Many women feel anxious or uncertain before they go to their gynaecologist. This means they have to accept they have already stepped from girlhood into womanhood. A gynaecologist will listen to your body concerns carefully. With routine appointments from your gynae expert, you may take proper control of your reproductive, physical and sexual well-being. This includes – childbirth, birth control and menopause. On the other hand, an ob-gyn will conduct screening to treat the infections, cancer and carry out surgery for urinary tract or pelvic organ concerns. Here are certain things to expect and how to prepare for your yearly gynaecological appointments.

When you need to begin your gynae checkups?

The first appointment with your gynaecologist will possibly happen when you are 13 to 15 years. Some women may have wait to begin with their gynecological examinations till they enjoy intercourse for the first time or they have a problem/symptom such as irregular periods, vaginal burning, abnormal vaginal discharge or strong menstrual cramps. Thus, the sooner you can start with regular gynaecological checkup, the better it will be for you.

What can happen during the first appointment with your gynaecologist?

In the first appointment, your doctor would spend sometime in getting to know about you. He may inquire about you and your family’s past medical record as well as sexual health condition. Make sure you share proper information so that he can perform the treatment easily. Also, your health condition will certainly improve within a short time.

What should you know about gynaecological examination?

You need to conduct four kinds of tests during your gynaecological visit. Each kind depends on the length of first appointment, age, sexual record and if or not you have any specific symptoms.

How do you need to prepare for the first appointment?

At first, you need to select a doctor you are comfortable with and book your appointment when you won’t have your period. You can ask about anything you do not know and make a note of the things that are of great concern for your case. This can be early contraception, abnormal pain in the breasts, vaginal health condition and questions related to menstrual period.

Here are some things to expect during your annual appointment. The four kinds of examinations are:

General health check-up: The nurse weighs you and measures your blood pressure. You may need to conduct urine and blood tests.

Physical examination: You will have to answer general questions about your personal as well as family health record. Your nurse takes you in the examination room and asks you to undress. You need to wear a gown that opens to the front and a sheet for covering your lap.

Pelvic examination: Your gynaecologist asks to lie on the examination table for conducting the test. You have to keep your feet in special stirrups and the legs should be open so that he/she can see your vagina. By wearing gloves, the gynecologist will check the outer part of vagina or your vulva to detect any signs of infection. After this, he/she examines inside the vagina with a speculum, a device which holds your vagina open. You may feel some kind of pressure during this examination though it should not be painful. This will help to evaluate their size and see whether there are cysts present. It can be somewhat uncomfortable, but the examination is not painful.

Pap smear: A Pap test is usually conducted at the time of your pelvic examination. The doctor removes samples of cell from your cervix with a small brush. After this, the cells are sent at the laboratory where they are checked for cervical cancer and other unusualities. Pap refers to scraping off of some cells that may cover your cervix. The doctor takes a special brush and then sends the sample at the laboratory to detect the presence of abnormal cells.

Internal bimanual examination: The doctor will be placing one or two gloved fingers in the vagina and other hand on top of lower abdomen. This enables him/her to feel your fallopian tubes, uterus, ovaries and cervix.

STD tests: You need to test for sexually transmitted diseases or STDs such as – chlamydia, HIV, gornorrhea and syphilis when you remain sexually active. The doctor takes a swab of tissue at the time of pelvic examination or orders for other blood tests in order to test for STDs.

Breast examination: Your doctor checks the condition of your breasts in order to find out whether or not there are any lumps, unusual discharge or other abnormalities with your breasts.

Apart from conducting yearly annual visits, you need to inform your doctor about any new problems such as any kind of discomfort or abnormal bleeding. You should book appointment at Private GPs London on an annual basis and maintain good vaginal health.