OMG, I finally bit the bullet and scheduled my first OBYGN visit for later this week. I've been putting it off for months now *ahem* and I'm soooo nervous!!! I don't know what to expect. I've heard all sorts of horror stories and I'm semi panicking right now. What can I really expect? The only doctor available is male, and I've never even had a male GP before! And to top it all off, I can't even find the appropriate smiley. Well, maybe this one will work...
First OBGYN visit.
08/29/2011
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Its not scary at all. They ask questions, use a thing to open you up wider, it doesnt hurt at all. Theyll usually swipe some long qtips in. And have a look around. Its always really fast and painless.
08/29/2011
First of all, congratulations on this big step! You should go prepared with any questions you might have, but if you honestly don't have any, don't beat yourself up over it either. I don't know the standard procedure for all doctors, but I know that with mine there's a breast exam and a pelvic exam. There will be a speculum (sp?) that's used to help open you up so the doctor can get a better look, and the long Q-Tips scrape some cells off your cervix in a routine Pap Smear. Because it's your first visit there will probably also be a decent amount of talking; about birth control, about your periods, STD testing, and I'm positive I'm missing other topics, but that's the general idea.
Just try to relax, and if you don't get a good vibe and feel like you can't trust your doctor or he's not listening to you, get a new doctor. You can either finish out the appointment, or just outright leave if he's making you extremely uncomfortable. However it will most likely be perfectly fine, and any discomfort you feel should be temporary.
Best of luck!
Just try to relax, and if you don't get a good vibe and feel like you can't trust your doctor or he's not listening to you, get a new doctor. You can either finish out the appointment, or just outright leave if he's making you extremely uncomfortable. However it will most likely be perfectly fine, and any discomfort you feel should be temporary.
Best of luck!
08/29/2011
Quote:
I know it's a bit nerve-racking the first time, but it really isn't as bad as some people make it out to be. If you haven't read about what happens at an OBGYN visit, here's a rundown: You'll have to undress and put on a gown. Usually, you can leave your socks on, so you'll be more comfortable in the stirrups. The doctor will ask you questions about your general health history, your menstrual cycle, and your sexual history. He will probably have you lie back on the table and feel your breasts for lumps. He will help you put your feet into the stirrups and have you slide as closely to the edge of the table as possible. He will examine your external genitalia. He will then insert a speculum to open your vagina and allow him to look at your cervix. Try to relax as much as possible during this to minimize discomfort. He'll look at the condition of your cervix and use two types of swabs to take cells from your cervix for testing. He'll then remove the speculum and insert two lubed fingers of a gloved hand into your vagina. He'll press down on your abdomen with the other hand. Using his two hands in this way will allow him to feel your uterus and ovaries for abnormalities. After that, it's pretty much over. You get dressed and you're on your way.
Originally posted by
Nothere
OMG, I finally bit the bullet and scheduled my first OBYGN visit for later this week. I've been putting it off for months now *ahem* and I'm soooo nervous!!! I don't know what to expect. I've heard all sorts of horror stories and
...
more
OMG, I finally bit the bullet and scheduled my first OBYGN visit for later this week. I've been putting it off for months now *ahem* and I'm soooo nervous!!! I don't know what to expect. I've heard all sorts of horror stories and I'm semi panicking right now. What can I really expect? The only doctor available is male, and I've never even had a male GP before! And to top it all off, I can't even find the appropriate smiley. Well, maybe this one will work...
less
08/29/2011
I haven't gotten my first pap done yet, but I have it booked. When I went in to renew my birth control pills my doctor told me I should set up an appointment, and went through the process with me. She showed me the size of the speculum and the little brush and swab that they use to collect cells and let me touch them to see that they were soft. It was really helpful and took away my worries about it being painful. Good luck with your appointment!
08/29/2011
Honestly, they're not that bad I swear to you. Here's exactly what happens: You go in, sit down and they'll ask you some questions such as your current sexual activity, new partners and forms of birth control. They'll ask you if you've notice anything abnormal. They will ask you to remove your pants an underwear an get under the paper sheet provided up on the table. They'll leave the room to allow you to undress. They'll come back, give you a walk through of what they'll be doing and then go forth and do it. They will insert fingers to feel your ovaries for any bumps or lumps, they will insert a medical tool used to open you up and take a sample of your cervix to test for HPV, cervical cancer and other icky things as well as a swab. That's about it. They are normally very gentle and if you tell them it's your first time they will be EXTRA gentle. Honestly, they're not bad AT ALL. I've done SO many of them because I have cysts so I use to have to go monthly to have my ovaries check.When it's done you won't even know why you were so scared.
08/29/2011
I have my appointment in October. I hate those appointments.
08/29/2011
Thanks guys,it's very reassuring to hear that it'll fine. I'll keep ya posted!
08/29/2011
A necessary chore, but there's nothing horrible about it. The only thing you'd have to be concerned about is the doc's bedside manner; the instruments don't hurt at all (we cannot overemphasize being relaxed when the speculum is used to open you up wider for the doc to see your cervix - it causes pressure, but it does NOT hurt.)
I'm glad for my visits ... I had an abnormal pap last year so they asked me to come in six months later to check it again, and the second one turned out fine. So it really is necessary for your health to have it done regularly, especially if you have cervical/uterine cancer or fibroid cysts or anything else in your family.
I'm glad for my visits ... I had an abnormal pap last year so they asked me to come in six months later to check it again, and the second one turned out fine. So it really is necessary for your health to have it done regularly, especially if you have cervical/uterine cancer or fibroid cysts or anything else in your family.
08/29/2011
My first visit was scary too! I had to go for a pap smear before I got onto the shot, so I sucked it up and went.
The lady was really nice, the only thing I didn't like is she just gave me a breast exam without saying anything. Which made things slightly uncomfortable. But the instruments were fine, she seemed like a nice woman, the visit was not near as scary as I had anticipated!
The lady was really nice, the only thing I didn't like is she just gave me a breast exam without saying anything. Which made things slightly uncomfortable. But the instruments were fine, she seemed like a nice woman, the visit was not near as scary as I had anticipated!
08/29/2011
Quote:
I beg to differ on the speculum. I'm super lame and I don't like larger items and I always end up saying "ow" when my gyno inserts it lol.
Originally posted by
Chilipepper
A necessary chore, but there's nothing horrible about it. The only thing you'd have to be concerned about is the doc's bedside manner; the instruments don't hurt at all (we cannot overemphasize being relaxed when the speculum is used
...
more
A necessary chore, but there's nothing horrible about it. The only thing you'd have to be concerned about is the doc's bedside manner; the instruments don't hurt at all (we cannot overemphasize being relaxed when the speculum is used to open you up wider for the doc to see your cervix - it causes pressure, but it does NOT hurt.)
I'm glad for my visits ... I had an abnormal pap last year so they asked me to come in six months later to check it again, and the second one turned out fine. So it really is necessary for your health to have it done regularly, especially if you have cervical/uterine cancer or fibroid cysts or anything else in your family. less
I'm glad for my visits ... I had an abnormal pap last year so they asked me to come in six months later to check it again, and the second one turned out fine. So it really is necessary for your health to have it done regularly, especially if you have cervical/uterine cancer or fibroid cysts or anything else in your family. less
08/29/2011
Just want to reiterate what everyone has said so far. It can be somewhat uncomfortable for me as well when the speculum is inserted and opened, the manual exam can be uncomfortable sometimes as well - but it isn't bad. And you should say if something is uncomfortable, my doctor can tell when I make a face, and she stops and says "Are you ok?" and she'll give me a minute to breathe deep and relax my muscles.
Also, not all OB/GYNS do this, but mine also includes a rectal exam. I believe she uses 1 lubed and gloved finger and it only takes a few seconds. It is not uncomfortable at ALL. Good on you for scheduling this! It will not be bad at all, and you'll be all set and feeling safe and healthy for another year! Let us know how it goes!
Also, not all OB/GYNS do this, but mine also includes a rectal exam. I believe she uses 1 lubed and gloved finger and it only takes a few seconds. It is not uncomfortable at ALL. Good on you for scheduling this! It will not be bad at all, and you'll be all set and feeling safe and healthy for another year! Let us know how it goes!
08/29/2011
Quote:
For me, it hurts every time and I always bleed. :/
Originally posted by
Starkiller87
Its not scary at all. They ask questions, use a thing to open you up wider, it doesnt hurt at all. Theyll usually swipe some long qtips in. And have a look around. Its always really fast and painless.
I'm not stressed out about doctors, and have even tried different GYNs.. I guess I just have sensitive bits.
08/30/2011
Quote:
i was 21 when i had my 1st ob appt when i was pregnant with my son. it hurt like hell because i had NEVER had any exam down there or pap smear done b4, didnt know what to expect. dont tense up, try to relax. i REFUSE to have a male dr or let a male student in room, because i was raped in 2006.
Originally posted by
Nothere
OMG, I finally bit the bullet and scheduled my first OBYGN visit for later this week. I've been putting it off for months now *ahem* and I'm soooo nervous!!! I don't know what to expect. I've heard all sorts of horror stories and
...
more
OMG, I finally bit the bullet and scheduled my first OBYGN visit for later this week. I've been putting it off for months now *ahem* and I'm soooo nervous!!! I don't know what to expect. I've heard all sorts of horror stories and I'm semi panicking right now. What can I really expect? The only doctor available is male, and I've never even had a male GP before! And to top it all off, I can't even find the appropriate smiley. Well, maybe this one will work...
less
Birth control:
depo shot - sucks. it makes u gain a lot of weight, u dunno if you're preg unless u get a preg test done - miss periods and they are irregular.
mirena iud - can cause miscarriage if pregnant and u remove it or have a lot of birth defects if u get preg on it and keep it in place. it also has risks of infertility and it can get stuck/enbedded in your uterus and u can miss periods.
pill - have not had any issues with it. im usually on time every month but this month i was early.
It hurts because of the speculum part of it and pressure sucks. u can get cramping
08/30/2011
Quote:
She does rectal as well? Odd I have NEVER had that done.
Originally posted by
indiglo
Just want to reiterate what everyone has said so far. It can be somewhat uncomfortable for me as well when the speculum is inserted and opened, the manual exam can be uncomfortable sometimes as well - but it isn't bad. And you should say if
...
more
Just want to reiterate what everyone has said so far. It can be somewhat uncomfortable for me as well when the speculum is inserted and opened, the manual exam can be uncomfortable sometimes as well - but it isn't bad. And you should say if something is uncomfortable, my doctor can tell when I make a face, and she stops and says "Are you ok?" and she'll give me a minute to breathe deep and relax my muscles.
Also, not all OB/GYNS do this, but mine also includes a rectal exam. I believe she uses 1 lubed and gloved finger and it only takes a few seconds. It is not uncomfortable at ALL. Good on you for scheduling this! It will not be bad at all, and you'll be all set and feeling safe and healthy for another year! Let us know how it goes! less
Also, not all OB/GYNS do this, but mine also includes a rectal exam. I believe she uses 1 lubed and gloved finger and it only takes a few seconds. It is not uncomfortable at ALL. Good on you for scheduling this! It will not be bad at all, and you'll be all set and feeling safe and healthy for another year! Let us know how it goes! less
08/30/2011
Quote:
My doctor usually does a very quick anal exam. It's the only way to be thorough enough to be able to feel the back of the uterus! It is very gentle and doesn't hurt at all. It IS necessary. I would doubt the thoroughness of a doctor who didn't do one at least every other year.
Originally posted by
FaerieLove
She does rectal as well? Odd I have NEVER had that done.
I have to also reiterate that OBGYN exams can be intimidating at first, but not painful at all.
I LOVE male doctors, I actually prefer them over female doctors. I'm a nurse and have worked with both and I find most female doctors VERY unsympathetic to most female issues. They had to be tough and ignore pain and discomfort to get through Med school and many of them have no patience for other women who they think "whine." Male doctors, from my experience are MUCH kinder, more empathetic and actually more gentle. (and I had to have a pelvic and a PAP and anal exam before my first female doctor would ever even prescribe my prescription first birth control method at the age of 16!)
Deep breathing exercises help during early pelvic exams, the more tense you are the more it is uncomfortable. I find even now, more than 20 years after my first pelvic, that deep breathing helps me relax so the exam is over with without any discomfort.
IMO, have a yearly or every other year pelvic with tests, a PAP, and even making sure the uterus is examined from all angles is necessary. It's necessary for YOUR health! It amazes me that some people's doctors prescribed birth control pills for them without a pelvic first. In the places I have worked, it is a rule that PAPs and pelvics need to be done every year in order for the doctor to prescribe birth control which requires a prescription.
Relax and it will be OK. In our state it is a requirement that a nurse be in the room any time ANY doctor, man or woman, does a pelvic exam. Often the nurse will help the doctor, and if you need someone to hold your hand a good office will have a second nurse come in to hold your and and to comfort you, I know ours always does this if requested.
08/30/2011
Quote:
You must have a sensitive cervix. That's what usually causes the bleeding. I get a tiny bit sometimes, but it's nothing worth getting worked up over.
Originally posted by
Ghost
For me, it hurts every time and I always bleed. :/
I'm not stressed out about doctors, and have even tried different GYNs.. I guess I just have sensitive bits.
I'm not stressed out about doctors, and have even tried different GYNs.. I guess I just have sensitive bits.
08/30/2011
I went to the gyno today on a whim after reading this yesterday. Quick and painless as always, was in and out in an hour. Got a years supply of birth control pills, some condoms, and 2 packs of emergency contraceptives. It was a nice goodie bag.
08/30/2011
Quote:
That's reassuring. I'm okay about the idea of having a male doctor, but I just don't want it to be awkward! Do they do a pap, pap, and anal exam for the first visit?
Originally posted by
P'Gell
My doctor usually does a very quick anal exam. It's the only way to be thorough enough to be able to feel the back of the uterus! It is very gentle and doesn't hurt at all. It IS necessary. I would doubt the thoroughness of a doctor who
...
more
My doctor usually does a very quick anal exam. It's the only way to be thorough enough to be able to feel the back of the uterus! It is very gentle and doesn't hurt at all. It IS necessary. I would doubt the thoroughness of a doctor who didn't do one at least every other year.
I have to also reiterate that OBGYN exams can be intimidating at first, but not painful at all.
I LOVE male doctors, I actually prefer them over female doctors. I'm a nurse and have worked with both and I find most female doctors VERY unsympathetic to most female issues. They had to be tough and ignore pain and discomfort to get through Med school and many of them have no patience for other women who they think "whine." Male doctors, from my experience are MUCH kinder, more empathetic and actually more gentle. (and I had to have a pelvic and a PAP and anal exam before my first female doctor would ever even prescribe my prescription first birth control method at the age of 16!)
Deep breathing exercises help during early pelvic exams, the more tense you are the more it is uncomfortable. I find even now, more than 20 years after my first pelvic, that deep breathing helps me relax so the exam is over with without any discomfort.
IMO, have a yearly or every other year pelvic with tests, a PAP, and even making sure the uterus is examined from all angles is necessary. It's necessary for YOUR health! It amazes me that some people's doctors prescribed birth control pills for them without a pelvic first. In the places I have worked, it is a rule that PAPs and pelvics need to be done every year in order for the doctor to prescribe birth control which requires a prescription.
Relax and it will be OK. In our state it is a requirement that a nurse be in the room any time ANY doctor, man or woman, does a pelvic exam. Often the nurse will help the doctor, and if you need someone to hold your hand a good office will have a second nurse come in to hold your and and to comfort you, I know ours always does this if requested. less
I have to also reiterate that OBGYN exams can be intimidating at first, but not painful at all.
I LOVE male doctors, I actually prefer them over female doctors. I'm a nurse and have worked with both and I find most female doctors VERY unsympathetic to most female issues. They had to be tough and ignore pain and discomfort to get through Med school and many of them have no patience for other women who they think "whine." Male doctors, from my experience are MUCH kinder, more empathetic and actually more gentle. (and I had to have a pelvic and a PAP and anal exam before my first female doctor would ever even prescribe my prescription first birth control method at the age of 16!)
Deep breathing exercises help during early pelvic exams, the more tense you are the more it is uncomfortable. I find even now, more than 20 years after my first pelvic, that deep breathing helps me relax so the exam is over with without any discomfort.
IMO, have a yearly or every other year pelvic with tests, a PAP, and even making sure the uterus is examined from all angles is necessary. It's necessary for YOUR health! It amazes me that some people's doctors prescribed birth control pills for them without a pelvic first. In the places I have worked, it is a rule that PAPs and pelvics need to be done every year in order for the doctor to prescribe birth control which requires a prescription.
Relax and it will be OK. In our state it is a requirement that a nurse be in the room any time ANY doctor, man or woman, does a pelvic exam. Often the nurse will help the doctor, and if you need someone to hold your hand a good office will have a second nurse come in to hold your and and to comfort you, I know ours always does this if requested. less
08/30/2011
Quote:
That's awesome! And very reassuring.
Originally posted by
Starkiller87
I went to the gyno today on a whim after reading this yesterday. Quick and painless as always, was in and out in an hour. Got a years supply of birth control pills, some condoms, and 2 packs of emergency contraceptives. It was a nice goodie bag.
08/30/2011
Don't worry, you'll be fine Just remember that doctors do this all the time, and that if anything hurts/feels weird just tell them.
08/30/2011
I went last fall for the first time (I'm 25) thanks to ovarian cysts, and seriously, had I known how quick, painless and simple it was all going to be, I would've first when I was a teen! I have always been deathly afraid of going because when I read all the "what to expect" sites online, it made it sound like it would be this hour-long looking, feeling, poking session. Definitely not the case! The pap smear was quick and not painful.
I hope you have a positive experience, especially in getting to know your doctor.
I hope you have a positive experience, especially in getting to know your doctor.
08/30/2011
That was rather anti climactic...They did a pelvic exam and breast exam which was no really big deal. It wasn't uncomfortable, but I feel like nothing really happened. The doctor didn't really talk to me. Only asked very very very basic questions and aside from asking if I was sexually active, didn't ask about my sexual history at all...He wasn't bad or anything, just not very thorough.
08/31/2011
Quote:
See!!!! Its not bad at all. Glad it went well. The first time can always be scary for everything.
Originally posted by
Nothere
That was rather anti climactic...They did a pelvic exam and breast exam which was no really big deal. It wasn't uncomfortable, but I feel like nothing really happened. The doctor didn't really talk to me. Only asked very very very basic
...
more
That was rather anti climactic...They did a pelvic exam and breast exam which was no really big deal. It wasn't uncomfortable, but I feel like nothing really happened. The doctor didn't really talk to me. Only asked very very very basic questions and aside from asking if I was sexually active, didn't ask about my sexual history at all...He wasn't bad or anything, just not very thorough.
less
08/31/2011
Quote:
Yea, I suppose. I just wish that he hadn't been so PC.
Originally posted by
Starkiller87
See!!!! Its not bad at all. Glad it went well. The first time can always be scary for everything.
08/31/2011
Total posts: 25
Unique posters: 15