What to expect from your Gynecology Appointment

Visiting a gynecologist can be a bit nerve-wracking, especially if you have never visited one before. For some people, it can be quite difficult and uncomfortable to discuss private and sensitive information about your feminine health. And the same applies to having your vagina examined by the doctor. However, you should know that performing these tests is important. And your first gynecology appointment is a great start to a future of healthy habits. You can contact us if you need to visit a private gynecology clinic in London, meanwhile, here are a couple of things to expect during your first gynecology visit.

What Can Happen During My Gynaecology Examination?

Your age and some other factors like your medical history and any possible health issues will determine the outcome of your first gynecology appointment. For example, a teenager’s first gynecology visit may only involve a talk with the doctor. In the case of an adult’s visit, some physical examinations may be conducted. Nonetheless, no matter the outcome of the examination, it is always good to know what happens during the examination.

Getting ready

You do not need to prepare specially for a gynecology appointment. Simply you need to carry out the normal hygienic practices. Put on clothes that are comfortable and you can easily change out of. You might have to bring a pad or pant liner along with you because some people experience spotting after some tests.

If you are getting a pap smear, be sure to book the appointment when you are not on your period. Also, avoid any form of sexual activity for 24 hours prior to the test. Also, avoid douching the private part or using any cream around the vaginal area for 48 hours before the test.

Relaxation is probably the last thing on your mind at this moment, but you should know that you will not be judged in any way by the doctors. Because they perform the test all the time. However, you can still inform the doctor if you are nervous as they will help put you at ease and calm you down throughout the whole process. If it makes you feel better, you can bring along a trusted person with you to the examination.

Before the examination

The doctor will ask you certain questions before the examination. The questions will be centered around your medical history, your family’s medical history, whether or not you are sexually active, and your menstrual cycles. You should let your doctor know if you think you may have an STD.  If you have a vaginal infection or another health issue. This is to ensure that any necessary test that needs to be run is done.

After the questions, your weight and measurements will be taken, as well as your blood pressure and possibly your blood and urine tests. You will then be asked to change into a hospital gown for the test.

Breast exam

When you have undressed and changed into the hospital gown. You may be asked if you wish to have a breast examination that will check for the presence of lumps or cysts. Another reason why your healthcare provider may suggest a breast examination is to show you how you can conduct self-examination later on. Although the risk of breast cancer is low in young people. It would not hurt to ease the mind, and teach you a lifelong habit.

Pap smear and pelvic examination

The purpose of a pelvic examination is to detect any possible sign or indication of STDs, ovarian cysts, fibroids, or even early-stage cancer. Pap smear is also included in the pelvic examination, and it checks for cervical cancer. It is advised that these tests should be conducted at the age of 21 for people who are sexually active. However, if you have health issues or you have a particular medical history. Your doctor may suggest that you get the test earlier. The pelvic examination involves three parts:

External examination: This examination involves the doctor looking at the outside of the vagina.

Speculum examination: This type of examination involves the doctor placing an instrument called a speculum into the vagina. And it gently opens it to enable the doctor to see the vaginal canal and the cervix. A swab of the cervix is then taken with the help of a tiny brush, after which it is taken to be examined in a lab.

Bimanual examination: This type of examination involves the doctor inserting the gloved fingers of one hand into the vagina while using the other hand to apply gentle pressure on the lower part of the stomach to feel the ovaries uterus.

Know that it is normal to feel a bit of discomfort during the examination. But know that you are not supposed to feel pain. You can distract yourself and take your mind away from the pain by taking slow and deep breaths and by relaxing your body. The whole process should be completed in about 5 minutes.

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After the Gynecology Appointment

If there are any abnormal results from the examination, the doctor will follow you upon the result. However, if you do not hear from the doctor after a few weeks, then it means you are good to go. Your results will get to you either by email, or you can see the doctor and get it.

If you are a woman and you are sexually active, you should get a pelvic examination and a pap smear test every three years. You can find out more about pelvic examinations by contacting us at Private GPs London. Give us a call to book an appointment or email us to get in touch with us.