First Gyno Exam: Everything You Need To Know

When is the right time for a first visit to the gynecologist?

Most young girls are terrified of their first gynecological exam. Because of that if you don’t have any gynecological conditions, you don’t need to have an exam. Your first visit to the gynecologist can be in the form of a conversation, which will help you to build trust and overcome your fear of a real exam. The best time to visit a gynecologist for the first time is before the first menstruation, so you can learn how to take care of your intimate health. You may also go with your parents or friends.

What can you learn from a gynecologist?

The gynecologist will inform you about all aspects of gynecological health, including intimate health, menstruation, vaginal infections, sex, sexually transmitted diseases, contraceptives, pregnancy, etc. All of these topics are crucial, and it is important that you know everything about them.

When you have to visit a gynecologist?

You should visit your gynecologist: when you notice tingling, pain, increased discharge, menstrual irregularities, bleeding, sores; before you become sexually active; after you become sexually active; regardless of whether you’ve had sex or not, at least once before turning 21.

How to prepare for a gynecological exam?

If you want to see your gynecologist after your period, make an appointment between the 8th and 12th day of your menstrual cycle; Don’t use vaginal pills, creams, gels for intimate care, or strong soaps a day or two before seeing a gynecologist because they can mess with the results of swabs and PAPA tests and mask the real situation. For intimate care, use only lukewarm water or a mild gel; If you can, wear a skirt to make it more comfortable for you; Don’t have sex for at least 24 hours before your gynecological exam; If you have questions for your gynecologist, plan them at home because it is common for girls or women to forget to ask everything they wanted when they come for a gynecological exam; A gynecologist doesn’t care if you shave or not.

What does a gynecological exam include?

Gynecological exam include anamnesis and inspection.

The first part of the gynecological exam – anamnesis Anamnesis means giving information about age, first menstrual cycle, date of last menstruation, use of contraceptives, drug allergy, gynecological problems, and the reason for visiting a gynecologist as well.

The second part of the gynecological examinspection After the conversation, the examination will begin in a lying position on the gynecological table.
Inspection is divided into the examination of external genital organs and examination of internal genital organs. Inspection – examination of the external genital organs The doctor first inspects the external genital organs. The external genital organs include the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, Bartholin glands, and clitoris. This examination may detect irritation, discoloration, cysts, discharge, or other abnormalities. Inspection – examination of the internal genital organs Examination of the internal genital organs is performed in two ways. The first method is a colposcopy examination, and the second one is a bimanual pelvic examination (BPE).

What’s a colposcopy?

Colposcopy is a procedure to closely examine your cervix, vagina, and vulva for signs of disease using a colposcope. Under high magnification, the cervix, vagina, and vulva can be examined even more clearly with this instrument. The ability to magnify the instrument from 10 to 60 times enables the detection of changes that are not visible to the naked eye. The examination lasts up to ten minutes. It is important to stay calm during the test; otherwise, the muscles of the small pelvis will be tense, making the examination difficult and painful. Once a year, colposcopy should be done. After this, the doctor will take a cervix and vaginal swab, for the existence of sexually transmitted infections, and the Pap test. The doctor will also take a test on vaginal discharge.

What is the purpose of colposcopy?

If the colposcopy is done regularly (once a year), it is possible to detect changes on the surface of the cervix very early, which, if not treated in time, can turn into cervical cancer. Pre-existing cervical cancer can also be recognized in the early or late stages.

What is Pap Smear?

The Pap smear detects the cervix and premalignant changes. The Pap smear is very important for every woman, especially for those who are in the reproductive period. The test is done by taking a swab from the cervix’s surface. The first Pap smear should be done no later than 2 to 3 years after the first sex, and then once a year as part of a routine gynecological exam.
How is a bimanual pelvic examination (BPE) performed? BPE is performed by the gynecologist by placing two fingers inside the vagina to feel the position, size, and painful sensitivity of the organs in the small pelvis: ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina.

What does a transvaginal ultrasound look like?

The ultrasound test is carried out using an ultrasound probe. Your bladder must be empty for the purposes of this test. The ultrasound probe is shielded with a condom before being slowly inserted into the vagina. This technique is not harmful. The uterus, ovaries, and pelvic region are then thoroughly examined. This test lasts between 5 and 10 minutes.

What does a gyno test for virgins look like?

An ultrasound test cannot be performed vaginally in virgins. It must be performed through the abdomen or rectally. If the test is performed through the abdomen, the bladder must be full. One hour before the test, you can drink one liter of water. The hymenal opening is often found during an external vaginal inspection. The easiest way to perform a gynecological test on virgins is rectally, since the ovaries and uterus can be seen better this way.

How often should you get a gynecological exam?
All women should have a pelvic exam at least once per year, which includes: colposcopy; pap smear; test on vaginal discharge; transvaginal ultrasound. This regular gynecological exam is needed to identify potential diseases such as uterine and ovarian cancer, and other infectious sexually transmitted diseases. Of course, if you feel the need for more frequent exams, you can visit your gynecologist.

When to see a gynecologist?
You can see your gynecologist whenever you want. Also, visit your gynecologist if you begin to experience: itching or burning; pain; increased discharge; irregular menstrual cycle; heavy and painful menstrual bleeding; you are pregnant or want the baby; bleeding in menopause; infertility or other unusual changes.