to skin. Otherwise, unless you notice something odd, you don't need to go. Don't become sexually active until marriage; go to the gyno before the wedding. Also, I had my first period at 15 1/2 so don't worry about getting it and enjoy your freedom till then.

Shyanna, 5/20/2009 10:08:19 PM
Do they put there hands up there?????

Brie, 5/26/2009 7:19:55 PM
I hate how everyone says you 'HAVE TO GO THE THE GYNO'. I personally believe that is bull crap. Women have lived for millions of years without pervy old men shoving things up their vaginas and peering around up there. It is NOT needed. It is a precaution, yes, but it is not absolutely necessary. I'm 19 years old, have been sexually active for almost 5 years now, and I have never been, nor do I ever intend to go. I have also done extensive amounts of research and talked to many doctors and have found to my pleasure that it's not even needed when you are pregnant if you recieve adequate ultrasounds.

M, 6/1/2009 7:21:29 PM
Um... question:

Does a gynecologist lubricate your rectum if they do the rectal exam? And if so, do they just leave it in there? Does it feel weird?

I just wondered - you'd think Latex rubbing against skin would be painful.

invisible, 6/1/2009 10:47:31 PM
what would be a good age to start going to the GYNO?

michelle, 6/8/2009 9:24:11 PM
it better safe than sorry

Coryn, 6/19/2009 7:50:22 AM
I am 13 years old and I have had my period for about 1 or 2 years. What would be the appropriate age to see one? And is Brie right? Do you HAVE to see one? Will you die if you don't?

yola, 6/20/2009 12:38:54 PM
what are the symptoms the ending of theperiod of a women at 50

alicemarie, 6/21/2009 11:05:22 PM
I'm 23 and have never been. I've been semi sexually active (with one guy) for about a year and a half. Before that I had never had sex. We always use condoms. But should I be going to the gyno? I have huge anxiety problems and the thought of going makes me feel sick. I'm a very private and insecure person. Can bad things happen if I don't go? I know if I go I want a woman doc but how do i chose the place and the doc. My mom is not helpful at all when it comes to any of this. She just says I should get the pill cause I have very painful and violent periods (she doesn't know I'm having sex) but she won't give me any advice. All she says is go see a doctor.

prue, 7/1/2009 6:29:02 AM
im turning 21 next year, not sexually active, have never been to a gyne, i wanted to know when should a start seeing a gyne?

Manda, 7/6/2009 1:05:38 PM
I personally think every woman should see their gyno. I was beyond terrified to go, but i'd rather be scared for the whole '20 mins' that I'm in the doctors office to know that I'm ok or that I need medicine. What's more important? Not going could affect you not having kids.

Beth, 7/7/2009 11:47:03 PM
You don't have to do it. For me, any sort of gynecological exam has felt like rape to me--painful and traumatic. I was a victim of sexual abuse. I have had doctors force me into it or else threaten to withhold my birth control, but now I know to go to a doctor who respects my decisions about my own body. It is a myth that women need pap tests/pelvic exams every year--you should be advised on how often you need them and how thorough they should be based on your lifestyle and your preference. Being tested for cancer has NOTHING to do with whether or not you can use birth control.

Lorraine, 7/7/2009 11:48:40 PM
People who "personally think" that women should see the gynecologist once a year should rethink that. You can "personally think" that for yourself, but you shouldnt push a potentially painful, violating experience onto all other women.

alltimelow, 7/9/2009 2:45:55 PM
Im 13 and i have had my period for over 2 years. like, what r signs that you NEED to go?

Scared!, 7/15/2009 2:15:52 PM
Hey, I'm seventeen years old and have had my period since I was about thirteen... I hate having my period and so I wanted to try birth control since it says that then you only have to have it like once every three months! But my sister said that you had to see a gyno or you can't be on birth control. I am a virgin and have never used or tried to use a tampon... So I am terrified about going to a gyno... Is birth control worth it? Like, since I've never used a tampon or had sex will the exam be painful? I don't want to go to the gyno then after regret it because I feel like I'm not really a virgin anymore... Will the doctor sticking their fingers in me mean I'm not a virgin????

darian , 7/16/2009 8:58:35 PM
this is for scared.lol
i dont knoew to much about this sort of stuff..but i do know from my family that birth contol is really bad for ur body.and i dont think goin to the gyno would consider loosing ur virginity...cuz its not the same..using a tampon isnt consider loosing ur virginity.. rite???

Caileena, 7/21/2009 8:51:31 AM
When i do go to the gyno i would really like not to let my mom know. She is that sort of person that would say"so how did it go" and stuff. I would be like it wasnt that big of a deal and my mom and dad share everything. Shouldi get a friend to take me or what?

Allyson, 7/29/2009 10:33:55 AM
It's nothing really. I admit I was nervous the first time. But if you really think about it, and your self conscious. Every woman is self conscious. And how many women are patients of this doctor? So it's not like this will be the first time he's seen it.
And there will be a nurse in the room to make it more comfortable if it is a male doctor. I have a really nice male doctor. He was very good at telling EVERYTHING he was doing, and what the progress was.
Believe me, after the first time, you will be like "psh" wasn't that bad!"

Chatty Cat, 7/31/2009 5:20:42 PM
Do you go to the gyno when you get your period or at a certain age?

LS, 8/5/2009 2:26:43 PM
all five of my best friends have gone and each one has said its the most terrifying, painful, and traumatizing thing theyve ever done. None of them have ever gone back and they say they never will. One even passed out because the pain was so bad. I'm never going.

Jessica, 8/5/2009 10:47:50 PM
i'm amost 20 yrs old and sadly i have never had one. I've been sexually active for over 6 years. I need to go but i'm so nervous!!!!

Willow, 8/6/2009 3:04:59 AM
I'm not going to the gyno until I know that I have a problem, and probably not even then. There are other, less humiliating ways of detecting cancerous cells. And if they tell you you need a PAP for birth control, they're lying. Birth control has nothing to do with anything they could find from sticking a speculum up your Twinkle.

I'm an extremely private person, so going to the gyno would be beyond mortifying to me. I'm not exaggerating, I would need extensive therapy afterwords. (I hate therapists.) And the thing is, what would be gained from going? I wouldn't be one bit healthier. It's just a degrading process that I wouldn't be able to put myself through. And I'm not sorry in the least.

Mary, 8/6/2009 4:08:41 PM
Do normal doctors perform pap smears? OR do you have to go to gyno doctor?

Kai, 8/6/2009 9:12:11 PM
What if im embarrassed to go. Im 19 and I have had 2 sexual partners one in which i am active with now and we dont use protection. I want to go but i am extremely afraid and embarrassed . I'm really wondering what are some good exercises for me to do when im going to go get one.

Yesenia, 8/8/2009 2:05:32 PM
I just turned 24 and just had my first Gyn apt last month! I am not sexually active but I started doing Natural Family Planning (Sympto-Thermal) Method to track my cycles. I found out that I had ovulatory problems so decided it was time to get checked out. I work in ob/gyn, but dreadfully feared getting a pap smear and pelvic exam done on myself. It wasn't so bad, just a little uncomfortable during and even afterwards. The good news is that I was diagnosed with a possibility of PCOS early, so now I can change my daily habits to try to prevent any future infertility problems. I really recommend all of you (girls, teens, fertile, pre-menopausal, etc) to start charting your periods with cervical/mucosal/basal temperature signs. This can help you see any changes in your normal cycles that can be indications for diseases, cervical cancer, or hormonal problems. Find out ASAP! http://ccli.org/nfp

Why you should not be embarrassed
1) The female body is beautiful and comes in so many shapes and sizes although the common anatomy is the same.
2) Shaving your pubic area is not recommended by doctors due to it's importance in protecting you from disease. It would be better not to shave your thighs or pubes so that your doctor can see if you have an irregularity of hair growth that can be an indicator for PCOS (poly cystic ovarian syndrome) or another hormonal problem.
3) Your own embarrassment may come from your lack of knowledge about whats inside your body. Read all about it and look at pictures to identify anatomy. Doing NFP will also help you feel more comfortable about female issues. Be comfortable with who you are and then you can identify irregularities as soon as possible!

When to get your first pelvic exam?
1) BEFORE you are sexually active,
2) Even if not sexually active, but are experiencing painful periods, odd discharge, etc.
3) ALREADY sexually active (with or without any other symptoms of problems)

CERVICAL CANCER IS A SILENT KILLER. You don't even need have had sex to be subject to it. Just making out and engaging in genital touching or humping can put you at risk. Teenagers have died from this w/o ever participating in genital penetration. BE WARE!

Nickie, 8/13/2009 5:56:54 PM
Excuse me, did this say to ASK for a RECTAL exam? HA! No thank you. :)

Kim, 8/30/2009 9:24:37 PM
I haven't had my period for 64 days and have had my period for more than seven years. I wander if I need to go to the gynecologist.

bblaise, 9/2/2009 1:25:29 PM
what in world cantwait to go for health reasons

Nervous, 9/13/2009 11:03:56 AM
I got my period a day ago for the first time. I am so nervous to go to the bathroom because I am terrifed of making a "poo" and having blood come out. Do any of you have suggestions to get over my fear of my period??

Hailey, 10/18/2009 8:36:19 PM
Has anyone useed provera for absent periods?

Maddy, 10/26/2009 10:59:08 PM
I Had my first exam a few months ago, and the day before I was incredibly busy and hadn't slept. As soon as I sat down in that chair, I was out like a light. I pretty much woke up and thought "WHERE ARE MY PANTS?" so I don't remember much..
For everyone who's scared, don't be. You're not a totally special patient I your doctor, he/she does this ever day and you are no different from the lady before you; chill out.

xoxcheergirl, 11/8/2009 1:15:13 PM
do you have to get a breast exam as well? Are you just laying there naked for the doctor?!

maya, 11/15/2009 1:21:32 PM
im not going 2 the doctor if i have my period.they can forget about me going.

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