It is important for young girls to visit a gynecologist to track their health details. This visit helps them know the pros and cons of their body health. If this is your first visit, it is common to feel nervous when visiting a gynecologist.
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In this blog, you will learn how to visit a gynecologist, how to talk with them, how can you prepare for your first meeting with them, and maintain a good relationship with them.
When should I have my 1st gynecologist visit?
A common question for every young woman regarding meeting a gynecologist is when to meet them for the first time. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology says that the age between 13 and 15 is the right time for a girl to meet a gynecologist.
The various reasons why you should schedule your first appointment with your gynecologist are
- After puberty, girls who are facing irregular periods, PCOD, heavy bleeding, hormonal imbalance, and sudden weight loss.
- Once the pregnancy is confirmed by home test, then you need to make official confirmation and track your baby’s health.Â
- Women who are facing problems in their periods after their delivery.
It is not necessary for only women who face the problem to visit the gynecologist. Women or girls whoever is conscious of their health can also meet gynecologists where they can
- Discuss their health and the performance of their menstrual cycle.
- Building a relationship with gynecologist professionals.
- Clarifies the doubt having in reproductive health.
How to prepare for the first visit to meet a gynecologist?
You will be curious about what will happen in the meeting with your gynecologist. However, you need to know how to prepare for that before your meeting. Here are some of the tipsÂ
Before the meeting
Schedule date: You need to schedule an appropriate date for your meeting when you feel comfortable and relaxed. It is good to schedule the appointment in the middle of your menstrual cycle as the information can be tracked easily.
Medical History: If you are consuming any medications or facing any health issues, please have a proper report as it will help your gynecologist to give treatment accordingly.Â
Family History: You should know if there is any genetic disease passed from generation to generation. Being aware of your family’s health condition may help doctors make the decision wisely.
Clothing: Choose comfortable clothes which make you feel relaxed. Try to wear your favorite clothes as that will make your meeting smooth.
Relaxation: Take a deep breath and feel relaxed. Think of a gynecologist as your friend. Still, if you feel nervous, take your family members with you.
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During the meeting:
Be honest: It is important to be frank with your doctor at the time of discussion. Don’t panic and hide the truth about your health. Take a deep breath and answer calmly.
Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask any sort of questions related to your health. Asking more questions will give way to your healthy lifestyle.
What does a gynecologist do on their first visit?
Here are the various processes that your gynecologist may undergo during your first visit.
General Checkup:
Before visiting your gynecologist, you will be taken for a general checkup, as it helps to know whether you are suffering from any problems. The test will be taken by a nurse, and the tests such asÂ
Blood test – It is done to check the hormone levels present in your blood and to know if there is any chance of a high risk for disease.
Urine test – It is performed mostly for pregnant women as the hCG hormone will be high in their urine if they are pregnant.
Weight record – Recording your weight helps to know health risks, track your menstrual cycle, and factors that affect your reproductive health.
Heart and lungs test –Â It is done with a stethoscope to know if your heart and lungs are functioning properly.Â
Discussion Period:
In this period, your gynecologist will be raising many questions to you as to know your health conditions. They discuss your past medical history as whether you are taking any medication for your health, your family history whether any genetic disease is passed from generation to generation, and the problems faced during your menstrual cycle.Â
Here are some common questions that your gynecologist may ask:
- Do you have irregular periods?
- How bad are you feeling with your period cramps?
- Do you get tired often when you get your periods?
Internal Examination:
During your internal examination performed by your gynecologist, ask to wear a gown to make you comfortable. To perform the pelvic test for you, doctors will insert the Speculum, which is a device. It helps to monitor and visualize the vagina and cervix and find any complication exists.Â
Sometimes, if it does not satisfy them, they collect sample cells from the cervix to perform a Pap test, which results if there is any possibility of cervix cancer.
Open Communication:
This is the most crucial session for you, where you can ask questions and clear doubts. After all the tests performed by your doctor, they will give accurate results of whether you are facing any health-related issues or your body is in normal condition. In this session, your gynecologist undergoes these discussions such as
Information: tracking the accurate details of your body’s health, facing any risk factors, vaginal health and hygiene, and menstrual cycle. Â
Treatment: the treatment will take place according to the health issues. It varies from person to person. Choose a wise gynecologist to provide good treatment.
Guidance: After providing the required treatment, they will guide you on what to do and what not. Follow the instructions to recover your body to a healthy condition.
If you feel any discomfort with your first meeting, be frank and discuss it openly with your gynecologist. They may move your session according to your convenience.
What else can I talk to my gynecologist at my first visit?
After a discussion with your gynecologist, you can talk frankly about what you think and how you feel. Sure, you will be struggling to ask questions, and sometimes you may not get any idea to ask questions with them. Here are some common questions
For girls:
- How can I manage my period cramps?
- What are the measures to be taken for irregular periods?
- Is my menstrual cycle healthy?
- Are there any problems with my delayed periods?
- Is it easy to recover from my menstrual problem?
For pregnant women:
- What should I expect during my first phase of pregnancy?
- What prenatal vitamins should I take?
- Are there any foods or activities I should avoid during pregnancy?
- How much weight should I expect to gain?
- What symptoms are normal for pregnancy?
For post-delivery women:
- How long it takes for my body to be in normal condition?
- Is it normal to experience mood swings?
- How can I improve my sleep?
- Shall I plan for the next pregnancy?
- Whether my menstrual cycle be affected after my delivery?
Common questions:
When is my next schedule for your appointment?
Conclusion:
If you are conscious about your health, it is necessary to meet a gynecologist as per the schedule. Choosing a good gynecologist will make your life healthier.Â
Some of them might not be aware of their diseases. Having a general check-up might resolve all these problems. Choose a wise gynecologist, and have a healthy lifestyle.
FAQs:
Should I be honest with my gynecologist?
Yes, your answer should be honest about whatever questions your gynecologist raises. Don’t panic to answer. If you feel discomfort answering in front of your family members, ask them to stay out and answer frankly whatever issues you face in your health.
Can I go to a gynecologist on my period?
Yes, you can visit your gynecologist during your period time. This helps them to perform pelvic tests easily and can identify any issues in their reproductive health.
