People with a vagina need to see a gynaecologist at least once in their life. Even when you do not have any issues with your vagina, it is necessary to examine the private parts of a woman at regular intervals. This can help to detect health issues or cervical problems at an early stage. As a result, you can begin the treatment process much earlier. If you are still thinking and reconsidering your gynaecological examination, we suggest you go ahead with it for your betterment.
However, many people are scared about their first visit to a gynaecological clinic. They are unaware of the processes. As a result, they have no clue about what can happen or how the doctors can approach their private parts. This is why we have come up with a blog on all that you need to know before visiting a gynaecologist. When it comes to undergoing treatment, you look for a cost-effective and functional option. Not everyone has the affordability to spend bucks after a health treatment.
But when it comes to undergoing treatment from an affordable gynaecology clinic in London, make sure you do not compromise the quality of the treatment. Before you go to any gynaecological clinic, read this blog to know everything about your first gynaecology examination.
List of things you need to know about the first gynaecology examination
The purpose of going to a gynaecologist is to undergo a screening of your private parts. Now, many people are not comfortable speaking to an absolute stranger about their private parts. Sometimes, they find it uncomfortable or intimidating to discuss your reproductivity and sexual health. To ease your discomfort and make you feel homely, here are the things that you need to know about your first encounter with your gynaecologist.
- Understand why you have set up an appointment
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, every woman between the age of 13 to 15 years must undergo their first gynae appointment. After this, they should include a yearly wellness visit to the gynaecologist’s chamber. During this visit, the doctor might ask about some specific health routine of yours like birth control options, period issues, and sexual life. he might also sometimes ask you to test for sexually transmitted infections. Do not be ashamed of all these because they are all a part of the process.
- You will not need a pelvic exam or pap test if you are below 21 years
Irrespective of your age, the medical professional will check your height, weight and other mandatory health measurements before the gynaecological screening. At the first gynaecological examination, the doctor will not check the condition of your reproductive organs. However, if you are sexually active, he will want to undergo STI testing. But if you are 21 years and above, he will recommend you a pelvic exam along with a Pap smear test.
- Contains a pelvic exam
If you have never visited a gynaecologist’s chamber initially, you must wonder what happens in a pelvic exam. Generally, a pelvic exam can be divided into three parts. First, the doctor will examine the exterior portion of the genitalia. Next, he will perform a cervical and vaginal examination with the help of a speculum. Finally, the doctor will perform a bimanual exam to screen your reproductive organs.
- You can get birth control without a pelvic exam
When doctors prescribe birth control, they do not recommend a pelvic examination. This will help them to make solid decisions. If you want to know about birth control options, convey this to your doctor. Here, the doctor will ask you about your preferences and behaviour. This will help them to understand what suits them best. Also, you need to convey what you are comfortable with. If you want the doctor to recommend you something, make sure you can use it conveniently.
- Looks do not matter
Many people have insecurity and feel bad about how they look when a gynaecologist examines their private area. Well, you do not have to feel ashamed about it. Here, you have to understand that you have gone to a gynaecologist to ensure that you do not suffer from any problems related to your vaginal area. The primary purpose of examining your private parts medically is to ensure your better health. So, it would be better to go to a gynaecologist after taking a shower. This will keep your private parts clean and allow the doctors to examine them thoroughly.
- Discuss your sex life and menstrual cycle
Before you reach out to a gynaecologist, make sure to have an idea about the first day of your last period. Besides, learn about your menstrual cycle, how it starts, its symptoms, PMS symptoms and everything related to the menstrual cycle. If you are facing trouble getting pregnant or having difficulty getting your period, convey this to your gynaecologist. Furthermore, the doctor will ask you about your sexual activity. Do not worry about any kind of disclosure of information. No gynae will expose it as it is beyond their ethics.
- Have an idea about your family’s medical history
Whenever you go to a gynaecologist, your doctor will ask you about the family’s medical history. This can be pretty tough to remember. But knowing about your family’s medical history can help you in the long run. A lot of diseases rely on genetics. Besides, tell your doctor if you have taken any vaccination. If it is the human papillomavirus, make sure to specify this to the doctor.
- You have control over the appointment
By this point, we mean, you can determine if you would like to reach out to a male gynaecologist or a female one. Many people are not comfortable speaking in front of gynaecologists of the opposite gender. If you belong to this category, determine the gynaecologist first according to your preference and then go ahead with the remaining procedure.
Conclusion
Therefore, the gynaecologist can be of utmost importance to you if you want to lead a healthy life. Make sure to get your appointment with your gynaecologist early. Otherwise, it might be difficult to fix an appointment for later.