VISITING A GYNECOLOGIST FOR THE FIRST TIME
Nervous about your first visit to a gynecologist?
Knowing what you are about to face can alleviate your anxiety to a great extent.
Once you introduce yourselves to each other, the gynecologist begins by asking you a few questions to know more about you and your problems, which is called the history taking.
History taking consists of questions enquiring as to what brings you here, whether you have any gynecological symptoms or if you have come for a general checkup. The doctor will then ask you to elaborate on the symptoms or ask you certain leading questions to guide her towards a diagnosis. You will also be asked regarding your menstrual cycles, your pregnancies and childbirths, your sexual life, if you are using contraception, any diseases you have had in the past, if any of your family members are suffering from a disease, if you have any addictive habits and other relevant questions.
After knowing the symptoms that you have come with, the doctor examines you to narrow down to a diagnosis.
Firstly, your doctor performs a general physical examination, from head to toe, to know your general well-being and then moves on to briefly examine all your systems. Then she goes on with the examination of the abdomen and your private parts. It also includes examination of the breasts.
The doctor might require you to undress the particular part for examination. This might be a little uncomfortable, especially if the doctor is a male. But you will be usually accompanied by a female nurse or your relative or husband to ease you.
The doctor looks at the abdomen for any swellings, lesions or abnormalities. Then she palpates (feels by touch) the abdomen to confirm her findings and know more about the lesion, if any.
The doctor will perform a pelvic examination, which begins with the examination of the private parts, and internal examination.
Internal examination consists of a per speculum examination and per vaginal examination.
Per speculum examination is done to visualize the vagina and the cervix (the lower end of your womb) and to note any lesions, if present.
The doctor applies a water-based lubricant and inserts an instrument called the speculum so that the vagina and cervix are visualized. It can cause discomfort. But the more you relax; the easier will be the examination. If you are anxious and tighten your muscles, the procedure gets more painful, as there will be more resistance in introducing the speculum. So, the key is to relax. The doctor will be gentle enough with the procedure and will wait until you relax, as your co-operation is utmost important for the examination.
The doctor may just examine or perform some minor procedures, if indicated in your case, like the pap smear examination, or a pipelle’s endometrial sampling, etc.,
The per vaginal examination is performed by introducing 2 gloved fingers into your vagina and feeling for the cervix, uterus and the ovaries. This again might be uncomfortable and you will have to relax to make it easy.
The doctor sometimes performs a per rectal examination, if need be, by introducing a gloved finger into your rectum and feeling for the structures. This gives additional information in some cases. She may perform a rectovaginal examination where one finger is introduced into the vagina and the other inside the rectum to feel for the tissue in between.
Though these might seem scary if you are having them for the first time, these procedures only cause discomfort and sometimes minimal pain. The doctor uses enough lubricant for ease. But unless your mind is relaxed and you don’t tense your muscles during the examination, things don’t get easy. And again, your co-operation is of utmost importance for the examination.
The doctor might order some tests or give you medication depending upon your case and you may be asked to visit again for follow-up.
Now that you know what you will have to go through, relax, keep an open mind, let go of all the unnecessary fears, and visit your gynecologist. Talk to him or her about all your concerns without hesitation. The doctor will be more than happy to help you.
