The first visit to the gynecologist: everything you need to know before going

It is very common for all women just before their first appointment with a gynecologist to be nervous since, mainly, they do not always know what to expect or how the consultation will develop. Therefore, they can take the first visit to the gynecologist as a challenge. Generally, for the same reason, many drop out, that is, they prefer not to attend the specialist, without knowing that this appointment is really extremely important for the good of reproductive and sexual health. Mentioned this, in this article, with the collaboration of obstetrician and gynecologist, we will share some tips to avoid those nerves before an appointment with a gynecologist, especially before your first appointment and thus, be able to take the courage of attend without worries generated. This is all you need to know!

Gynecologist or obstetrician, which one to go to?

To understand the importance of assisting with this professional, it is important to know what the doctor knows and what exactly he specializes in. Starting with the definition of gynecology; it basically refers to the specialty that is in charge of caring for the female reproductive system. Gynecologists are in charge of reviewing the woman's reproductive system, so they care for and treat conditions that are related to the ovaries, the uterus, and the vagina. Now, obstetrics is a branch that, like gynecology, analyzes the medical and surgical aspects related to the female genital tract, as well as the stages of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. However, generally, obstetrics deals more with situations related to pregnancy and maternity. As a result, some obstetricians cannot treat the various diseases in their specialty. However, complementing the information described above on gynecology, this is generally focused on menstrual disorders, inflection of the walls of the uterus, polycystic ovaries, menopause, reproductive medicine, among others.

At what age go to the gynecologist for the first time? 

It is considered that the first appointment with a gynecologist should be scheduled between 13 and 15 years of age. However, many women wait until they have their first sexual relationship or when they suffer from some discomfort to see the gynecologist, something that is not recommended. However, within the first consultation with the gynecologist, the doctor will take a detailed clinical history of your general state of health as well as a general physical examination, which in our country is considered a "first contact doctor" and is extremely important because From this first consultation, alterations are discovered that may go unnoticed by the patients and be a reason for referral to other specialists.

How is the first appointment with the gynecologist?

If you have never attended a gynecologist, it is important to know that it is very normal to feel nervous, embarrassed, ashamed or afraid, mainly because we are talking about a consultation that focuses on something new, that is, unknown. Therefore, the first thing you should know is how the query will start and how it will develop:

• First of all, you should know that the gynecological consultation is a confidential conversation, so you should be as honest as possible in your answers. The doctor will begin with the questioning about your general health history, which includes a history of diseases of the female reproductive system and some history of your sexual life.
• The gynecologist will take some data such as weight, height and height, blood pressure, temperature, heart and respiratory rate that are routine examinations in any specialty.
• The nurse will take you to the examination room and will ask you to put on a patient's gown, remove all your underwear and leave you in a space specifically designed for this purpose.
• He will perform a general examination at first and then specifically of your breasts, in addition to giving you some instructions to learn how to do the same examination at home (self -examination).
• Later, you will be asked to lie down and put your feet in stirrups so that your knees are flexed (gynecological position) and the doctor will sit between your knees and begin an examination of your external genitalia, including the vulvar and genital area. Genital opening to detect any abnormality.
• Next, if you have already had sexual intercourse, the doctor will perform a review of the internal genitalia.
• Mention the importance of performing the examination with the vaginal speculum(vaginal mirror) which is a device that is inserted into the vagina and keeps it open and allows exploration of the same and the uterine cervix (cervix).
• In sexually active women, a sample of cells will be taken to observe them and detect alterations that could progress to cervical cancer. This study known as Papanicolaou or cervical-vaginal cytology should be done every year. Once the speculum examination is complete, the doctor gently removes it.
• The OB-GYN will then do an internal bimanual exam by placing one or two gloved fingers in your vagina and the other hand on top of your lower abdomen, to feel your cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries from outside of your body.
• The first consultation will end when you are asked to put on your clothes and discuss the findings with you and explain the behavior to follow based on what is found.

Tips to prepare for your first visit to the gynecologist

Now, we mention some tips that you can follow when attending your first appointment with the help of gynecologist:

• Gynecological consultation is essential to maintain good vaginal health.
• Make your appointment trying to make it after you finish menstruating, about 5 days after you have no bleeding.
• Avoid having sexual intercourse two days prior to the consultation.
• Preferably be accompanied by someone you trust.
• Stay calm, the consultation information is confidential.
• Go with comfortable clothes that can be easily removed, low shoes are also preferable.
• The examination is NOT painful, although it can be uncomfortable. Tell your doctor about any discomfort.
• Go to the consultation with a list of discomforts or alterations so that you do not overlook what you are interested in knowing.

Remember that it is very normal for you to feel nervous when you have your first consultation, so do not forget the importance of asking for the doctor's opinions and being accompanied.