What Can You Expect at Your First Gynaecologist Visit

Every woman would have to see an ob-gyn at some point in her life. Some people with a vagina see a gynaecologist after their first period. Your gynaecologist can be your best friend with whom you can discuss different issues, including vaginal changes and reproductive issues. You can feel at ease with your gynaecologist about female health issue even if you don’t feel comfortable discussing these issues with other people.  

If you’ve never visited a gynaecologist but planning to see one, you may feel nervous and not know what to expect. Below are things you should know before you schedule your first gynaecologist appointment

You must have a reason for scheduling your first gynae appointment

Health experts recommend that girls between 13 – 15 years can see a gynaecologist. This will help them start building a relationship with the gynaecologist at an early stage and discuss different topics that can help them prevent sexually transmitted diseases. These girls can also receive advice on other health care issues.

If you didn’t visit your gynaecologist at an early age, you can still schedule an appointment and ensure you visit a gynaecology clinic every year for a check-up. You want to choose a gynaecologist you feel comfortable with to have open and honest conversations about any issue that bothers you.

It is normal to be nervous, but you don’t have to feel nervous

Seeing your gynaecologist should not be an issue or make you feel nervous. However, feeling nervous when you want to see a doctor for a private or personal issue is normal. Try not to let your gynaecologist appointment overwhelm you.  

You may have a female chaperone if you need a pelvic examination. Although pelvic examinations put most patients under pressure, it doesn’t cause pain. If you feel uncomfortable during your examination, you can tell the doctor and ask to stop the procedure that causes you discomfort.

You don’t have to shave or wax before your appointment

Some women prefer to shave or wax before their gynaecologist appointment. However, shaving or waxing your vagina before your gynaecological exam is not necessary. Grooming your vagina is a personal choice.

Being clean before a gynaecology appointment is a good idea, so you may consider using a vaginal hygiene wipe or showering before the visit.  

You can have someone with you or have the person wait outside during your visit

If it makes you feel more comfortable, you can have a family member or friend present during your visit to the gynaecologist. Some patients prefer to have the person during their exam, and the doctor would not ask the person to leave except you request that.

Be honest with your gynaecologist

Ensure you prepare to be open and honest about your habits, sexual history, concerns, health and fears with your gynaecologist. You can only receive effective healthcare when you establish clear communication with your doctor.

Your conversations with the gynaecologist are private and protected by privacy laws, so you should feel worried about the gynaecologist giving out details of your conversations.

Rescheduling your appointment if you are on your period may be best

Getting a gynaecological exam when you are on your period is not a good idea. If you require a pap smear during your gynaecology exam, the blood may cause an inaccurate result. Hormonal changes during your periods can make a breast examination uncomfortable.

Bleeding may also make a pelvic exam messy, so you should consider rescheduling your appointment if you are on your period.

Drink water before your appointment

You may need to give your urine sample for a test during your visit to the gynaecologist. A common exam during a gynaecology visit requires you to pee in a cup. This test is known as the dipstick test, checks for certain foreign substances in the body.  

The test can identify bacteria that indicate a bladder infection or sugar, which indicates diabetes.

You may not need to give a blood sample   

 A routine exam with your gynaecologist, you may not have your blood drawn. Drawing your blood may only be necessary if you have health issues like irregular periods or need a complete STI screening.  

You may not need pelvic exams if you are below 21

Routine pelvic exam and Pap testing are not necessary for women below 21 years, except the person has a health issue that requires these screenings. Experts recommend routine Pap testing and exams for women above 21.

An internal exam is not necessary before getting the birth control pill

Having a vaginal examination before getting hormonal contraception is not necessary. However, you may consider getting an abdominal pelvic exam that does not include a genital exam. The abdominal pelvic exam can provide all the information needed to get hormonal contraception.  

The timing to start hormonal contraception varies. If your period is normal, you can start the contraception after your next normal period without getting a pregnancy test.

You can see your private gynaecologist in London for your routine gynaecological exam.