Life as a teenage girl can be tough, and your first visit to the gynaecologist can be even tougher. It's natural for girls to get a little stressed and anxious about their first visit, but it's also vital for your health that you don't skip it. Try reading the tips listed below to relieve your worries as much as possible.
1. Pick a Female Gynaecologist
Male gynaecologists will be completely professional and know how to put you at ease, but there's still no denying that many women will feel far more comfortable seeing a female gynaecologist instead. If having a fellow female performing the inspection is going to make the first visit just that little bit less stressful, there's no reason not to go for it. Luckily, a quick online search should be enough to locate a female gynaecologist in your area.
2. Talk to an Older Woman
Though they can often be sources of comfort and advice, friends your own age might be liable to spread horror stories about gynaecologists. Ultimately, they'll probably be just as nervous as you, and possibly quite ill-informed. This is why it's best to talk to an older woman, such as a mother or other relative. They will be able to provide you with information and advice based on their own experience. Passing on this information can also represent a great bonding experience.
3. Be Honest
Your first appointment will usually involve your doctor getting to know you a little bit, and they should ask questions concerning your medical history and your own sexual health. It can be tough to answer these personal questions, and many girls are tempted to lie about their sexual activity. However, doing so is never advantageous and will likely make you more flustered. Establishing trust will make the experience much more tolerable.
4. Know What to Expect
Sometimes your first appointment will just involve some routine questions and a basic examination of your weight, height, and blood pressure. However, it's important to understand what other examinations you might go through.
The doctor might conduct the following procedures:
- Breast Examination: Involves checking your breasts with their fingers in order to detect and lumps or other possible issues.
- Pap Smear: A small number of cells are scraped from your cervix using a special brush, then sent to a laboratory for testing. But this is not as painful as it sounds!
- Pelvic Examination: Usually conducted if you've had sex, especially if you have symptoms of an STI. Your gynaecologist will examine your vagina by having you lie on an examination table with your legs kept open by special stirrups. This may involve opening your vagina with a speculum to examine inside.