WHAT TO EXPECT: YOUR FIRST GYNECOLOGIST VISIT AT SHANNON
Seeing a gynecologist for the first time can be overwhelming. You may have
heard stories online or from friends, and it’s normal to feel nervous
about your first appointment.
At Shannon, our goal is to keep you healthy and share important information
about caring for your health, inside and out. This page is designed to
answer questions you may have before your first gynecologist appointment
at Shannon.
PARENTS: Feel free to read the information on this page and share it with
your child ahead of their first gynecologist appointment. Some things
may have changed since you were their age, and you’ll want your
child to feel comfortable and confident going into their appointment.
These conversations may feel awkward at first, but don’t worry –
we’re here to support you and your child on the journey to better health.
WHAT IS A GYNECOLOGIST?
A gynecologist is a medical professional who specializes in female reproductive
health. This includes understanding and treating issues with the uterus,
fallopian tubes, ovaries, breasts and hormones in the body. Gynecologists
can treat female reproductive concerns throughout your life.
At Shannon, you may see a doctor or nurse practitioner trained in gynecology
for your first gynecologist appointment. You may also see a family practice
doctor or nurse practitioner for your first appointment. You can learn
more about our OB/GYN providers
here.
WHEN TO SEE A GYNECOLOGIST
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends scheduling
your first visit between the ages of 13 and 17. Early visits to a gynecologist
establish care with a doctor you can trust and ask questions about puberty,
periods and your reproductive health. If you are sexually active or experience
painful periods or other issues, you may need to see a gynecologist sooner.
PARENTS: Looking for a gynecologist or other healthcare provider for your
family? Contact our Doctor Matchmaker service at
325.747.2343 or email
DrMatchmaker@ShannonHealth.org.
PREPARING FOR YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT
It’s totally normal to be anxious about seeing a gynecologist for
the first time. Knowing what to expect and preparing ahead of time can
help you feel more comfortable.
Grooming and Hygiene
In the days before your appointment, stick with your usual hygiene routines.
You do not need to shave, wax or groom yourself differently if you don’t
want to. Your gynecologist has seen all types of bodies before, and grooming
habits will not affect your appointment.
We recommend avoiding the following for two days before your appointment:
Sexual activity
Douching
Using powders or creams
Inserting anything into your vagina
Medical and Family History
Before your appointment, we also recommend you prepare a list of questions/concerns
and know your medical history.
Your first appointment is a great time to ask questions about:
Irregular periods
Unusual discharge or color
Painful periods
Urinary issues
Hormones, puberty and body changes
Safe sex and birth control
Knowing your own medical history and your family’s medical history
can also help your gynecologist understand your overall health and be
looking out for certain conditions that run in your family.
What to Wear
At your appointment, you may be asked to change into a clinical gown (like
a hospital gown) for modesty and comfort. We recommend wearing comfortable,
two-piece clothes and shoes that are easy to remove so you can change
without stress.
If You Get Your Period Before Your Appointment
Did you get your period the day before or the day of your appointment?
That’s totally okay! You can still come to your appointment as scheduled.
Many women have their appointments while menstruating, and it won’t
affect the exam or the procedures we may do, like a pelvic exam or Pap smear.
If you’re uncomfortable with the idea of having your appointment
during your period, please let your gynecologist’s office know so
you can discuss rescheduling or adjusting your appointment. Overall, your
period won’t interfere with the care you receive at your appointment.
Our goal is to make sure you feel comfortable and confident as possible.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT
The first visit to the gynecologist is all about getting to know you, your
lifestyle and your body.
To begin, your gynecologist or a nurse will record your height, weight
and blood pressure. This provides a baseline understanding of your health.
At this point, you may be asked to change into a gown for your appointment.
Your gynecologist and nurse will step out of the exam room so you can
change. You can also use the plain sheet provided to cover your legs.
Privacy & Parents
During your appointment, it’s common for a nurse to be present along
with your gynecologist or nurse practitioner. Their job is to listen to
your concerns and make sure you are healthy. Talking about bodies is their
job, so nothing is too embarrassing to share.
The gynecologist is also listening to better understand you and your body.
They may ask you questions like:
When did you get your first period?
Are your periods regular? Are they painful?
Are you sexually active, or thinking about being sexually active?
If you are sexually active, what contraception methods do you use?
Your physical activity level
Your family history (especially any conditions related to reproductive
health, like certain cancers)
Your parent or guardian is welcome to stay in the exam room during your
appointment, but it’s not required – in fact, your gynecologist
may ask them to leave so you can have a private conversation on your own.
What you discuss is between you and your gynecologist, so feel free to
answer honestly and speak up about your concerns.
Physical Exams
For your first visit, your gynecologist may not need to perform any physical
exams during your appointment. However, some of these may be necessary
depending on your age and any different concerns you have. Your doctor
will take time to explain each exam, so you know what to expect.
During a
breast exam, your gynecologist will have you lie on your back so they can examine
your breasts for lumps or cysts. Your doctor or nurse practitioner will
carefully feel your breasts and the surrounding areas to check for any
unusual lumps or changes in tissue. It’s very normal for women to
have different shapes, sizes and textures in their breasts. The goal is
to be aware of what is normal for you and your body, so you can identify
potential problems early.
During a
visual exam of your pelvic area, you’ll lie down on an exam table with your knees bent upward and
your feet in stirrups, with a sheet draped over your knees. Your gynecologist
will visually examine the vulva (external genitals) to make sure there
are no sores, swelling or other problems.
For the
internal (pelvic) exam, your gynecologist will place one palm on your abdomen and two fingers
inside your vagina to check the position of your uterus and ovaries. While
this exam may be uncomfortable, let your doctor know right away if you
are experiencing any pain during a physical exam.
What about a Pap smear?
A
Pap smear is a test that checks your cervix (lower part of the uterus) for unhealthy
cells that could indicate cervical cancer. Pap smears are usually done
after age 21, but if you have specific concerns like heavy periods or
pain, you may need a Pap smear sooner.
During a Pap smear, your gynecologist will use a tool called a speculum
to gently open your vagina to access the cervix. Then, they’ll use
a small spatula to collect cells from the cervix, which are then reviewed in a lab.
HPV and STI Testing
Your gynecologist may also ask if you have received the human papillomavirus
(HPV) vaccine from your pediatrician or family practitioner and offer
it if you haven’t received it. This vaccine protects you from several
kinds of HPV, which can lead to health issues like genital warts, or in
more serious cases, cervical, anal, throat or other cancers.
If you are sexually active, your gynecologist may also recommend testing
for common sexually transmitted infections. These tests may involve taking
blood or urine samples, or swabs of the cervix. Your gynecologist or the
nurse can explain how you can access your test results confidentially.
QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS? WE’RE HERE FOR YOU!
At Shannon, our goal is to keep you healthy and share important information
about caring for your health. For more information about OB/GYN care at
Shannon or to schedule your first appointment, call us at
325.747.2285.
NEED A GYNECOLOGIST, PCP OR OTHER HEALTHCARE PROVIDER?
Looking for a gynecologist or other healthcare provider for you or your
child? Contact our Doctor Matchmaker service at
325.747.2343 or email
DrMatchmaker@ShannonHealth.org.
