What to Expect from your Gynaecology Appointment?

It can be quite worrisome if you have not been to a gynaecologist earlier. You may find it difficult to talk about sensitive health concerns and examine the vagina. Well, the doctor conducts these examinations often and your first appointment should be the step for healthy lifestyle.

What happens during the gynaecological examination?

Prepare yourself

You do not require specific preparation for your appointment with the gynaecologist. It is important to take proper care of your body and wear comfortable clothes so that you may change easily during the examination. Some people may suffer from spotting after conducting few tests and so, carrying a pad is necessary at the appointment.

If you need to conduct a Pap smear, then you should fix your appointment with private GPs London when having your periods. You should also not enjoy sexual intercourse during the 24 hours before performing your test. Do not use creams or douches in the vaginal area for the last 48 hours before the test.

You might feel somewhat anxious when conducting these examinations but your doctor will perform them all the time. He knows what is best for you and makes you feel comfortable to discuss about the entire process. Ask someone to come with you during the appointment so that you feel comfortable at the clinic.

Before the examination

Before you may start with the examination, your doctor will ask certain questions about your past medical record, family history, your menstrual cycle and whether you remain sexually active. If you are having any STIs, infection in the vagina or other reproductive health concerns, then you should inform the doctor about it. He will then discuss with you and decide if you need to conduct special tests.

The healthcare provider will check your condition, note blood pressure and ask to give your blood or urine samples. He will then ask you to wear the gown so that the tests can be done in an accurate way.

Breast examination

After you undress yourself and put on your gown, the provider may ask if you want to conduct a breast examination and detect any cysts or lumps. Though there is low risk for breast cancer in young people, the healthcare provider might ask to conduct the exam and show how you can examine your breasts. This can be a good opportunity on your part to know about healthy habits for life.

Pelvic exam and Pap smear

A pelvic examination will help to know about probable signs of uterine fibroids, sexually transmitted infections, early-stage cancers or ovarian cysts. The pelvic examination consists of a Pap smear which can help in cervical cancer screening. Though the tests should start from 21 years for people having cervix or who have been sexually active, the doctor will suggest to perform them early as per the health problems you have or your medical record.

You will find three parts of a pelvic examination. These are:

The external examination in which your doctor checks outside of the vagina.

The speculum examination in which he puts an instrument into the vagina and opens it gently. This allows him to see your cervix and vaginal canal. He will conduct a Pap smear by swabbing the cervix with a small brush that will be examined in the laboratory.

The bimanual examination in which your doctor inserts gloved fingers inside your vagina while he uses his other hand to put pressure on the lower part of belly. This allows him to feel your uterus and ovaries.

Though it is quite obvious to feel slight discomfort, this examination should not be painful in anyway. You can distract yourself by relaxing your body, taking deep breaths and asking the gynaecologist to talk to you about what he us doing. The process will be over soon which requires 5 minutes only.

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After the appointment

The healthcare provider will be following up and know if you have unusual test results. In case you do not hear anything within a few weeks, this means you can go and call the doctor always, if you want.

You need to conduct a Pap test and pelvic examination once in every three years. If the test results had been abnormal, then you should follow the suggestions of your provider.

Thus, whatever might be your test results, you may book your appointment with the gynaecologist early when you have any health concerns or you need to discuss something about your condition.