The 3 Main Things You Should Do to Get the Most Out of Your Gynecologist Visit

Seeing a gynecologist for the first time can seem very foreign and scary to most women. The thought of discussing intimate topics and letting a stranger examine your vagina makes one uncomfortable. Well, guess what, gynecologists are aware of how terrified their patients can be, so they do their best to get rid of that uneasy feeling. So if you’re thinking of starting your reproductive health journey, the Arlington OBGYN center is the right place for you.

There are several things you can do to help you get the most out of your gynecologist visit.

Schedule an Appointment

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, your first visit to the gynecologist should be when you get to the age of 13. However, there’s no need for a pap smear until you are 21 years old or when you become sexually active.

You should schedule an appoint either online or by giving the doctor a call.

Preparation Before the Exam

You need not worry about grooming your hair in a specific way because that is not what the gynecologist is concerned about. To them, this is a medical visit, and they are there to assess your reproductive health.

Schedule your appointment when you are not on your period. You should also refrain from douching or having sex a few days before the visit. This is to help you get the most accurate results during your visit.

Make sure you know your medical history, menstrual as well as sexual history. You could even write them down beforehand. You could also bring a family member or a friend with you if you’re feeling very anxious.

Things to Discuss with Your Gynecologist

Once you get to the gynecologist, there are four main exams to expect. The first one is the talking exam followed by a possible breast exam, a bimanual, as well as a speculum exam.

For the speculum exam, your doctor will conduct a pap smear using the speculum device. As for the bimanual exam, your doctor will manually insert two fingers in your vagina to test for abnormalities such as cysts.

There are several things you should discuss with your gynecologist during your appointment.

Painful Periods

Most women experience menstrual cramps when they are on their period. However, if you notice that the pain has become severe, you need to discuss this with your doctor. The pain could be a sign of uterine fibroids or other medical conditions. Therefore, it’s essential to speak up early.

Low Libido

It’s important to let your gynecologist know if you are experiencing low libido. The doctor will determine whether it is as a result of the medications you are currently taking or whether there is an underlying condition.

 There’s no need to panic because many times it can be as a result of stress from work, so it’s best to let them know just to be sure.

Vaginal Odor

If you have noticed changes in your vaginal discharge as well as vaginal odor, then you need to let your gynecologist know. The doctor will be able to diagnose whether you have Bacterial Vaginosis or a yeast infection.

Bumps “down there.”

You need to let your doctor examine you if you notice a lump or an abnormal growth on your vagina. This could be a sign of herpes or genital warts; therefore, it’s best to detect it early so you can begin treatment.