Monthly Archives: November 2022
7 Things You Should Know Before Your First Visit to a Gynecologist
The topic of trust is particularly central to the gynecologist due to the examinations in the genital area. These 7 tips will make your first visit to the ginekoloq (gynecologist) easier.
1. When should I see a gynecologist for the first time?
There is no general age recommendation for the first visit to the gynecologist. If possible, you should have an appointment with a gynecologist before the age of 16. Most women go to the gynecologist for the first time during their first period. At the latest for contraceptive questions, sexual intercourse, or complaints or problems with menstruation, a gynecologist should be consulted.
Common reasons for a first visit to the gynecologist are:
- Entry of the period
- Severe menstrual cramps
- Menstrual period has not yet occurred at the age of 16
- Advice on contraceptive options such as pills, contraceptive patches, or IUDs
- HPV vaccination: Should be done before the first sexual intercourse (also possible at the family doctor)
2. What happens at the first gynecologist visit?
- In the beginning, you have a detailed conversation with the gynecologist. For example, he will ask you questions about your period, previous illnesses, and sexual behavior. Each conversation is very individual.
- Before the first gynecological examination is performed, the gynecologist will explain to you what to expect. Ask questions if something is unclear. If there is no need for an examination, the first visit is already history.
- The gynecologist first examines the external genitalia (mound of Venus, labia, clitoris).
- In a further step, the vagina and cervix are examined. For this, the doctor uses certain mirrors or smaller instruments.
- Subsequently, the characteristics (location, size, mobility, sensitivity) of the uterus and ovaries are analyzed. For this purpose, the gynecologist inserts two fingers over the vagina and palpates the abdomen with the other hand. If you have not yet had sexual intercourse, the examination will not be carried out via the vagina.
- Further investigations may be carried out:
- Ultrasound examination of the vagina
- Examination of the breast
- At the end of the first appointment, you will receive a final interview with an assessment of the findings. For example, the gynecologist discusses a contraceptive method or therapy with you or he says that everything is fine.
3. What should I prepare for the appointment with the gynecologist?
- Exchange ideas with e.g. older friends, sisters, cousins, or other close people, and eliminate possible fears or uncertainties.
- Make sure that the appointment does not take place during your period.
- Write down important and unpleasant questions for the gynecologist. Even the most important questions are quickly forgotten.
- Take your health insurance card with you.
- The gynecologist will inquire about your period. Have the answers to the following questions ready:
- Time of your first and last period?
- Duration of your period?
- Regularity of the period?
- Discomfort during the period?
- The gynecologist may also ask for the following information:
- Sexual activity
- Use of or desire for contraceptive methods
- Diseases in the past
- Medication
- Diseases in the family
- Acute complaints
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4. What kind of clothes should I wear to the gynecologist’s?
During the gynecological examination, you must completely undress (including underwear) in the area of the body being examined. The gynecologist will give you time to undress for the upcoming examination after the start of the treatment consultation. For this purpose, changing rooms/partitions are often available within the examination room.
Wear comfortable clothes and, if possible, those that you can easily put on and take off. This way you avoid unnecessary stress when dressing and undressing. For practical reasons, women like to wear a skirt. This can be pushed up for the abdominal examination so that only the underwear or tights have to be taken off.
The gynecologist should never ask you to undress completely. The examinations take place in two steps: 1. abdomen, 2. palpation of the breast for early detection of breast cancer. This ensures that you are always half-clothed.
During the examination, the socks can easily remain on. The gynecologist is not interested in your feet.
5. What should my parents know about visiting the gynecologist?
Gynecologists, like all doctors, are subject to confidentiality. Minors who are capable of judgment also have this right. Accordingly, you do not need the consent of your parents for diagnoses and measures. Talk to the gynecologist or doctor’s office if you want to adjust the address for the medical bill. However, you should always do this in consultation with your health insurance company. You have to pay for benefits beyond the insurance coverage yourself.
If possible, you should take your parents into account when forming an opinion or at least inform them about the visit to the gynecologist.
6. Go to the gynecologist alone or take someone with you?
For some young women, the first visit to the gynecologist is easier with an accompaniment. This can be the best friend, the mother, or the boyfriend. Whether this person stays in the waiting room is your decision, which your companion should respect.
7. Dos & Don’ts at the gynecologist
- Do not delay the appointment unnecessarily.
- Be honest and talk about your problems and fears. This is the only way the gynecologist can help you.
- Write down unpleasant things in advance. This makes it easier for you to address them.
- You do not need to be ashamed of the intimate hairstyle. The doctor is not interested in your hair. Excessive intimate hygiene before the appointment can lead to skin irritation or allergic reactions and is not recommended.
- In case of bladder infections or fungal infections, consult the gynecologist or family doctor at an early stage. Perseverance is counterproductive and delays the healing process.
- Talk to your doctor about premenstrual symptoms, mood swings, cramps, or other conditions.
- Take your time. Above all, a consultation on contraceptive options can take longer to give you an overview of the advantages and disadvantages.
- For the visit to the gynecologist, you do not have to be ashamed. Gynecologists are experts in their field and have similar appointments every day. If you are still afraid of the interview or the examination, it is best to address your discomfort at the beginning of the appointment.