What should I expect at my first gynecologic visit?
A gynecologic visit focuses on the female reproductive organs and functions. Young women should have their first gynecologic visit between the ages of 13 years and 15 years. The first visit may just be a talk between you and your doctor. This will help you both to get to know each other and help you find out what to expect at future visits. Your doctor may ask a lot of questions about you and your family. Some of them may seem personal, such as questions about your menstrual period or sexual activities (including vaginal, oral, or anal sex). Your doctor needs to ask these questions to best know how to care for you and keep you healthy. Giving open and honest answers to these questions is key to your care. This is a good time to ask your doctor any questions you might have. If you are concerned that your doctor will tell your parents what you talk about, discuss this concern with your doctor first. Your doctor will explain the kinds of information that can remain private between the two of you, and the kinds that he or she must tell your parents.
(last reviewed December 4, 2009)
what should I expect for my first gynecologic exam?
You may have certain exams at the first visit. It depends on your age, if you have had sex, or if you have any problems. This visit may include the following exams and tests:
A nurse or assistant may be present during the exam. If you choose, a family member also may join you for any part of the exam. You also can ask not to have anyone in the room besides the doctor.
(last reviewed December 4, 2009)
What kind of symptoms should I tell the doctor about?
If you are having any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor:
Severe pain in the lower abdomen
Bad cramps during your period
Periods that are not regular or missed periods
Pain around the vagina or burning, swelling, itching, or discharge
Blood in your urine
(last reviewed December 4, 2009)
What happens during the general physical exam?
During the general exam, your height, weight, and blood pressure will be checked. You also will be examined for any health problems you may have.
(last reviewed December 4, 2009)
What happens during a breast exam?
During this exam, your doctor will check your breasts for growth and signs of any problems, such as a lump. The doctor will examine your breasts by moving his or her fingers around your breasts in a pattern.
(last reviewed December 4, 2009)
What happens during a pelvic exam?
Most girls do not need a pelvic exam at their first gynecologic visit. But if you have had sex or are having certain problems, a pelvic exam may be needed. For the pelvic exam, you will be asked to undress and put on a paper or cloth gown. You then will lie on an exam table. You will be asked to put your feet against footrests and slide to the end of the table.
The doctor may look at your vagina with a speculum. He or she may take a sample of your cells to check for some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Another sample may be taken for a Pap test.
After the speculum exam, your doctor will check your internal organs. The doctor will place one or two gloved, lubricated fingers into the vagina and up to the cervix. The other hand will press on the abdomen from the outside. This exam helps the doctor check the size, position, and shape of the internal pelvic organs. It also may help the doctor find any problems. The pelvic exam may feel uncomfortable, but should not hurt.
(last reviewed December 4, 2009)
What is a pap test?
The Pap test checks for abnormal cells in the cervix that could lead to cancer. With the speculum in place, the doctor collects cells from the cervix with a small brush and a small tool called a spatula. The cells are sent to a lab to be studied.
You may not need to have a Pap test at your first gynecologic visit. A Pap test should be done within 3 years after you first have sex or by the time you turn age 21 years.
(last reviewed December 4, 2009)
What vaccines might I need at my first gynecologist visit?
The following vaccines are recommended for all adolescent girls:
Diphtheria–tetanus–pertussis (Tdap) booster (once between ages 11 years and 18 years)
Human papillomavirus vaccine (one series between ages 11 years and 12 years; one series between ages 9 years and 26 years for those who have not been vaccinated)
Meningococcal vaccine (between ages 11 years and 12 years or 13 years and 18 years if not previously vaccinated)
Influenza vaccine (“flu shot”)
Depending on the vaccines you have already had, you also may need the following “catch-up” vaccines:
Hepatitis B virus vaccine
Inactivated poliovirus vaccine
Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine
Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
Special vaccines may be given to girls who are at an increased risk of certain diseases or who live with people at increased risk:
Hepatitis A virus vaccine
Pneumococcal vaccine
You can find the most current information about the vaccines recommended for your age here
(last reviewed December 4, 2009)
What are vaccinations?
Vaccinations or immunizations are shots that protect against diseases caused by bacteria and viruses. Some are given on a routine basis, while others are offered to women who are at an increased risk of certain diseases. Your doctor may ask you about your medical history and suggest you receive certain vaccinations.
