Your First Gynaecological Examination? Here’s what to expect

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.

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.

Maybe you’re wondering about your breast growth, growing pains, your first period, how your menstrual cycle 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.

• What Happens During a Pelvic Exam
• Can you visit a gynaecologist while on your periods?
• 3 Ways to Relax During a Gynaecological Exam
• Confidentiality and Talking Honestly

“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.”

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.

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:

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.

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.

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. 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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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.

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.

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:

• 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.

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!

Were you scared about your first gynae exam?

Stay well prepared for your next period by tracking it on Always Period Calculator

FAQs

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.

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.

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 by Always.

Disclaimer:

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, protection and comfort of its consumers.