The importance of women going to an obstetrician even though they are not pregnant

In order to maintain good sexual and reproductive health, there will come a time in every young woman's life to start visiting a gynecologist for an annual check-up, even if she is not pregnant.

The thought of visiting a gynecologist, especially for the first time, may feel a little uncomfortable for some women because the doctor is able to see the most private parts of your body, or because you are reluctant to discuss intimate issues. But don't worry. It is a doctor's job to make you feel comfortable talking about things that have been considered taboo.

Here is an outline around the preparations and what happens during your appointment with your chosen obstetrician to ease your worries.

When to schedule an appointment with an obstetrician?

It doesn't take a concrete reason to start visiting an obstetrician. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends women schedule their first appointment when they are 13-15 years old, or it could be when you become sexually active.

Other reasons for visiting a gynecologist include getting treatment for painful and / or irregular periods, vaginal infections, planning family planning, getting checked for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), until screening possibility of cancer. If there is a specific reason for your appointment, let them know.

When scheduling your appointment, let the receptionist or nurse know that this is your first visit, and unless it is an emergency visit, try to schedule a visit when you are not menstruating.

Note: You don't need to shave or wax pubic hair before seeing your doctor, just make sure you shower and rinse your vagina thoroughly - but don't use vaginal douches.

What happened in the consultation room with the gynecologist

The first appointment with the obstetrician usually begins with a general health check, such as measuring height and weight, and checking blood pressure. After that your doctor will dive deeper into your medical history.

You should be prepared to be honest in discussing recent changes in your health and the first day of your last menstrual period, such as what your menstrual cycle was, your family medical history, your lifestyle, when you first had your period, and when you started to become sexually active; including sexual activity, the number of sexual partners you have (current and previous), whether they are male or female - this is completely normal.

For women who are teenagers or who are not sexually active, gynecologist visits will generally stop here, unless she has a specific problem that requires further examination; namely physical examination.

What happens during a physical examination by an obstetrician

After all the information has been obtained, the nurse will take you into the exam room and ask you to completely undress. You will be given a dress that has access to the front opening, and a sheet to cover your lap. Then, you will be asked to lie down and place your feet on a footrest (also called a "stirrup").

If you have problems or if you are sexually active, your doctor may order the following three tests:

1. Basic physical examination

The doctor will perform a thorough physical examination, from examining the neck for possible thyroid abnormalities; breast examination, which includes looking for pain, lumps, nipple discharge, and skin changes; and an examination of the external area of ​​your vagina for any skin discoloration, sores, lumps, or unusual vaginal discharge. If you have specific questions, you can ask for a mirror and show the doctor any areas that concern you. Then the physical exam will proceed to the pelvic exam test.

2. Pelvic examination

During a pelvic exam, your doctor will insert a finger or two into your vagina while placing one hand on your stomach, in the pubic area, to feel for internal organs. The doctor can also use a speculum to open and hold the vaginal wall to see the cervix. If your pelvic exam includes a Pap smear (only for women 21 years and over), your doctor will collect a sample of your cervical cells before removing the speculum. This sample will be used to test for cervical cancer and certain types of infections. The Pap smear can be a little uncomfortable.

During a pelvic exam, you may feel some pressure that feels a little uncomfortable and can cause light blood spots later - this is normal. The vaginal walls are soft and able to stretch to accommodate something as large as a baby, so it shouldn't be painful. If you are sexually active, your doctor may also test you for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV. To test for STDs, your doctor will take tissue samples and / or perform blood tests during a pelvic exam.

3. Bimanual examination

After the speculum is removed, the doctor will look at the size of your uterus to check for pain when your cervix is ​​moved, feel your ovaries and fallopian tubes from outside your body to check for any abnormalities in the pelvic area. This part of the physical exam is done manually, with the doctor using a gloved finger that is lubricated and puts pressure from the other hand on your stomach. A rectal exam can also be done. This will involve the gynecologist inserting a gloved finger into your rectum to look for any suspicious symptoms.

What should be asked of the obstetrician during the consultation?

The gynecological examination only takes about 20 minutes. Therefore, it is best if you come prepared with a list of specific questions that you would like to discuss, and no questions are out of bounds; ranging from menstrual problems to sex, orgasm, fertility and pregnancy, the risk of venereal disease, to abortion.

It is very important not to leave the doctor's office without disclosing something important that could affect what kind of tests he or she should be done. Remember, doctors are not there to judge you; their only goal is to treat you in the best possible way for your body.

Dr Sara Mornar, a Texas obstetrician, was reported by the Medical Daily, advising patients to ask their doctor the following questions:

• Why is a Pap smear needed, and how often do I need one?
• When do I need a mammogram?
• How to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases?
• What is HPV, and do I need the HPV vaccine?

After their first visit, women aged 21-29 should regularly visit their gynecologist at least once a year to get a Pap smear. Those who are 30-64 years old generally have to visit every two years to get a mammogram. However, doctors today know more than ever about HPV and its relationship to abnormal Pap smear results. They already understand that young women today do not have the same risk of HPV as previous generations of women, so the guidelines for the age of your follow-up visits will be more flexible.

After all the physical examinations and consultations are over, you have successfully passed your first gynecological examination. But if there is a point during the doctor's visit where you are uncomfortable, you are entitled and should ask to end the consultation. You are in control of your body and your own health care.