There are a number of things you can do to prepare and educate yourself for a visit with your OB/GYN. The most important is to understand that your doctor has one focus for your appointment: to use the time to make sure you are healthy and that you stay that way.
1. Are pelvic exams necessary?
Pelvic exams are part of the typical pap smear exam. If you’re under 21 and not sexually active, according toMayo Clinic, many doctors don’t believe a pelvic exam during a pap smear is necessary until a woman is sexually active or over age 21.
2. What should I ask my doctor?
No topic is taboo. If you have questions or concerns, write them down before to the doctor’s office. Unusual bleeding between menstrual cycles, pain during intercourse, or any changes in your body are important to discuss with your doctor during this visit. Understanding areas of concern can help in maintaining your health over the years. If you are over 18, all information is considered confidential.
3. Does my doctor need to know what supplements I take?
Yes, bring a list of your vitamins and supplements to your visit. Over the counter supplements can often be as important as your prescription medications. You should always prepare a list of medications you take on a regular basis and any changes since your last visit. Your OB/GYN needs to know about other procedures performed by your primary care doctor or other specialists.
4. What’s involved in a self-exam?
Self-exams are important part of your routine health and can catch potential problems in their early stages. By using a hand mirror, note any changes in color of your genital area, as well as any extra tissue, bumps or blisters, and discuss those during your visit. While there’s no standard screen for vulvar cancer, the American Cancer Society says havingpelvic examsand knowing any signs and symptoms of vulvar cancer greatly improve the chances of early detection and successful treatment.
5. What needs to be shaved before a pap smear?
Shaving your genital area before your visit is not necessary. Whether you groom or not is unimportant to your doctor, but basic hygiene is appreciated. Your normal bathing routine is fine before your pap smear. If you are on your period, however, you may want to consider rescheduling your visit.
6. Will I need to give blood?
In most cases, lab tests are a normal part of the exam. The American College of Obstetrician and Gynecologistrecommend screeningfor cervical cytology and testing for the human papillomavirus (HPV). Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by infection with HPV. A typical exam will also screen for common STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV.
7. How does my age effect my visit?
What stage of life you’re in will play a part in your exam as well. Teens and young women will be more focused on birth control, fertility, and STDs. Women over 30 may want to discuss different hormonal changes, vagin*l dryness or decreased sex drive. Menopausal and post-menopausal women will still want to continue yearly pap smears until they’re in their late 60s. Discuss the right plan for you with your OB/GYN.
Any questions or concerns you have not covered in this article should be addressed with your doctor’s office before your appointment.
FAQs
8 Things You Should Know Before Your First GYN Visit
- Don't wait until you're having sex to see a gynecologist. ...
- You don't have to get naked. ...
- No need to be nervous. ...
- Be prepared for questions from your doctor. ...
- Your doctor expects honesty. ...
- You can expect patient-doctor confidentiality. ...
- You don't have to be alone.
How to become an OB-GYN
- Graduate from high school. Pursuing an obstetrician and gynecologist career starts with high school education. ...
- Earn a bachelor's degree. ...
- Go to medical school. ...
- Complete your OB-GYN residency. ...
- Become certified and licensed. ...
- Continue your education.
OB-GYNs focus on women's reproductive health, whereas reproductive endocrinologists focus on factors impacting fertility, which may involve both females and males.
How do I prepare for my first Obgyn? ›
How to Prepare for a Consultation with a Gynecologist
- Make Sure You Know Your Medical History. ...
- Write Down any Concerns or Questions. ...
- Bring Along any Medication. ...
- Avoid Sexual Intercourse Before Your Appointment. ...
- Wear Loose, Comfortable Clothing. ...
- Arrive Early. ...
- Prepare for Billing. ...
- Find Out if You Need to Prepare Anything.
Do I need to shave or wax before my appointment? No, you don't need to shave or wax. However, if there's something going on with your skin, shaving or waxing will make it easier for your physician to evaluate the area.
Should I take my socks off at the obgyn? ›
You'll need to take off everything, including your bra and underwear, but most clinics are happy to let you keep your socks on.
Should I shower before a gyno appointment? ›
Other Things to Know About Your OB-GYN Visit
You should always shower with soap before your appointment with a gynecologist to maintain proper vagin*l hygiene. However, it is not necessary to shave or wax your pubic area beforehand.
At what age should a girl go to OB GYN? ›
What is the right age to take this step? The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that girls first see a gynecologist when they're between the ages of 13 and 15.
Can men see a reproductive endocrinologist? ›
Most couples seek initial consultation with a reproductive endocrinologist (REI), who performs both the initial male and female evaluations.
What tests will a reproductive endocrinologist do? ›
There are several tests that physicians can use to evaluate the condition of the uterus and the ovaries, such as measuring hormone levels, charting basal body temperatures, viewing ultrasound and X-ray studies, or looking directly into the abdominal cavity with laparoscopy or into the uterus through hysteroscopy.
Reproductive endocrinologists are what people consider to be typical fertility specialists. Gynecologists who are additionally trained in infertility and fertility treatment, they treat both male and female issues related to conception. They manage and carry out a variety of fertility tests and treatments such as IVF.
Can you wear a tampon to a gynecologist appointment? ›
After you check in for your appointment and a medical assistant takes you to the exam room, let them know that you are on your period. You can remove your tampon, pad or menstrual cup in the restroom. Inside the exam room, pads are available to lay underneath you if needed.
What if I'm on my period at the gyno? ›
As long as your period is not heavy, you shouldn't be concerned about it interfering with your Pap test result. Your gynecologist appointment is also an opportunity for you to get screened for a sexually transmitted infection, undergo a breast exam, and receive any vaccines – all of which are very important.
What should you not do before seeing a gynecologist? ›
If you have irregular periods, that's something you should mention during your appointment. For two days before your exam, you should NOT: Have sex. Douche.
How do I prepare for my first gynecological exam? ›
Two days before your Pap test, avoid intercourse, vagin*l creams, suppositories, medicine and douches, as these may obscure abnormal cells. Should you groom or not groom? However you take care of your body, you should keep doing it. It is important for you to feel comfortable during your first exam.
Is the first gyno exam painful? ›
You can expect discomfort but not pain.
This can be uncomfortable but it's not typically painful. If you use tampons or are already engaging in penetrating intercourse, then the pelvic exam won't hurt. For patients who are not sexually active or do not use tampons, then the pelvic exam may be a bit more unpleasant.
What does a gynecologist do on his first visit? ›
The first visit may be just a talk between you and your doctor. You can find out what to expect at future visits and get information about how to stay healthy. You can ask questions about your body, growing up, and sex. You may also have certain exams and vaccinations.
