This way the doctor can feel the size and position of the ovaries and uterus. A tool that opens the vaginal walls a speculum lets the doctor see the walls and cervix and do screening tests, such as a Pap smear and tests for some STDs. Let your daughter know that she may feel some pressure, but this shouldn't hurt. To decrease any discomfort, she can take slow, deep breaths and relax her stomach and vaginal muscles.
The Pap smear. During the internal exam, the doctor or nurse may take a Pap smear. Gynecologists recommend a Pap smear starting at age 21, and then every 3 years for women in their 20s. In this test, the doctor gently scrapes cells from the cervix using a small brush or spatula. The sample is checked in a lab for cell changes and cervical cancer.
The provider may ask if your daughter got the human papillomavirus HPV vaccine at her pediatrician's office. If she didn't, they might offer it. This vaccine protects against the main types of HPV that cause genital warts and some types of cancer, especially cervical cancer. Even if your daughter gets the HPV vaccine, she should still get regular Pap smears starting at age 21 to screen for other forms of cervical cancer.
Testing for STDs isn't a regular part of a well-woman visit. But girls who have been sexually active should ask for STD testing.
Sometimes, doctors do this with blood or urine pee tests. Other times, the doctor takes a sample with a cotton swab as in a Pap smear during a pelvic exam.
The lab checks the samples for STDs like gonorrhea and chlamydia. When talking to your daughter about STD tests, explain that vaginal intercourse isn't the only way to get infected. Germs also can pass through oral sex and anal sex. Ask the office staff about how your daughter can get test results confidentially. For instance, instead of calling the patient or sending a letter with the results, some offices ask the patient to call in.
After your daughter's first visit, encourage her to talk about it as much as she feels comfortable. If she says that the doctor or nurse practitioner made her feel uneasy, find a new one. Your daughter should continue to go for well-woman visits every year to keep her informed and healthy. Your Daughter's First Gynecology Visit. The vaccine protects against cancers caused by an HPV infection, including cancers of the cervix, vagina, and vulva, as well as cancers of the anus, back of the throat, and penis.
That starts from before you even arrive. Then, if you are anxious when you arrive or at any time in your appointment, tell your doctor, says Dr. You can ask to have a nurse come hold your hand, or you can even bring in headphones and music if that helps. If you have STI testing, the results may be ready in a day to two weeks, says Dr. Minkin, and Pap test results typically come in one to two weeks. Current guidelines only call for an pelvic exam every three years, though your doctor may suggest you get them more frequently, depending on your medical history or any health issues.
But most women will go for a yearly wellness visit to renew their birth control prescription, have their well-woman visit, get STI testing, or check in on any other sexual health concerns they have.
SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. If you have any questions about your pelvic exam, let your doctor know beforehand.
They can walk you through the procedure so you can avoid surprises. You can still ask your doctor to prescribe birth control during your first visit even without receiving a pelvic exam.
They might also ask if you have a preference regarding various birth control options. While you might feel self-conscious, remember: doctors do this for a living. The purpose of your gynecologist appointment is medical. Your doctor is going to ask a lot of personal questions regarding your period and sex life, so get ready. Before you head to your first gyno appointment, make sure you know the first day of your last period. If you do, your doctor might suggest an alternative to contraception that contains estrogen.
Login Signup. Submit Search. Home In To Your Health Questions About My Visit 1. Should I shave or wax before my visit? What is my vulva supposed to look like? I feel like it must be abnormal. I have a lot of vaginal discharge.
Is daily discharge normal? I feel some bumps down there. What is normal, and what should concern me? I sometimes experience itching down there.
Should I be alarmed? Questions About Sex 9. Why is sex painful for me? Is it safe to have sex during my period? Can I have sex during pregnancy? Why is my libido low? Questions on Reproductive Health How often should a woman get a pelvic exam and a Pap test?
Some commercial urine tests offer results as soon as six days before your first missed period. How can I talk to my partner about STIs? Tags gynecology. You may also be interested in:. Although you may not be experiencing any symptoms, it is still important to get screened regularly for certain forms of cancer. The HPV vaccine is recommended for both girls and boys between ages
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