Gynaecological examination

The first visit to the gynaecologist is a stressful event for many young women, shrouded in many myths and uncertainty, but it is crucial for health in childbearing age. Fear of the unknown, shame and embarrassment are completely natural emotions. Remember, however, that regular gynecological check-ups are the absolute basis for taking care of your intimate health and the overall condition of your body. It is an investment in your future, which allows for early detection of possible abnormalities and effective treatment.

When should I make my first appointment with a gynecologist? Biological Clock and Body Signals

There is no single, rigid rule that would determine the ideal age for the first visit. However, there are a few key moments and situations that should signal to you that it’s time to schedule a consultation, especially in the context of reproductive health.

Indications for the first gynaecological visit also include the need for an ultrasound and a vaginal swab.

1. Age and maturity are important factors when planning your first gynaecological examination. Gynaecologists often suggest that the first preventive visit should take place between the ages of 16 and 18, even if there are no alarming symptoms. This is a good time to educate yourself and build a relationship with your doctor.
2. Starting sexual intercourse: This is an absolutely crucial moment. The first visit should take place before or just after sexual activity. This is the time to discuss contraception, prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and perform the first cytology.
3. Planning contraception: If you are thinking about starting to use birth control pills, patches, rings or other hormonal methods, a visit to the gynaecologist is essential. Only a doctor, after conducting an interview and tests, can choose the safest and most effective method for you.
4. Irregular, painful or very heavy menstrual periods: Menstrual cycle problems are the most common reason for visits to the gynaecologist at a young age, which often leads to the need for various tests. They should not be underestimated. Severe pain preventing normal functioning, hemorrhagic menstruation or cycles lasting less than 21 or more than 35 days require diagnostics.
5. Unusual symptoms: Any disturbing signals from the intimate area, such as:
   • A change in the appearance, smell, or amount of vaginal discharge.
   • Persistent itching, burning or irritation may be a signal that it is worth taking a vaginal swab.
   • Pain in the lower abdomen unrelated to menstruation.
   • Bleeding or spotting between periods or after intercourse may be a signal to perform a gynecological ultrasound.
   • Palpable changes in the genital area or breasts.
6. Amenorrhoea: If you are over 16 years old and still have not started menstruating, or if your cycles have suddenly stopped for more than 3 months (and you are not pregnant), be sure to consult your doctor.

How to Choose the Right Gynaecologist and Make an Appointment?

Choosing a doctor you can trust in such a delicate area is extremely important. A sense of comfort and security in the office is essential.

• Intimate health recommendations should include regular screening. Ask your mom, older sister, or trusted friend. A referral from someone close to you is often the best way to find an empathetic and professional specialist to perform gynecological examinations.
• Opinions on the Internet: Check out portals with reviews about doctors. Pay attention to the comments about the approach to the patient, patience and the way of communication.
• A woman or a man? Choose a doctor with whom you will feel more at ease. Gender does not define competence, but your mental comfort is a priority, especially during the first visit.
• Pediatric/Teen Gynecologist: Some clinics have gynaecologists who specialize in working with young patients. They have an appropriate pedagogical approach and smaller equipment (e.g. narrower speculums).
• Making an appointment: You can do this by phone or online. During the conversation, inform them that this will be your first visit to the gynecologist. This is important information for the staff and the doctor himself.

Preparing for the First Visit – Step by Step

Good preparation will help you reduce stress and make your visit go more smoothly.

1. Choose the right date

It is best to make an appointment in the first half of the cycle, a few days after the end of menstruation. The phase of the cycle is important for the assessment of cervical mucus and possible cytology. The test is not performed during menstrual bleeding so as not to interfere with the results of the Pap test.

2. Personal Hygiene – Facts and Myths

Normal, daily hygiene is enough. Take a shower or wash your intimate area with water and a mild intimate hygiene liquid. Absolutely do not use vaginal irrigation! It flushes out the natural bacterial flora, which can falsify the results of diagnostic tests (e.g. cytology) and make diagnosis more difficult. Also, do not use intimate deodorants or vaginal globules 2-3 days before the appointment.

3. What Should You Know and Note?

The doctor will certainly ask you a few questions. Prepare your answers so that you don’t have to stress in the office, and also remember to ask questions about possible infertility.

• The date of the last menstrual period is important when planning a gynecological examination. This is the most important information. Make a note of the date of the first day of your last bleeding so that your doctor can better assess the need for a diagnostic test.
• The nature of the cycle may be important in assessing whether a diagnostic test should be performed. How long do your cycles last (from the first day of one period to the first day of the next)? How many days does bleeding last? Is it regular? This question is crucial in the context of gynecological examinations.
• Past illnesses and surgeries: Inform your doctor about all serious illnesses, treatments and hospitalizations.
• Medications taken: List all medications you take on a regular basis, including dietary supplements.
• Allergies: Are you allergic to anything (medications, latex)?
• Diseases in the family: Have your immediate family (mother, sister, grandmother) had cancers (especially breast, ovarian, uterine) or other serious gynaecological diseases, which may be important in the context of screening?

4. Your questions – don’t be afraid to ask!

A visit to the gynaecologist is the perfect time to ask all the questions that bother you. Write them down on a piece of paper so you don’t forget anything. They may concern:

• Contraceptive methods.
• painful menstruation.
• Prevention of cervical cancer and HPV (vaccination available).
• Breast self-examination.
• Fertility issues in the future.

The course of a gynaecological visit – what awaits you in the office?

A standard gynaecological visit consists of several stages. Remember that you can tell your doctor at any time if you feel pain or discomfort while performing the test.

Stage 1: Medical history

It is a conversation that is the foundation of the visit. The doctor will ask you about everything you have prepared at home (the date of menstruation, illnesses, medications, etc.). He will also ask about sexual activity – answer honestly, this is crucial for the selection of tests and possible contraception. This is also the time to ask your questions.

Stage 2: Preparation for the Study

After the interview, the doctor will ask you to prepare for the examination. There should be a special, sheltered place in the office (screen, bathroom) where you can undress from the waist down. You will be given a disposable skirt or napkin to cover yourself. You will then be asked to take a seat in the gynaecological chair. It may look a bit intimidating, but its design is only intended to make it easier for the doctor to perform the examination. Sit comfortably and rest your feet on the special supports.

Stage 3: Proper gynaecological examination

This is the central point of the visit. It usually consists of several elements.

• Viewing the external genitalia is part of different types of gynecological examinations. The doctor will assess the appearance of the vulva, looking for possible changes, redness or signs of infection.
• Examination in a speculum: This is the part that raises the most concerns in the context of routine gynecological examinations. Your doctor will gently insert a metal or plastic (often warmer and gentler) instrument called a speculum into your vagina. It allows the vaginal walls to be pulled apart and the inside and cervical disc to be visible. This test may cause a feeling of expansion, but it should not be painful. Deep breathing and relaxing your muscles help a lot.
• Cytology collection: If indicated, the doctor will take a swab from the vagina and cervical disc using a special, small brush. It is completely painless and takes literally a few seconds. Pap smear test is a key test in the prevention of cervical cancer.
• Two-handed examination (palpation) is an important element of the assessment of reproductive health. After removing the speculum, the doctor will insert one or two fingers (wearing a glove!) into your vagina and press on your lower abdomen with the other hand. In this way, it assesses the size, position and mobility of the uterus and ovaries, and checks for any painful areas or palpable tumors.

Step 4: Additional research

• Vaginal ultrasound (transvaginal): It is more and more often a standard part of the visit. The doctor inserts a special, narrow head of the ultrasound machine into the vagina (secured with a disposable cover and covered with gel). This examination allows for very accurate imaging of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries using gynecological ultrasound, which can help detect cysts. It is painless.
• Breast examination: At the end of the visit, your doctor should examine your breasts to see if there are any disturbing lumps or lumps. It is also a great opportunity to ask for instructions on the proper breast self-examination, which you should do every month.

Gynecological examination at a virgin – does it look different?

Yes, and this is extremely important. If you have not yet started intercourse, be sure to inform the doctor about it at the very beginning of the visit. The course of the check will be adapted to your anatomy to effectively detect any abnormalities.

• Failure to examine in a speculum or use of a paediatric speculum: In virgins, the examination with a standard speculum is most often omitted so as not to damage the hymen. If the examination is absolutely necessary, the doctor will use a special, very narrow speculum (the so-called virginal speculum).
• Two-handed examination through the rectum: To evaluate the pelvic organs, the doctor may suggest palpation by inserting one finger into the rectum instead of the vagina.
• Ultrasound through the abdominal wall: Instead of a vaginal ultrasound, an ultrasound is performed through the abdomen. You should come to this examination with a full bladder, which “pushes” the uterus and ovaries, making them more visible to the head of the apparatus sliding over the skin of the lower abdomen.

Remember, a gynaecological visit to a virgin is completely safe, and its purpose is only to care for your health.

After the visit – what next?

Once the study is complete, you will be able to get dressed and return to your doctor to discuss the results. The doctor will summarize the visit, provide his recommendations, and if necessary, write a prescription. He or she will also tell you when and how you can receive your Pap smear test result (usually after 2-4 weeks). Also set the date of the next check-up – if everything is fine, it should take place regularly, once a year, to detect any health problems.

Summary – Your Health in Your Hands

The first visit to the gynaecologist is an important step into adulthood and a manifestation of care for your own body. Although it may be accompanied by stress, remember that it is a standard medical procedure, and for a gynaecologist – everyday life. By choosing a good professional, preparing properly and communicating your needs openly, you can turn this potentially embarrassing experience into a valuable lesson about your own health. Your intimate health is your treasure – take care of it consciously and regularly by performing screening tests.