Aa
how is it done????
im really nervos about my 1ST gyno exam because both of my vagina lips cover my vagina an i dont understand what they do, should i be chill or worry?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi and thanks for using the forum.
It is perfectly normal and understandable to be nervous about your first gyno exam. You probably feel nervous because you don't know what to expect. IF you have already scheduled your appointment, make sure that when you go, you let the nurse and doctor know that this is your first exam. They will be sure to explain everything to you and will help to put you at ease. If you want, and if it will make you feel better, you could bring your mom, sister or friend with you. When you go, the doctor or nurse will take some information from you about your health history, they will check your blood pressure, weight and sometimes a urine test. You will be asked to change into a gown (you will need to take both your undewear and bra off). For the exam you will sit on an exam table and put your feet in stirrups (foot holders). You will then slide your bottom down to the end of the table and lie on your back. Your knees will be bent. The doctor will ask you to let your knees relax and fall open. The doctor will look at your external vagina, making sure that everything looks ok. Then the doctor will use a speculum (a plastic or metal tool) and will insert it into the vagina. This is done gently and does not hurt (sometimes it just feels weird). The speculum is then used to open up the vagina so that the doctor can see inside (again this doesn't hurt). The doctor may do a PAP test, which is when he/she takes a sample of cells from the cervix. This is done with a cotton swab and little brush. The speculum is then closed and removed. Next, the doctor will insert 1 or 2 gloved fingers from one hand in the vagina and press on you belly with the other hand. This is so they can feel your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. Sometimes, the doctor will also do a rectal exam by inserting one finger into your rectum. The whole exam takes about 5 minutes or so. The doctor will tell you that you can get dressed and will discuss any issues/questions that you may have. I hope this answers your questions and helps to put you at ease a little. Good luck.
Bridget
It is perfectly normal and understandable to be nervous about your first gyno exam. You probably feel nervous because you don't know what to expect. IF you have already scheduled your appointment, make sure that when you go, you let the nurse and doctor know that this is your first exam. They will be sure to explain everything to you and will help to put you at ease. If you want, and if it will make you feel better, you could bring your mom, sister or friend with you. When you go, the doctor or nurse will take some information from you about your health history, they will check your blood pressure, weight and sometimes a urine test. You will be asked to change into a gown (you will need to take both your undewear and bra off). For the exam you will sit on an exam table and put your feet in stirrups (foot holders). You will then slide your bottom down to the end of the table and lie on your back. Your knees will be bent. The doctor will ask you to let your knees relax and fall open. The doctor will look at your external vagina, making sure that everything looks ok. Then the doctor will use a speculum (a plastic or metal tool) and will insert it into the vagina. This is done gently and does not hurt (sometimes it just feels weird). The speculum is then used to open up the vagina so that the doctor can see inside (again this doesn't hurt). The doctor may do a PAP test, which is when he/she takes a sample of cells from the cervix. This is done with a cotton swab and little brush. The speculum is then closed and removed. Next, the doctor will insert 1 or 2 gloved fingers from one hand in the vagina and press on you belly with the other hand. This is so they can feel your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. Sometimes, the doctor will also do a rectal exam by inserting one finger into your rectum. The whole exam takes about 5 minutes or so. The doctor will tell you that you can get dressed and will discuss any issues/questions that you may have. I hope this answers your questions and helps to put you at ease a little. Good luck.
Bridget
I would explain myself more fully, but do not want to on an open forum. But you probably know what I am thinking.
Isn't this rather young for such an exam? Unless there is a specific indication, I do not see the need. Certainly I was not examined at that age, nor were my three daughters.
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