Your First Pelvic Exam

[Brandye]

Twenty-four hours is plenty of time to "recover."

[Lonewolf*]

lol I'm hoping it just for the one day. I told my boyfriend that and he was kind of upset because he thought that meant that he couldnt hold me. I dont think I'll mind being held, I didnt mean that. I just meant like nothing else.

lol no big deal to them, maybe, but to me it still is.
Thanks though. Glad to hear someone else would be uncomfortable being touched by others the same day. Told my sister and she was like, What? No I'm fine afterwards.

[Horizon]

i was okay with being touched probably like the next day too.

dont worry about it, the first one is always the weirdest. but just dont think baout it while you're there, think about something else. its not that bad, its more nerves then anything that make it seem so bad at first. but afterwards you'll realize that it was really nothing

im not saying you'll ever be comfortable with going, i know im still not and i've been going for the last three years but its something thats important to do

[Lackadaisical]

I am 17 years old, adn am leaving for university this summer (summer baby) and I still haven't had my first 'gyno' visit yet. The fact that I've been with my boyfriend for several years and we have been doing "things" but not having sex makes me a little bit uncomfortable about it. I know my doctor wont tell anyone, but I still have al the anxiety about opinions, and fears, etc. I actually have a close family history of breast cancer and miscarriages, as well as slightly unusual periods that leave me a little bit worried about it. I know it;s important that I see a gyno, but as yet, I have none, and am a littl bit nervous. Ummm..I don't really have a question, except can you get a prescription for birth control from your doctor at the time of a gynocologist visit? Because that will hopefully happen in the summer if I can get to my father's where I have a family doctor (who will hopefully) take me back for that.

[Brandye]

By age 17 it is certainly time for your first gyn exam. I am glad that you are aware of your risk factors because simply knowing about them makes it more likely that you will either sidestep them or discover problems early. Yes, you can ask for a prescription for birth control at that visit. It is often helpful to be seeing a doctor who is accessible because it is not unusual to have to adjust the pill you are on initially.

[-arsyn-]

is there usually a smaller size of speculum that they have available to use? for instance at planned parenthood. and in what cases would they use the smaller rather than the bigger?

also, how long might the actual physical exam take? like not including the questions asked beforehand. also how long would the speculum be in there? i'm really afraid to go because of the stories i've heard about how "uncomfortable" it can be, and to me that sounds painful.

[Brandye]

Planned Parenthood does not generally do gyn exams but that is a good place to start. They may have a free clinic. Yes, there are smaller speculums. I have three different sizes and your weight, more than anything, will determine which the doctor may use. Because of the amount of tissue in overweight women, a larger speculum may be required. I often do not use a speculum with virgin teens; once they become sexually active, a smear needs to be taken and that requires the use of a speculum.

The exam itself takes only several minutes. Your breasts and surrounding tissue will be palpated; abdomen pressed and an internal, with a finger, will be done while pressing the abdomen. The speculum shoulod not be inside more than a minute or two. It is not "comfortable" but need not be painful. The pain is generally caused because the patient does not relax sufficiently, so you can really control that part.

[Sweetness12]

ok, Brandy- I'm scared because i dont want my doctor to tell my mom that i'm sexually active.. Can doctors tell your parents? how can the doctor tell when i have been active? i am 16, and i have only had sex 5 times, but I play a ton of sports and i own horses and ride them often....will this have any effect? With the size of my boyfriend matter too? I have to go for my first examt next week and i am scared out of my mind.... now that i've read this, i'm not as scared... but the feeling is still there...

[Lackadaisical]

I don't know if this has been covered, (probably has, sorry) but I'm really self conscious about my lower regions, and only like my BF to see them. Obviously, he can't give me a pelvic exam, and I trust my doctor, it's just....weird.
I shave my vaginal area, and I wonder if I should let the hair grow back before a visit, or just keep it shaven...and is there any advice for women as to what to do before the visit (ie-washing techniques, or time limit on sexual contact beforehand). If it's been posted, just a link or direction would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to anyone who replies...this just isn't something I want to ask my mom...

[Lackadaisical]

And sweetness, I'm pretty darn positive it's illegal for your doctor to tell your parents anything at all. (Doctor/patient confidentiality).