A gynaecologist is an expert in identifying and treating diseases of the female reproductive system. STI tests and breast exams are only two examples of the routine and preventive treatment they offer. You ought to go to one frequently, if you have any worries or inquiries regarding your sexuality or reproductive health, or if you feel pelvic pain. Don’t be embarrassed to discuss your symptoms with your gynae because everything said in front of him/her is confidential and it stays in the exam room. Even though discussing problems about your vaginal health might be uncomfortable, your gynaecologist is there to listen and give you the best care possible.
Most girls visit a gynaec for the first time between the ages of 13 and 15, but some people wait until after they become sexually active. Still others wait until they have a problem or a symptom that suggests that they may need to see a gynaecologist. It’s better to see a gynaecologist sooner rather than later, so try to find one that you feel comfortable interacting with.
The Channel 46 collaborated with Dr Teji Dawane, Senior Consultant, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, who explains what you can expect on your first visit to a gynaec.
1. Be Prepared Mentally
… talking with other women – mother, sister, aunt, teacher – anyone who has been to a gyno before can aid in a better understanding of how the whole process is going to flow.
Being mentally prepared for the whole experience will help you feel more comfortable consulting a gynaec. Also, talking with other women – mother, sister, aunt, teacher – anyone who has been to a gyno before can aid in a better understanding of how the whole process is going to flow.
2. Scheduling Your Appointment
Avoid scheduling an appointment during periods.
Avoid scheduling an appointment during periods. Do your math before an appointment, so that the appointment is aligned before or after your periods. If you’re on your period on the day of the appointment, the visit might need to be delayed. This is because being on your period could interfere with any tests the gynaecologist needs to perform and the bleeding could make it challenging for them to notice anything during the physical examination.
3. List Out The Queries
Any menstrual-related concerns, vaginal discharge, spotting between periods, a lighter or heavier flow than usual, pelvic pain, or any other odd pain.
Make a note of all the questions you have or the ones that have been causing you concern. Any menstrual-related concerns, vaginal discharge, spotting between periods, a lighter or heavier flow than usual, pelvic pain, or any other odd pain. You should not be shy about asking your gynaec any questions because they have heard them all before.
4. What to Expect During The Consultation
Your gynecologist will most likely begin the consultation by asking about the medical history, including any worries or symptoms you have been facing.
Your gynecologist will most likely begin the consultation by asking about the medical history, including any worries or symptoms you have been facing. The doctor will try to examine the issues as the individual or patient is facing from the past few weeks or months. She might recommend a few tests to understand your health concerns.
5. Be Ready To Answer Some Questions
When you have your first appointment with a gynaecologist, it’s normal to feel anxious. However, you should also be ready, so that you may ask the doctor as many questions as needed. The gynaecologist will spend a lot of time getting to know you on the initial visit, talking and asking you several questions about your health. In addition, the doctor will ask about your family’s medical history.
Answering these questions could make you feel a bit awkward, but it’s crucial that you be truthful so the gynaecologist can assist you efficiently. Questions such,
- When was your last period?
- How long does bleeding last?
- Are your periods consistent?
- Do your periods cause you pain? If so, how would you explain the discomfort?
- Do you have genital pain, itching, or discharge?
- Do you have any other medical conditions?
- Are there any medical conditions in your family’s past?
6. The Examination Process
Let the gynaecologist examine your breasts. The gynaecologist will first examine your breasts to check for any abnormalities like lumps. One breast at a time will be palpated by the doctor using their hands. This can be used as an opportunity where one can learn how to perform a self-breast exam.
7. Advise Medical Tests
Once the breast examination is done the doctor will move to the other recommended tests like pelvic exam, ultrasound, pap smear, etc.
Pelvic Exam
You will be asked to put your heels in the metal stirrups or place your knees on a knee rest when it’s time for the pelvic exam. Your hips will next be asked to be moved to the edge of the couch, so the gynaecologist may examine your pelvis from a suitable perspective. You’ll be told to spread your knees widely apart and try to relax by taking deep breaths in and out.
The first visit could be challenging, but the next ones get easier. Relaxing your abdominal and vaginal muscles will help the exam go more smoothly. If you feel overly exposed, don’t worry; a drape sheet will typically be provided to keep you protected throughout the test. If you have any enquiries regarding what they are doing, don’t be shy about asking the doctor.
A Pap Smear Or Vaginal Swab
Here, cells from the surface of the cervix and its vicinity are gently removed with a small brush, so that they can be examined under a microscope. The purpose is to check for cervical cancer or cell alterations that may result in cervical cancer. Additional problems, including infections or inflammation, can be discovered with a Pap smear.
8. Addressing Concerns
After all the procedures, you can ask whether you have developed any health conditions or any other queries that may have crossed your mind.
After all the procedures, you can ask whether you have developed any health conditions or any other queries that may have crossed your mind. You might need to schedule a meeting after the exam to go over any test findings. The average laboratory test takes 3 to 14 days to produce findings. The doctor will be glad to go through your test results with you and answer any questions you may have.
Making your first appointment with a gynaecologist is an important step towards bettering your reproductive health. You can approach your appointment with more confidence, if you know what to expect during your consultation, such as discussions about your medical history, physical. examinations, and any tests or screenings. So, be honest, ask questions, and actively participate in the conversation to ensure you get the best care possible.
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