Attending your first gynecology appointment can be a bit daunting, especially if you are young and have never been to an appointment before. At Women’s Care of Bradenton, we put our patient’s comfort first. We pride ourselves on the outstanding quality of our services. Above all, we take the relationship of our patients seriously and strive to help better their overall health.
Gynecology Appointment What to Expect
If you have never seen a gynecologist, you may be wondering what happens at a gynecology appointment. During your first gynecology appointment, you will likely discuss what brought you in with your doctor. Whether you are concerned about birth control, pregnancy care, pap smears, or check-ups, your first gynecology appointment will cover the bases on your concerns.
When it comes to a gynecology appointment, what to expect can be a lingering question in patients’ minds. You are not alone. We realize many patients wonder what happens at a gynecology appointment. Sometimes, patients can be nervous, and that is entirely normal. We make our patients feel safe and comfortable by discussing what will exactly happen before the appointment begins. This way, our patients have the chance to voice any questions, comments, or thoughts.
What Happens at a Gynecology Appointment
During a gynecology appointment, you can expect to begin the appointment with a conversation about your overall health. You will likely discuss your medical history. In addition, your doctor may ask you about familial medical history. If specific symptoms brought you into the office, you would go over those details with your doctor. Next, depending on your age, your doctor may examine your pelvic area.
Even if you feel in relatively good health, it is essential to schedule your first gynecology appointment. We recommend women visit our office for gynecological care beginning at their first period. We service all women of all ages from adolescence on. It is never too late or early to visit us if you feel concerned about anything related to female health.
We will protect and supervise the well-being of all women, starting from your very first appointment. We recommend scheduling annual women’s-well exams as well. However, you can expect to go over a few things with your doctor at the time of your appointment.
What Should I Prepare to Discuss?
When it comes to your first gynecology appointment, what to expect to talk about can be a question on some patient’s minds. Likely, your first visit will consist of a conversation that will establish what your specific case will call for. Your doctor will be treating all things to do with your female health, so you must establish a clear history and always be honest with your doctor.
- Sexual Activity
Your gynecologist will likely bring up your sexual activity. They may ask about your sexuality as well. Share what you feel comfortable with, but remember this is in terms of monitoring your health. Your doctor is not asking these questions for gossip or to tell on you. Your gynecologist must have an honest interpretation of your sexual history for your overall health. Your doctor won’t ask for names or details like a friend might.
It is vital to go over your sexual activity to see if you should have screening for any sexually transmitted infections. Sexual activity includes oral, anal, and vaginal sex. It is also important to discuss if you chose to use birth control. Your doctor also may go over safe sex practices to protect you and your partners.
Also, if you are visiting the gynecologist with a parent, guardian, or companion, you can choose to have this conversation with your doctor in private. It is important to remember that you do not have to share this personal information with anyone besides your doctor.
We may ask you if you ever feel pain or discomfort during sex. It is important to be honest because symptoms can reveal underlying issues that we only want to help you prevent.
You should never feel embarrassed discussing your sexual history with your doctor. However, we understand that it is not always the easiest thing to do. Regardless of your sexual preference, frequency, or infrequency of sex, we are not here to judge you. We want to create a safe space with our patients.
- Menstrual Cycle
During your first appointment, you and your doctor will likely talk about your menstrual cycle. It is helpful for your doctor to determine the regularity of your cycle. It is beneficial if you remember the start and end dates of your last few periods. We recommend our patients keep track of their period on their calendar. Patients can use whatever technique, but making notes of discomfort or symptoms during your period can be helpful when explaining how you feel to your doctor.
Your period symptoms can signal irregularities or other health concerns. You should never feel overwhelmingly uncomfortable during your monthly cycle. Sometimes, women let severe pain go unnoticed. We don’t want our patients to suffer, so we can make sure to help our patients navigate this discussion to bring any concerns you may have to light. Even if you only feel a slight discomfort with your period, your doctor can still help you ease period symptoms.
You also should not have to deal with the annoyance of irregular periods, excessive bleeding, or PMS symptoms. If the regularity of your cycle bothers you, let us know, and we can help you discover how to achieve a regular cycle. If you experience heavy bleeding or severe period pain, bring this up as well. It can help if patients keep a log or note their period symptoms to describe precisely how they felt at the moment of their cycle.
- Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking, and Other Medications
Your doctor will likely ask you if you use drugs, drink alcohol, or smoke. Again, they are only asking you this, so you receive the best quality care possible. Certain medications or treatments do not interact effectively with certain substances.
Your doctor will also ask you about any medication you are prescribed or take over the counter. It is essential to be honest about what you put into your body. We are not here to tell you what to do. Instead, we will help you navigate the healthiest practices for your situation.
- Acne
Your OBGYN can discuss acne with you. Often, acne is hormonal, so specific hormonal treatments can counteract acne flare-ups. Your acne can be controlled with the help of specific birth controls or regulating your period.
- Other
Your gynecologist may discuss with you at your first appointment your weight, medical history, diagnostic history, mood swings, and mental health. If you are concerned about anything else to do with your overall health, let us know, and we can see how to help you best.
If you are above the age of 21, your doctor will likely recommend a pap test to test your cervical health. Also, you will probably not have a pelvic exam at your first appointment. However, for future reference, your doctor will use an instrument or their hands to observe your vaginal health during a pelvic exam. If you feel uncomfortable at any time during an exam, please let us know, and we will respect your privacy.
Conclusion
We want our patients to feel good and empowered about getting in front of their female health. If you have any questions or wish to discuss your health, please call us today to book your appointment.