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Your First Gynaecological Examination? Here’s what to expect

Guide for your first gynaecological examination

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Guide for your first gynaecological examination <Image-set>

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Your first visit to a gynaecologist may make you a little anxious. But worry not, we’re here to help you. We’re sure that once you go, you may actually be glad that you went. It is an opportunity to ask any question you may have had or have about all the changes your body is going through owing to [puberty](/tips-and-advice-for-girls-and-parents/puberty/puberty-in-girls-explaining-the-changes). 
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You don’t really need to do anything before a visit or examination (an "internal"). But you might want to write down when your periods started, when your last period was and how often you have them.
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Maybe you’re wondering about your breast growth, growing pains, your first period, how your [menstrual cycle](/tips-and-advice-for-girls-and-parents/period-guide/menstrual-cycle-stages) works or the Pill. There really is no question that is too strange. “We’re pretty impossible to shock,” says Melisa Holmes, M.D., who co-wrote Girlology Hang-Ups, Hook-Ups, and Holding Out: Stuff You Need to Know About Your Body, Sex & Dating.
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- [What Happens During a Pelvic Exam](#what-happens-during-a-pelvic-exam)
- [Can you visit a gynaecologist while on your periods?](#can-you-visit-a-gynaecologist-while-on-your-periods)
- [3 Ways to Relax During a Gynaecological Exam](#3-ways-to-relax-during-a-gynaecological-exam)
- [Confidentiality and Talking Honestly](#confidentiality-and-talking-honestly)


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“I love being able to do a girl’s first pelvic, so I can help her to realise that it’s not a big deal,” says gynaecologist Holmes. “First, I show her the speculum we use on teenagers — it’s about the size of a super tampon.”
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You must be wondering, ‘__what kind of tests does a gynaecologist do__?’ and most importantly, ‘__what does a gynaecologist__ actually __do__ during a pelvic exam?’. Don’t worry, we’re here to guide you and help you understand what to expect.
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When it’s time for your first internal pelvic exam, you’ll lie on your back, your bottom near to the end of the examination table. You might need to put your feet into two metal stirrups so that your legs are bent and spread apart. You might be asked to wear a paper robe and you will have a sheet covering you for privacy. There are two parts of the exam:
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<h3 class="bluetext">1. Vagina and cervix exam </h3>
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The gynaecologist will insert a closed speculum — a metal or plastic gadget that looks kind of like tongs — into your vagina. Then the doctor opens the speculum to hold the vaginal walls apart, in order to get a good look inside to make sure that the walls, discharge and cervix look healthy. If you are 25 or older, or it’s been about three years after you first had sex, the doctor may use a small brush to take some cells from your cervix for a Pap (cervical) smear.
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<h3 class="bluetext">2. Bi-manual exam </h3>
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After removing the speculum, the gynaecologist will slide one or two gloved and lubricated fingers into your vagina. With the other hand, the doctor presses on your abdomen from the outside. In this way, the doctor can check that your fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries are in the right position, and that there are no swellings or growths. The doctor is also checking for pain. When you book your exam, ask the doctor’s office what you should do if you’re having your period. Some doctors may ask you to reschedule if your period is heavy. Menstrual blood can interfere with the results of a pap smear.



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<h2 class="text-cobaltBlue cardimgtexth2"> What Happens During a Pelvic Exam </h2>

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Can you visit a gynaecologist while on your periods

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Let’s get one thing right, you’re probably not the first person who is on her period and getting a __gynaecological examination__. It is completely normal, especially in cases when the issue is related to your [period](/tips-and-advice-for-girls-and-parents/period-guide/10-common-period-questions-answered). So, if you’re thinking ‘__when to see a gynaecologist?__’ because you’re currently on your period and unsure about whether it’s ok, this is your cue to go ahead!
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Make sure to wear good quality sanitary pads such as [Always pads](/sanitary-pads) which are thoughtfully designed to offer the best protection and comfort. Try the [Always Ultra Thin](/sanitary-pads/always-ultra-thin-pads-with-wings) pads which come with a super absorbent core with the InstantDry System. This helps absorb menstrual discharge in just a few seconds. The Ultra Thin pad is also equipped with flexible wings, so it stays in place no matter what you do.
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Don’t worry about your gynaecologist too. They won’t be frustrated, disgusted, upset, or whatever it is you’re assuming they would feel when you see them. And if they make you feel conscious or, worse, embarrassed about consulting them when you’re on your period, then you can very well leave the clinic right away and not go back.
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However, at the end of the day, you should be comfortable. And if, for any reason whatsoever, you’re not okay and want to reschedule your appointment, you can do that as well.


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<h2 class="text-cobaltBlue cardimgtexth2"> Can you visit a gynaecologist while on your periods? </h2>

ALWAYS 80684500 90078996 Ultra Thin 3in1 10 Pad copy

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3 Ways to Relax During a Gynaecological Exam

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A pelvic exam may be uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t be painful. The key is to relax. Dr Holmes offers these tips if you have the jitters during an exam:
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- Do deep, slow breathing.
- Let your legs relax and open as far as they will go.
- Don’t squeeze your bottom cheeks together. “If you squeeze your bottom, it squeezes around the speculum,” she says.


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<h2 class="text-cobaltBlue cardimgtexth2"> 3 Ways to Relax During a Gynaecological Exam </h2>

Confidentiality and Talking Honestly

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Remember, anything you discuss with your gynaecologist about your body, sex or any other private matter is totally confidential. If your mum comes with you to your visit, the gynaecologist will probably ask her to leave the room while you talk about some of these things. It’s important to be honest because many things can affect your female health — and your health as a whole!
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Were you scared about your first gynae exam?
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Stay well prepared for your next period by tracking it on Always [Period Calculator](/period-calculator)


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<h2 class="text-cobaltBlue cardimgtexth2"> Confidentiality and Talking Honestly </h2>

__FAQs__
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<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#002abb"> 1. What does a gynaecologist do in a gynaec exam? </h2>
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Generally, a __gyneac exam__ includes a breast exam to check for lumps, skin changes, or nipple discharge. Next is a pelvic exam to examine your vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, rectum, and pelvis. An internal check of your ovaries is done to check for masses, growths or other abnormalities. 
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<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#002abb"> 2. What should I do in a gynaecological exam? </h2>
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When you go for a __gynaecological exam__, your gynecologist performs an internal and external exam of your reproductive organs. During this time, it is recommended that you be open and honest with your gynaecologist about your menstrual period, any painful symptoms that you may be experiencing and any other activity. This enables them to provide you with the best care.
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<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#002abb">3. Can a gynaecologist see you on your period? </h2>
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Yes, definitely! If you have a __gynaecological exam__ scheduled and happen to be on your period, you can very well go to your appointment. Being on your period doesn’t and shouldn't impact the appointment at all. Make sure you are protected and comfortable with superior quality [sanitary pads](/sanitary-pads) by Always.


Disclaimer

__Disclaimer:__
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Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; [Always pads prioritize safety](/about-us/inside-always-pads-safe), protection and comfort of its consumers.

Your First Gynaecological Examination? Here’s what to expect 

If your first ever gynaecological examination is round the corner, you’re certainly thinking, ‘what does a gynecologist do during a gynaec exam?’ Well, don’t worry. Read on to know in depth about what happens in a gynaecological examination

Your guide to help you through your first gynaecological examination | ALWAYS <Country_Name> 