How do I prepare for an appointment with the gynecologist?

Por

Eden Experts

March 24, 2021

It's common to feel nervous before the first visit to the gynecologist. The idea of someone examining our most intimate parts can cause us anxiety or fear. Even after the first appointment, this feeling may persist, and we may not know what to do before an appointment with the gynecologist. Find out here how you can prepare and what to expect.

If you haven't done your first visit to the gynecologist yet, it's not something you're very comfortable with or don't go to often, then we'll guide you on how to prepare for an appointment with a gynecologist.

The first time you visit a gynecologist will be after you have started puberty and your menstrual cycle. This means that each of the organs in your reproductive system is doing its part to help you ovulate month by month.

And just as with any other part of the body, your reproductive system may have different types of changes that may be normal or require medical attention.

So, as well as regular dental visits to take care of your teeth, too you need to visit the gynecologist to check your body and help you keep it healthy.

When should I have my first visit to the gynecologist?

The most common thing is that your first visit to the gynecologist occurs when you have your birthday between 13 and 15 years old.

Some women don't start their gynecological evaluations until they start their sex life or until they have symptoms or problems, such as vaginal burning, annoying vaginal discharge, irregular periods, or painful menstrual cramps.

This is not recommended and there is no need to wait so long to have your first gynecologist appointment. In fact, the sooner you start your checkups, the better.

What will happen when I have my first gynecologist appointment?

“What will they do to me? Will it hurt? Will it be uncomfortable?” These and many other questions are common before we walk through the office door.

Feeling nervous is normal, but remember that You can be calm. It is most likely that your first appointment with the gynecologist will be simple, and for the most part your doctor will simply spend time talking to you.

This conversation is essential, because, before we proceed to examine you, he will need to know more about you. The questions usually have to do with your medical history, family history, and sex life.

More specifically, these questions include if you are sexually active, if you take contraceptives, if you use protection during sexual intercourse, and if you have been pregnant or have had an abortion.

We understand that you may feel uncomfortable dealing with such personal issues, especially if it's with someone you've just met. Pero It is very important that you are completely honest with your doctor. This information will allow you to learn more about your health and will be able to identify present and future problems, if this is the case, we are approaching a quality health service.

And in case you have any doubts: no, it won't hurt!

Es importante que des respuestas claras cuando visites a tu ginecólogo. — It's important to give clear answers when you visit your gynecologist.

How should I prepare for my gynecologist appointment?

Prepare for an appointment with the gynecologist It's not complicated.

Here are three steps that will help you organize yourself a little better and clear up your doubts when preparing for your appointment, regardless of whether this is your first time, if you attend regularly, or if you have not attended for a long time.

Choosing your gynecologist

The first step is choose a doctor you're comfortable with. Depending on different situations, you may not be able to choose your gynecologist, for example, if assigned to you by a health system. Don't worry if this is your case, you can always look for more options.

If you don't know where to start, you can talk to a friend or family member to recommend a professional. Whether female or male, The important thing is that you feel more comfortable.

Schedule your appointment and get ready

When you are going to schedule your appointment, be sure to reserve it for one day in which you know that you will not be menstruating.

Keep in mind that you don't need to prepare yourself too physically either, carrying out normal hygiene like the one you do every day is enough to go to the gynecologist.

If you're worried about whether to go waxed or not, keep in mind that it's solely your decision. You should know that You don't have any need to shave. You are the one who decides.

Clarify your ideas

You must keep in mind the reason for your appointment when you enter the office. Organize your ideas according to what you want to ask the gynecologist about your sexual and reproductive health.

Remember that There are no silly questions, and even less so when it comes to your health.

Making a list of the issues that concern you is always a good idea. For example, you may have questions about sexual intercourse, your vaginal health, the use of contraceptives, your breast health, your menstrual period or suspected pregnancy, and many others.

Feel free to ask him any questions you may have your gynecologist, after all, is there to help you and not to judge you.

En tu visita al ginecólogo puedes hacer preguntas sobre todo lo relacionado con tu salud reproductiva. — During your visit to the gynecologist, you can ask questions about everything related to your reproductive health.

What tests will I have at my gynecologist's appointment?

Depending on what you've discussed with your gynecologist, your age, your medical history, and other factors, he or she will decide what tests you should have.

Some doctors prefer to leave the tests for the second appointment. So if this is your first time going to the office, it's likely that they won't do any to you.

The most common tests performed by a gynaecologist are:

General physical exam

This exam is quite common at the first appointment. Your doctor will measure you, weigh you and take your blood pressure.

Breast exam

This test, also known as clinical examination of the breasts, consists of feeling your breasts to check their health and find out if there are any abnormalities, such as a lump or abnormal discharge.

Exploración clínica de las mamas. Examen pélvico durante consulta ginecológica. ¿Cómo me preparo para mi cita con el ginecólogo? — Clinical examination of the breasts.

Pelvic exam

Its purpose is look at the reproductive organs to rule out problems.

It is an exam that It is not performed on all women. It is more common for women with an active sex life or for those who have certain symptoms in the vagina or abdomen.

To do this, your doctor will ask you to undress from the waist down and lie down on the stretcher with your feet placed on supports that will hold them at a greater height.

This way, you'll begin to look at the outside of your vagina. You will then examine your interior with a speculum (metal or plastic instrument), which will help you open the walls of your vagina.
Your gynecologist may insert fingers (with gloves) to feel the vulva and rule out signs of infection, and may also take a sample for analysis.

Keep in mind that the more relaxed you are, the better the test will go. Being tense can cause you to feel discomfort and discomfort that you will need to report to your gynecologist.

This type of test is not common at the first visit.

Examen pélvico durante consulta ginecológica. ¿Cómo me preparo para mi cita con el ginecólogo? — Pelvic exam during gynecological consultation.

Cytological test

Through this test, the doctor will collect with a special instrument a sample of the cells that cover your cervix and then analyze them in the laboratory with specialized medical equipment.

The objective is detect problems or infections, and even rule out the presence of cancer cells.

This test is usually part of the pelvic exam.

Ultrasound

By means of a ultrasound or ultrasound, your doctor may rule out or detect some malformation in your uterus.

This can be done by inserting a probe through your vagina or directly over your abdomen to be able to view specialized images with PACS systems.

What if I haven't seen a gynecologist for a long time?

If you have not seen a gynecologist for a long time, it is important that you recover the frequency of your consultations.

Consulting this specialist works Essential to answer all your questions and prevent various diseases which may be common and some others more serious, such as sexually transmitted diseases, cervical cancer and breast cancer, among others.

It doesn't require a lot of effort to prepare for an appointment with the gynecologist, just plan and organize your ideas for the consultation.

Keep in mind that the main objective What is the duration of a visit to the gynecologist Discard the existence of changes in your reproductive organs that may indicate risk of developing a disease.

If detected early, the chances of treatment will be higher for any disease.

Now, after the first date, the next ones will be much easier for you. However, if you don't feel comfortable with the gynecologist you chose, you can change it at any time.

It is important that it is someone who inspires confidence in you, because you must go to the office every year, even if you feel well and don't have any symptoms. Remember that your health is in your hands!

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