Relax, this isn't actually a torture device.
A yearly pelvic exam is a vital key to women's health. It can provide early detection of cervical cancer, infections, and promote good vaginal health. If you have not had one by the age of 18 it is recommended you start and schedule them every year thereafter. If you have never had a pelvic exam, you may be feeling a lot of anxiety and that may even cause you to put off the procedure. Hopefully after reviewing this article you will feel more educated, and at ease with the process and will learn get the most benefits available to you during your visit.
Instructions
1. First, you will need to schedule an exam. If this will be your first time, ask friends and family members for recommendations about gynecologists they are familiar with. It's going to be very important you feel comfortable with whomever you choose, so it will be to your benefit to listen to feedback from others who are more experienced. Once you have made a decision, schedule your exam.
2. On the day of your exam, be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early. Chances are there will be some paperwork to fill out if this is your first visit. Be sure to bring any insurance or medical cards with you to your appointment.
3. After you are seated in a waiting area by a nurse, she will ask some general health questions. She will most likely note your weight, height, and vitals along with blood pressure. You will then be informed that the gynecologist will come in to answer any questions you may have, and take some more information from you. You will not be asked to change into a gown yet.
4. Now your gynecologist has entered the exam room. It is very important to gauge your comfort level. Honest communication is very important during a pelvic exam, so if you do not feel you are going to be comfortable speaking candidly about your body and sexual history or making requests, it is okay to stop the exam and re schedule with another physician. Do not go any further if you know you would not like to see this physician again, doing so may cause a lot of anxiety during the pap smear procedure and may deter you from scheduling future pap smear exams.
5. Provided that you have decided you are comfortable with your gynecologist, you will now be asked a series of questions about your sexual history and some pertaining to your daily health and body. Do not be embarrassed to answer candidly. Your doctor is not there to judge you. He/she needs this information to determine and assess your risks for diseases or infection, as well as current habits that may be detrimental to your use of birth control or other contraceptive related processes. It's a good idea to request at this time to have a full STD screen during your visit. If you meet the age requirements, your doctor will also inform you about vaccinations that are available at this time to help protect against cancer and or disease. You will be able receive your vaccinations and std screening all in the same visit. This is also a good time to bring up birth control if you are considering it. Your doctor can answer any questions you have and give you informational pamphlets on the product. Regardless of your physician's opinion on a product, I advise that you NEVER make a decision about birth control on the spot. If you are having any hesitations or there are any known medical conditions that you feel may make a pap smear difficult, do not be embarrassed or hesitate to discuss these with your physician now. He/she should make your needs feel validated and understood, and that will help lessen some of the anxiety as well.
6. Your Gynecologist will now leave the room and request you change into the cloth gown provided. Remove all under garments, including your brassiere. If you are choosing to recieve any vaccinations, they may be administered by your nurse while you wait for the doctor to return.
7. Your physician is back and you are ready to begin the exam. There may or may not be a nurse assisting her at this time. Do not be alarmed if there is one in the room, you may ask that they be removed if you feel too uncomfortable. According to your clinic's policy your request may or may not be honored. You will be helped into position and your legs will remain in stirrups. Your doctor should explain each step as he/she goes along. First a speculum will be inserted into the vaginal canal. This will be an extremely brief process. She will use a small brush to collect samples from the cervix. It may feel uncomfortable but again, this is a very short process. Once that is done, your doctor will give a short exam using his/her fingers. They are checking for any irregularities in the vagina, and will feel your lower abdomen simultaneously to check the rest of your reproductive system. Again, relax this is very brief.
8. Once the vaginal exam has been completed, your doctor will be doing an exam of the breast and axilla area. This also, will not take very long and may bring mild discomfort. Once the breast exam is completed your doctor will inform you when you can expect the results of your pap smear and STD screening. If your doctor noticed any infection during your exam you will be given a prescription with instructions for treatment. Your doctor will leave the room, you may now get dressed and congratulations to the first timers, you have made it through your first pelvic exam! You can feel good knowing you have made a great decision in protecting your vaginal and reproductive health!
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