Hon, don't be terrified. A physical is fairly easy. Even a gynecological exam can be easier when you know what to expect. Here is what happens during your first GYN exam.
First, you will fill out paperwork in the waiting room. Then, you'll wait (and wait).
Second, you will be taken back. You'll stop at the scales to get your weight. You will probably give a urine specimen too (in a little bathroom near the exam rooms). Then, you'll go into the "exam room".
Third, in the exam room, the nurse will likely take your (oral) temperature, pulse, and respiration. It's okay to tell her that you are nervous. Ask her to explain the procedures.
Fourth, after the nurse has asked her questions, she leaves. You are still in your clothing, just sitting there, waiting. Take a book in case it's a long wait. Note: in some offices, the nurse will have you change to a paper gown.
How to put on the gown: The open part goes in the FRONT, and use the tie around your waist. This is so the doctor can examine your front -- your breasts and pelvic area. You can ask for 2 sheets (usually paper sheets) to cover yourself more if you like. Typically, you remove *everything* -- including bra and panties.
Socks - or no socks - Most women take off their shoes. But it's a 50-50 choice about the socks. Maybe women feel more comfortable wearing socks, instead of having bare feet in the stirrups.
Fifth, within 10 minutes to 1 hour, a doctor knocks on the door and enters. HE will then ask his questions. Know your LMP = the date of your Last Menstrual Period. Know how long your cycle is-- every 21 days? every 28 days? This is a good time for YOU to ask YOUR questions or bring up any problems you have. Examples: I have a funny discharge. or I have bad mood swings before my period.
You should tell the Dr. now that you are scared. Ask him to tell you each time BEFORE he touches you AND to explain what he's going to do.
The nurse is typically asked to step back INTO the room, if she is not there already. It is often much easier to have a woman there. Her presence also protects you from abuse, and protects the doctor against false allegations of abuse.
Sixth, the doctor will ask you to lay back on the table. He will open the top of the gown, to examine your breasts. Mostly, he uses a flat hand, palm side down. He'll make circular motions all around and over the whole breast. He may push firmly into the breast tissue. He is checking for fibrous tissue and for lumps. He will likely squeeze the nipple for about 1-2 seconds--- this is to check for discharge. It does not "hurt", but it can be disconcerting to be touched like that if you aren't used to it.
Seventh, the doctor will ask you to slide down on the table, and put your feet in the stirrups (2 places that hold the feet up and to each side). You may hear a clanging sound; this is just the sound when the doctor drops the bottom part of the table, to allow room for the exam. He will ask that you slide down until your butt is at the edge of the table. A paper "sheet" will be over your lower half -- nothing can be seen at this point. The doctor will sit on a stool at the bottom of the table.
Eighth, the doctor (or nurse) will turn on a very bright lamp and aim the light toward your pelvic area (your privates). The doctor will put on gloves. He will separate the outer labia and examine the outside structures (you won't even know that he's "checking" anything - it's just a look kind of exam). A speculum, a special instrument used in the vagina, will be lubricated and inserted into the vagina. It should not hurt, but it can be a little uncomfortable. One side needs to go under the cervix. The doctor might turn the speculum to get it positioned right.
The nurse will hand him a special tool that is used to gently get cells from the cervix. This should not hurt, but it can feel like it moves the cervix. The doctor wipes the specimen across glass testors to be sent to the lab-- That is the PAP test.
Ninth, the doctor removes the speculum. That feels funny but not painful. He then has the nurse put lubricant on two fingers; he will insert the fingers into your vagina. At the same time, he uses his other hand to press down and in on your lower belly. He's checking your ovaries and uterus. This part takes no more than 1 to 2 minutes. He removes his fingers and hand. He next inserts one finger into the rectum to get stool for an "occult blood" (hidden blood) test. He will wipe the stool on a special cardboard that is sent to the lab.
As soon as he is finished, he strips off his gloves, pulls the sheet down to cover you, and turns off the light as he moves away. You're told you can push back and sit up. The doctor might write a few notes, or talk to you more then.
Some doctors complete the visit while you are still in the gown; others tell you to get dressed while they go out of the room and then talk to you when you are dressed. If he starts to leave, ask if he'll be back to answer your questions.
He or you might ask about vaccinations against STDs... they offer at least one now against HPV. If you are sexually active or plan to be soon, get the vacinne after discussing its risks. HPV can cause Cervical cancer.
Ask about Birth Control if you need that.
After all that, you'll simply get dressed and leave. It sounds scary and complicated, but it's very short and necessary.
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