Scheduling your first gynecological exam can bring up a mix of curiosity and nerves, especially if you’re not sure what will happen during the visit. Knowing what to expect can go a long way toward easing your anxiety and helping you feel more confident and in control.
DeShawn Taylor, MD, MSc, FACOG, and our team at Desert Star Institute for Family Planning want every patient to feel at ease with their initial exam — and every exam afterward. Here, Dr. Taylor reviews what you can expect during your first exam to help you feel more relaxed and at ease.
Your first visit is focused on gathering information and providing the answers you need to make informed decisions about your health.
Aside from showering before your visit, you don’t need to do anything special to prepare. Wear comfortable clothing that’s easy to change into and out of to make you more comfortable during your exam and to make it easier to change into your gown or wrap.
Before your visit, gather your basic health history, and jot down the names of any medicines you take, including nutritional supplements. These are included in your basic health background.
Think about subjects you might want to discuss or ask about, like your periods, birth control, sexually transmitted diseases, or general preventive care. No topic is off-limits: Dr. Taylor and our team are here to provide guidance, not judgment.
Your first gynecological exam typically starts with a conversation about your health history, along with a discussion about any symptoms or concerns you may have.
We ask about your menstrual cycle, any symptoms you’re experiencing or concerns you may have, and whether you’re sexually active. These questions might seem a little personal at times, but they help us understand your needs and tailor care to you.
Most visits include some basic health exams, like blood pressure and weight. Dr. Taylor typically performs a manual breast exam, and in most cases, she performs a pelvic exam, too. This exam involves checking the external and internal reproductive organs to assess overall health.
After changing into an exam gown, you lie back on the exam table and place your feet in the special supports called stirrups. Dr. Taylor uses a bright light and a special instrument called a speculum to examine your genitals.
Depending on your needs, she uses this time to perform a Pap test or HPV test, painlessly collecting a surface sample from your cervix so a lab can check it for abnormal cells that may require additional evaluation.
This is also the time for IUD placement and diaphragm measurements if you’re using either of those forms of contraception.
While pelvic exams may feel embarrassing or personally invasive, they play a critical role in women’s health at every age. Your comfort matters, and if you have any concerns during your exam, don’t hesitate to speak up.
After your exam, Dr. Taylor discusses health recommendations based on your needs, lifestyle, and other individual concerns and factors. She also talks about followup visits, if needed, and provides guidance to help you stay healthy.
This initial visit plays a key role in establishing a foundation to support your long-term health and wellness. It also helps build a trusting relationship between you and our team, so you feel more confident and relaxed with each future visit.
Regular gynecological exams help you stay healthy and empowered at every age and every stage of your life’s journey. Your first exam is a major step toward a lifetime of better health and wellness — a step you should be proud of.
To schedule your exam and start your own journey toward a healthier life, request an appointment online or by calling us at Desert Star Family Planning in Phoenix, Arizona, today.
