Why Your First Visit to the Gynecologist Is Nothing to Be Afraid Of

Research suggests that around 81 percent of women first visit a gynecologist at the age of 16. Some go a little earlier, some a little later, but regardless of when you schedule your first appointment, it’s likely to be an important date in your diary – and one that might make you feel anxious or unsure beforehand. We want to help make that first visit a little less scary, so read on to find out exactly what to expect at your first visit to a gynecologist. 😊

• Why girls and women see gynecologists
• How to find a gynecologist
• What happens at your first gynecologist appointment?
• Other frequently asked questions before the first visit
• What happens during a vaginal examination

Why girls and women see gynecologists

Before we dive into the details of your very first gynecologist appointment, there’s one thing we need to get out of the way: Seeing a gynecologist and getting regular examinations is really important. Preventive care makes a huge difference to your health at any age! Getting checked regularly means that any changes to your health can be identified and treated before they get serious. However, the reason for your first visit to a gynecologist could be any number of things: Perhaps you want to start contraception, or you’ve been experiencing problems with your period or severe menstrual cramps. Or maybe you want to get more information before you have sex for the first time. If you experience persistent abdominal pain, itching or redness in your intimate area, or heavy vaginal discharge, you’ll likely also see a gynecologist. Hopefully, though, most of you will first book in with a gynecologist for a straightforward intimate examination and to find out more about contraception.

How to find a gynecologist

When it comes to choosing a gynecologist, many young women just go to the same physician as their mother. This is a quick and easy way to find a gynecologist, and it’s someone your mom already trusts, so that takes away some of the initial uncertainty. However, if you want to find a different gynecologist, look for one who offers special consultations for teens. Some gynecologists offer this service, and it can be really useful when it’s your first visit. Also think about whether you mind if your gynecologist is male. If you’d feel more comfortable being examined and treated by a woman, then look for a female gynecologist. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable. After your first appointment, if you don’t feel comfortable going to that gynecologist again, don’t be afraid to find a new one. Even adult women switch to a new gynecologist if they don’t feel comfortable or heard.

What happens during your first gynecological examination?

You’ve probably been wondering what exactly will happen at your first appointment with a gynecologist. Well, we’re here to answer that question for you!

The first part of the appointment will be a conversation between you and your gynecologist. This allows your gynecologist to get to know you and find out more about the reason for your visit. Your gynecologist wants to win your trust and make your first visit and examination as comfortable as possible for you. They’ll probably ask you a number of questions during your first conversation:

• Why have you booked in to see me today? The gynecologist wants to know the reason for your visit so that they can decide what needs to happen during the appointment. And, of course, this is all part of getting to know you better as a new patient.
• Do you have regular periods and when did they start? This is important information for your gynecologist, as it allows them to get a better picture of your health and development.
• Do you get period pain before or during your period? Is it particularly painful? It’s important for your gynecologist to know about any period pain so they can help you with it.
• Have you ever had sex? This is obviously a very intimate question. However, your gynecologist needs to know so that they can determine the requirements for your physical examination and tell you about the HPV vaccine.
• Have you had the HPV vaccine? If you don’t know for sure, check with your parents. The HPV vaccine is a vaccine against human papillomavirus.These types of viruses can cause cervical cancer, which is why girls receive the vaccine between the ages of 9 and 14. The vaccine should be given before you have sex for the first time. If you don’t have sex before you turn 17, you can wait until then to have the vaccine.

Your gynecologist will also ask you if you’ve thought about contraception. They can provide information on various contraceptive methods and the possibility of pregnancy. In fact, this is one of the most important parts of your first gynecologist appointment. Understanding what happens in your body around ovulation and understanding that you can get pregnant during this part of your cycle will help you be more responsible.

Other frequently asked questions before your visit to a gynecologist

Can I only book in to see a gynecologist once I’ve had sex for the first time?

You don’t need to have had sex to go see a gynecologist. In fact, it’s usually better if you book in before you have sex for the first time. This enables you to get all the information you need in advance, ask about contraception, and decide on your preferred method.

Can I go to my appointment alone or do my parents have to come with me?

It’s entirely up to you! If you feel more comfortable bringing your mom with you to your first appointment, then do that. But if you prefer to go alone, that’s totally fine too. Or you can ask your mom to stay in the waiting room while you go into the appointment alone. You decide what you feel most comfortable with.

Do I have to undress at my first appointment?

This is the one thing that most girls worry about. If you have any uncomfortable symptoms or severe period pain, your gynecologist will want to examine you to find the cause and help solve the problem. If you want to start contraception, too, your gynecologist will generally want to examine you to make sure everything is OK before they prescribe it. But there’s no need to worry, because your gynecologist will know that your first visit will probably be a little uncomfortable for you, and they’ll be extra careful.

Our top tip: Wear a long top that covers your behind. That way, you’ll be able to keep your intimate area covered until just before the examination.

What happens during a vaginal examination

A vaginal examination includes checks of the inside and outside of your intimate area. During the external part of the examination, the gynecologist will take a close look at your vulva and check for any redness, which could be a sign of infection. For the internal checks, the gynecologist will use a speculum to look at your vaginal walls and cervix. Usually, they’ll take a swab from your cervix too, which will be checked for any signs of abnormal cell changes in the lab to rule out cancer. This check is part of preventive cancer care and is repeated regularly throughout your life. The gynecologist will also use their fingers to check that your uterus and ovaries are a normal size. If you suffer from severe period pain, your gynecologist may also suggest an ultrasound to try to find out what could be causing it.

Your first visit to a gynecologist can feel scary, and it’s something that lots of girls worry about. But if you know exactly what to expect, that should take some of the anxiety away. We hope that we’ve been able to help with that – because preventive healthcare is so important and all girls and women should see their gynecologist regularly!

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