The first visit to the gynecologist is a big unknown for everyone. We've heard a lot about this doctor but we don't know much about him, at least not enough to feel completely sure what's going to happen once we walk through the door of the office. However, its explorations are essential to detect present and future problems. Out drama! We tell you everything you need to know about how to prepare for the first appointment with the gynecologist.

The first appointment with the gynecologist

When should the first visit be?

There is no exact age for the first appointment with the gynecologist, it depends on each woman. However, according to The American College of Gynecologists, the first visit to the gynecologist should be between the ages of 13 and 15, which roughly coincides with the first menstruation. It becomes a real necessity when you are sexually active. Many women do not dare to go to a gynecologist because they are afraid, but their consultation is essential to prevent problems.

How to choose the doctor and who to go with

  • It is possible that you cannot choose your gynecologist, because it is given to you by the health system. However, you can talk to your mother so that she can advise you of a professional she trusts. You should consider who you are going to feel more comfortable with: with a woman or with a man. Keep in mind that this health professional is going to touch you and ask you questions that might make you feel uncomfortable, which is why some women prefer a specific type of gynecologist.
  • On the other hand, you should think about your companion. You are the one who has to choose if you want to go with someone or prefer to go alone. Keep in mind that the gynecologist will be asking you questions, so you may feel less self-conscious if you go alone. You can also ask someone you trust to accompany you to the consultation, but to stay in the waiting room. Make him see that you are going to feel more comfortable going in alone.
  • In the event that you are a minor, it is possible that your parents want to accompany you, so it might be interesting to agree before the medical appointment how you are going to enter the consultation. Knowing what is going to happen at all times will help you feel less nervous. If you are concerned that the gynecologist might tell your parents something, let them know and ask what part they are going to keep confidential and what information they have to share with them.

What to expect from your first visit to the gynecologist

  1. You will likely approach your first visit to the gynecologist with a bit of nerves. Don't feel like a weirdo, it's normal! You are going to live something that you do not know and, therefore, it is absolutely understandable that you have doubts. But don't worry because there is nothing to fear. It won't hurt! Talking to your mother, your aunt, a friend or any woman you trust and who has already been to the gynecologist can help you calm down. He will transmit his experience to you and you will see that you really do not have anything to be afraid of.  
  2. In general, the first consultation with the gynecologist serves as a first contact. The doctor will try to get to know you a little better to prepare a medical and gynecological history. In this way, he will ask you some questions and, depending on the case, he may decide to give you some type of test, but an exam is not always carried out.

What will the gynecologist ask you at your first appointment?

As we have already explained to you, at your first gynecological appointment the doctor will ask you some questions to find out how you are, but each consultation is different and each doctor has his own method. It is important, however, that you answer all of these questions very honestly because they will help you get an idea of ​​your health. Remember that your doctor is there to solve all your doubts, so you should not feel bad for asking all the questions you have. These are some of the questions you might be asked.
  1. The gynecologist will ask you how old you are.
  2. It will ask you questions about the functioning of your body and your menstruation. It will ask you when your last period was, if you are regular, if you have pain, if the amount of menstruation is normal... This is the ideal time for you to ask all the questions you have about your body.
  3. The gynecologist may ask you some questions related to your daily habits because these also affect your gynecological health. He will ask you if you practice sports, what your diet is like, if you smoke, etc. He will also suggest that you talk about your family to find out what problems you might have. He will ask if any relatives have had breast cancer, womb problems, etc.
  4. He may also ask about your sex life. They will want to know if you have had sexual intercourse and, if so, what method of birth control you used or are currently using. It is important to be honest so that the doctor knows what kind of tests to do. Do not hesitate to ask him all the questions you have related to this topic.
  5. It will ask you if you think there might be some other type of problem. Do not be afraid to tell him about anything, no matter how silly it may seem: lumps on your body, change in the shape of the breast, menstrual pain, strange odors, dark discharge... Remember that the gynecologist is a professional and will not judge by what you can tell him.

What is the gynecologist going to do?

  • Based on what you have been talking about, your age, your previous medical history, etc., the gynecologist will decide what tests to do. There are doctors who prefer to leave the tests for the second appointment or later. A nurse or assistant may be with your gynecologist during the tests or perform some of the exams. If you are going to feel more comfortable, you can ask if your companion can be present during the tests.
  • These are some of the most common tests.
  • A general physical examination. This is a common first appointment test and is totally painless. They may measure you, weigh you, and look at your body for any abnormalities.
  • Urine analysis. It is possible that your gynecologist will do a urine test that will help him detect certain problems such as pregnancy, kidney   infections, etc.
  • A pelvic exam. If your gynecologist decides that you are going to have a pelvic exam, he intends to look at your reproductive organs to rule out problems. He will ask you to undress from the waist down and sit on the stretcher, placing your feet in stirrups that will hold your feet at a higher height.
  • You will start by looking at the outside of the vagina. Then she will do an internal examination with a speculum, which will help open the walls of the vagina. You may insert gloved fingers to feel the internal organs. The more relaxed you are, the better the test will go. If you are tense you may feel discomfort that you will have to tell your gynecologist. This test, however, is not entirely common on the first date.
  • A breast exam. It is possible that your gynecologist performs a breast exam that consists of feeling your chest to make sure there are no problems.
  • A cytology. With this test the gynecologist will try to detect problems or infections. He will introduce a small brush with which he will collect cells from the interior to later analyze them in the laboratory. Once again, the calmer you are, the better.
  • An ultrasound. This type of test will help the doctor rule out that there is any malformation in the uterus. Depending on your characteristics, you could have an ultrasound by inserting a probe into your vagina or directly onto your gut, for which you will have to drink a lot of water to keep your bladder full.

How to prepare for your first visit to the gynecologist

  1. Mentally prepare. If you are very nervous, you need to mentally prepare yourself for this first date. You have nothing to fear since this doctor is only looking for your well-being, solving problems and helping you solve all your doubts. He is a health professional, so he is never going to judge you for the decisions you have made or what you have done, therefore you have to speak to him honestly.
  2. On the other hand, you should not be ashamed of your doctor seeing you naked or touching your private parts. He is a professional and, therefore, he is used to doing this type of work.
  3. Prepare yourself physically. You don't need to prepare too physically. Normal intimate hygiene, the one you do every day, is enough to go to the gynecologist. If you are worried about having a bad smell, you will feel more comfortable if you go to the bathroom before the appointment to use an intimate hygiene wipe.
  4. As for the need to wax before the consultation, it depends entirely on the person. If you're going to feel more comfortable, go ahead, but you don't have any need. Up to you!
Nor do you have to worry about how you are dressed, what kind of underwear you wear, etc. It is likely that if you have to do some kind of test in which you have to stay naked, they will offer you a nightgown to feel comfortable.

How often do you have to go to the gynecologist?

If you do not have any gynecological problems, it is advisable to go to the gynecologist at least once a year. It is common for this doctor to set at the end of the consultation when the next appointment should be. Visits to the gynecologist should also be maintained during menopause, since this specialist can help us with many of the problems that this entails. Although during this new stage of life, contraceptive methods are no longer a headache, they can give you a hand with vaginal dryness, pain during sexual intercourse, urine loss... The gynecologist will have to continue being your best friend.