first timer

[rere515.livejournal.com]

I'm going to my first gynecologist visit next tuesday! I've had really bad periods my whole life-we're talking intense pain, nausea, moodiness, breakouts, soreness etc. It's at a point where I am incapacitated for almost an entire day and it interferes with school because I have to go to the nurse and lay down and miss classes. I also am not very regular; I rely on my intense cramps to tell me when I'm going to start. I'm going to ask to go on the pill, since I am having sex as well. So I'm really hopeful that this visit will help me with my period and my worries about pregnancy (I'm a senior in High School) and general sexual health. But...I'm also incredibly nervous. Any tips, advice, comforting words, explanations of procedures, warnings etc. would be very appreciated =]

Comments

[subarashiine.livejournal.com]

You have absolutely noooooottthinnnggg to worry about! ^_^
You are having sex, so having something in your vagina has already prepared you for that type of feeling... the speculum thing really isn't bad at all, the doctor will most definitely put lubricant on it first and the worst feeling you'll have is a bit of a chilly one :)

If she/he does a pap smear, that is nothing as well- after the speculum is in, they'll take an extra long q-tip and swab your cervix for 1/8th of a second- if you are like me, you won't even feel it!

The only strange part for me, is having the doctor put their (gloved and lubed!) fingers inside (without the speculum) and feel on the outside at the same time- basically checking the placement and feeling of the ovaries. You might feel a bit of pressure or a slight twingey kind of feeling :)

And really, that is basically all there is too it. My gyno checks my breasts as well briefly, so they may do that to you too... but once again, nothing odd.

And one last thing, if you are feeling nervous- TELL THE DOCTOR! Start a conversation, talk your head off, they will completely understand and will most likely be more than happy to talk you through everything.

Good luck!

[archangelbeth]

I find the whole procedure uncomfortable, but not AUGH PAIN. Having my cervix swabbed is... ooky. Not quite crampy, not quite nausea, but a certain amount of "no, I don't really like this." But it doesn't last long.

Breathe, relax your legs, go ahead and clutch the edge of the table, talk to the doctor if you can... Should be fine. O:>

[pocochina.livejournal.com]

Agree with everyone - it sucks a little, but they've seen it all before! Plus, you can think how much *easier* your life will be if they can help you have easier periods, and that you're totally doing the right thing for yourself going on the Pill. Also, friendly tip - bring a book and your iPod so you can have something to distract you while you wait. Good luck!

[aesoploveee.livejournal.com]

Well, the first time I went, I was a virgin so he had to do a rectal examination instead of a vaginal one since I was so tight. That was probably the worst part. It didn't exactly hurt but it was like, "Oh wow, I really don't like this. Hurry up."

But seeing as you're not, they'll probably do a vaginal one. Which as explained before is where they insert a lubed, gloved finger and just check around to make sure your inside and outside lady bits are doing fine!

It's best to place your feet in the stirrup-like devices on the table and let your legs fall apart as wide as you can. They sometimes do a swab, but it doesn't hur; the wider your legs are are, the less you feel the swab, in my experience. Also, it's easier for the doc to examine you, so that they can be in and out faster.

My gyno explained what he was doing to me as he did it, so no surprises and therefore much more comfortable for me. Then again, it is a rather invasive process, so you probably won't feel entirely relaxed. Hehe, but you definitely should try to be as least nervous as possible!

I would just add, maybe wear a pantyliner in your undies that day or carry on in your purse for after the examine. Since the nurses and gyno don't clean you up after they examine, some of the lube's left in and I found it rather goopy to sit in when I drove home.

But I agree, if you're nervous, definitely tell the doc! I'm sure he/she would be more than happy to talk you through it. Don't be embarassed about your body is the biggest tip I can give you. They've seen all kinds of vaginas, and if it bothered them, they'd definitely have found a new job by now. :)