Most teenagers and women have a lot of questions running through their mind that they are too embarrassed to ask anyone. Especially when it comes to teenagers, the constant body changes raises a lot of unanswered questions. In a few cases they run towards their best friend seeking for an answer, but sometimes the information that their best bud gives them might be misleading or incorrect. This is what makes the first visit to the gynecologist so important.
Your first gynecologist check-up can be daunting but don’t worry it is the right thing to do when you are perplexed with so many changes taking place in your body during adolescence and early adulthood. It is an essential part of growing up and taking care of your health. All you need to do is Google “good gynecologist near me” and book an appointment!
At what age should you book the first appointment with a gynecologist?
Your first-ever gyno appointment is recommended at the beginning of puberty around the age of 13. This is a simple meeting with your gynecologist regarding your changing body before any external genital exam.
The eternal genital exam which includes the pelvic exam and pap smear tests is done later when you turn 21 or when you become sexually active.
Why should you see a gynecologist?
Given below are a few reasons to book that first appointment:
What to expect during the first visit?
Your first visit to the gynecologist is very simple. You don’t need to do much. Just shower normally (avoid using powders or creams/moisturizers) and wear comfortable clothes so that it is easy to undress.
Given below are a few things that you can expect on the date of visit:
That is why before your first visit you should find out information about the medical history of your family (especially women). Like if they had abnormal periods? Endometriosis? Anemia? Cancer? Diabetes? Other chronic illnesses? Etc. Apart from your family history, the doctor will ask you questions about your medical history. This is for getting more background information about you and your lifestyle.
After the talk, to detect any abnormalities, the nurse will check your blood pressure, haemoglobin levels, take a urine test, record your weight, and check your heart, lungs, chest and thyroid gland for proper functioning. The nurse or the doctor will also check your breasts for any abnormal pain or lumps (that can be cancerous).
After understanding your needs, the doctor will ask you to put on a gown and sit on the examining table with your feet in the footrests exposing the areas that have to be examined. Then he/she starts with the pelvic examination. A pelvic exam is done to check if all the reproductive organs (ovaries and uterus) are healthy. It is done by inserting a speculum (the duck-billed device) to look at your vagina and cervix.
This is followed by inserting one or two fingers (gloved) to feel the cervix while simultaneously pressing the abdomen down with the other hand. While performing the pelvic exam, your gynecologist will swab your cervix to collect cells samples for tests to check for any abnormalities. This is called the pap smear test. In case of any abnormality, the doctor will contact you after he/she receives the test results back from the laboratory.
Your first visit to the gynecologist can make you feel a bit embarrassed, but remember that these exams are essential for your overall health. Therefore, if you are over 13 years of age, don’t wait, book an appointment with the nearest gynecologist. Or you can even book your appointment today with our experts or send us an inquiry.
Want to consult the best gynecologists in India? Please find the links below.
