Gyno exam & 1st time sex ... Not sure what i'm doing...

[Worried_Confused]

Ok so please dont anyone responding ridicule (sp) me...I have never been to the gyno before but i am geting more serious with my bf and would like to take our relationship to the next level with sex but i am scared to DEATH of getting pregnant. I will definitely make him use a condom but still without being on birth control there is no way i will do it. So...along with being scared to death of getting pregnant i am also terrified of the gyno apt. I am very self conscious, im not the perfect little size 2 girl, im more like a 250 pound girl and not big on opening up my legs to let anyone look in. I am also very nervous about the whole exam process. I have heard from friends who have been that it is the most uncomfortable experience and that it hurts...A LOT!!! Can anyone explain to me the whole process of what i will be doing there from begining to end? What all will the dr do to me?
Thanks in Advance!

[sera300]

First it does not hurt. The doc will bring you in and ask you a host of questions. The nurse will take a blood (finger stick) to check your blood counts & an urine analysis (void in the cup) to make certain your urine is fine. They ask questions, have you unchanged, alone. You put legs in stirrups and your lower body is covered you with a sheet, & upper is covered with a gown. Generally they warm a speculum and will slowly open it...looks like a duck bill. They take a sample of the cervix using a small swab which resembles a tiny brush/comb & puts it on a slide to examine. If necessary the may to other tests at that time. If you take a deep breath & relax the muscles there is no pain.

The the speculum is removed. And the doc lubes up a few fingered gloves...and does a bi-manual exam to feel your uterus and ovaries. lastly they check the rectum quickly. You go in clean up (in the bathroom) they give towelettes. And then return to the office so the doc can go through issues with you and answer questions...do you want birth control? Questions re: sex issues? And expect the weight management to be brought up. Why? It is a serious issue.

They will call you in about a week with your test exams. All practitioners should explain the process before they do anything. Most experience pain b/c they tense up their muscles. It's painful at all; I find it about as much fun as going to the dentist...they are necessary "evils" to maintain good health.

The more you relax & let your knees drop to the side...the better off you are...out of politeness, be certain to shower prior to going to the doc for an exam. This is something you must get accustomed to as a woman...otherwise you are jeopardizing your health. My mom dragged me when I was 13 I did not want to go. She did not explain why nor did the doc explain a thing. I think I was traumatized...was not sexually active. At that time I was still happy riding my bike. Thankfully she did. My paps came back abnormal--dysplasia. A few biopsies and treatment & the abnormal calls went aways...these are indicative of cancer...or of a severe infection which I did not have.

Sexual health for both men & women are imperative. You may feel uncomfortable...it does not bother an of us as practitioners...and respecting a patient's shyness through keeping them covered is helpful. Write out a list of questions beforehand. Bring them with you, and be certain to ask. If you have a question after leaving call the office...most are happy to call you back. Be certain when you go in the exam room you let the nurse or doc know this is your first exam...these are no big deals...you have heard exaggerated responses form women.

Discuss options of his using a condom to prevent STDs and you using a BC method to prevent pregnancy. This is part of what we need to do to be healthy! Taking the first step is the worse part but there is nothing to fear...just the unknown!

[Brandye]

In sexual health: women, the whole process is described. If you have a human doctor it should be educational and not very uncomfortable. It is never enjoyable to put your feet in the stirrups but it is part of being a healthy woman.

Good for you! Putting things in their proper order: 1. exam 2. prescription 3. sex.

Your priorities are straight.

[sera300]

Sorry Brandye...I missed your stickey on that one...would have been easier then spelling it out!

Nonetheless, you [the OP] has the priorities in order and is being responsible!

Originally Posted by Brandye

In sexual health: women, the whole process is described. If you have a human doctor it should be educational and not very uncomfortable. It is never enjoyable to put your feet in the stirrups but it is part of being a healthy woman.

Good for you! Putting things in their proper order: 1. exam 2. prescription 3. sex.

Your priorities are straight.

[Worried_Confused]

Thanks to the both of you, you have answered all my questions and eased my mind about the whole thing. I actually just got off the phone with a gynocologist office and i have an appointment in a few weeks!
Thanks again!

[atomic]

I haven't been to the gynae yet, and I'm quite terrified too as well. But then, I am in my late 20's already and only became sexually active a year and a bit ago.

I am making it a priority this year to overcome my fear and do it!

[KMB]

exactly what Sera said I had my first Gynetologist appointment for the first time and check me out and it was a little weird for me only it went really well.

I'm about to go back soon myself, because me and my boyfriend are ready.

I hope all goes well

[sera300]

Originally Posted by atomic

I haven't been to the gynae yet, and I'm quite terrified too as well. But then, I am in my late 20's already and only became sexually active a year and a bit ago.

I am making it a priority this year to overcome my fear and do it!

For your health you need to see one...there is nothing to fear expect the unknown. Once done, it's fine...not the best thing that day I can find to do much like going to the dentist. It is so VERY important. Most important find? Seek one who is good with women who are to new to exams...ask a few friends. Trust me...it's not bad. But the outcomes of not going over time can be. Please ATOMIC make the appointment.

[demonbuttercup]

I'd rather go to the Gyno than the dentist! LOL
I HATE the dentist!

[sera300]

Originally Posted by demonbuttercup

I'd rather go to the Gyno than the dentist! LOL
I HATE the dentist!

Its debatable for me....I get to see each this month...and the dentist more frequently recently. Then all the other stuff. Just packed with spinal taps, MRI's, gyn exams, hormone tests, and extensive dental work. When I go now....my rule is forget the Novocaine just do it. Spinal tap? Just do it forget about it, skip the Fluoroscope...no worries any more..LOL!

I know why you love your dentist, lol!